[In The Know] Reactions to governor's proposed block grant approach to Medicaid expansion and more

View this email in your browser. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy OK Policy statement about proposed Medicaid expansion alternative in Oklahoma: During comments in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Gov. Stitt laid out the tenets for his health care plan to counter Medicaid expansion efforts. The plan includes elements that will inevitably draw lawsuits from health care organizations and advocates who fight to protect the rights and coverage for low-income residents. [OK Policy] It’s past time to support our retired public servants: Retired Oklahoma state and local public servants have now gone 10 years without a cost of living adjustment, while inflation has eaten away at their income.  They dedicated their lives to making our state better. Now it’s past time to repay our debt to them. We should start on this by providing a long-overdue cost of living adjustment. [OK Policy] (Capitol Update) It’s time to re-examine the Youthful Offender Act: The Office of Juvenile Affairs leadership has announced plans to push through amendments to Youthful Offender Act (YOA) in the upcoming session. The YOA, originally passed in 1994, is the product of a time of immense public dissatisfaction of juvenile crime. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] In The News At Medicaid block grants announcement, Stitt pitches SQ 802 alternative: Gov. Kevin Stitt announced on Thursday his support of a Trump administration Medicaid plan that would permit block grants to fund an Oklahoma health care plan he called SoonerCare 2.0. [NonDoc] OK Policy Director Carly Putnam said charging a premium for SoonerCare defeats its purpose of providing affordable coverage to low-income people. [Public Radio Tulsa] Amber England, Campaign Manager for Yes on 802, the state question that will ask voters to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma, said Stitt's plan comes up short. [The Oklahoman] Republican and Democratic leaders in Oklahoma’s House and Senate responded to the governor’s proposal. [The Oklahoman] Tulsa World editorial: Gov. Kevin Stitt's Medicaid 2.0 proposal is less than Oklahomans deserve and less than we're paying for: We were disappointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt’s announcement that he was buying into a Medicaid block grant program that will give working poor Oklahomans less than they deserve, less than people in other states are getting and less than Oklahoma taxpayers are paying for. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] Healthcare, education and COLAs to be on the table when lawmakers return Monday: State retirees might get a cost-of-living adjustment after being disappointed last legislative session. The issue was discussed Thursday during a legislative forum hosted by The Associated Press. [Tulsa World] OK Policy has identified a cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees as a focus area for the 2020 Legislative session.  State lawmakers highlight priorities: The clock is ticking this year for lawmakers to address pressing issues left unresolved for so long voters have decided to take matters into their own hands, legislative leaders from both parties agreed at Thursday’s Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Legislative Breakfast. [The Journal Record $] Mental health vacancy, tribal gaming compacts, four-day school weeks & more: This week's episode discusses the announcement from Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commissioner Terri White stepping down from her position, and the House Speaker opposing Gov. Stitt by saying the tribal gaming compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years on January 1st. [KOSU] The Oklahoman Editorial Board: White's departure as mental health director a blow for Oklahoma: Terri White has announced her departure as head of the state’s mental health department, leaving to someone else the job of advocating for those battling mental illness and substance abuse. Her successor will be hard pressed to match White's passion and professionalism. [Editorial Board / The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Senate leader takes no stand on tribal gaming compacts: While three of the state’s legislative leaders say the gaming compacts with the state automatically renewed, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat isn’t so sure. [Tulsa World] State Department of Education asks Oklahoma lawmakers for $220 million increase: The Oklahoma State Department of Education is seeking a $3.3 billion budget in fiscal year 2021. That would be $220 million more than this year, a 7 percent increase. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said almost $118 million of that would go into the funding formula. [Public Radio Tulsa] Mick Cornett: It's your EITC refund, Oklahoma City. Go claim it: With another tax season upon us, Oklahomans are facing a choice: bring millions of dollars back into their homes and communities or leave that money in Washington, D.C. I think the choice is simple, and I'm seeing an opportunity too big to miss, too important for our communities and for our city, and too simple to pass by. [Mick Cornett / The Oklahoman] Jan. 31, 2020 is EITC Awareness Day to raise awareness about this national and state tax credit for workers.  Scott Duke Kominers: Work requirements for food assistance is cruel and ineffective: The state has hoped that introducing work requirements would increase employment among SNAP beneficiaries and reduce reliance on food stamps, which ballooned during the Great Recession. The results aren’t heartening. [Scott Duke Kominers / Tulsa World] 'Campus carry' bill won't get far, GOP leaders say: Republican leadership in the Oklahoma Legislature have assured Oklahoma City's business community that a proposed campus carry bill won't make it far this year. [The Oklahoman] Lawmaker files bill to remove Legislature exemption from Open Meetings Act: State Rep. Ben Loring, D-Miami, has introduced legislation to promote transparency in the Legislature. House Bill 2914 would require both the state House and Senate follow the Open Meetings Act. [Enid News & Eagle] Oklahoma bill would prohibit email scanning: House Bill 2810 would prohibit email service providers from scanning subject lines or the body of any email communication sent to its users, and from letting any other entity do so. [Media Post] State senator looking to get rid of medical marijuana billboards in Oklahoma: Oklahoma State Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, is looking to put a stop to medical marijuana billboards in the state. He sponsored Senate Bill 1257, which would prohibit medical marijuana billboards. [KTUL] KOCO Chronicle: Oklahoma’s Innocent: KOCO takes a look inside the Oklahoma Innocence Project, into the lives torn apart by wrongful convictions, the emotional memories and the quest for answers. [KOCO] Tulsa Public Schools administrators grilled over proposed Indian education changes: Tulsa Public Schools administrators endured hours of heated scrutiny and ire from opponents of a proposed reorganization to the district’s Indian Education Program during a community meeting Thursday night. [Tulsa World] Seeking another $25 million in savings, OU pursues utility change: The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents held a series of committee discussions ahead of its full meeting today, which emphasized a continued commitment to reducing costs, limiting tuition and fee increases and a proposed change in ownership of OU’s power production facilities. [NonDoc] Saltwater purge among priorities for OEPA: An ongoing saltwater purge in Blaine and Kingfisher counties and the relationship between horizontal and vertical drillers will be among the issues the Oklahoma Energy Producers Alliance will take up during the upcoming legislative session. [The Journal Record] Quote of the Day "(A) direct expansion has gone through the court process, while the governor’s plan has not. Oklahomans are tired of waiting on their government to do what is right. A straight expansion of Medicaid is the easiest way to increase access to health care in the state, and it has been proven to work in other states." -House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-OKC, in a joint statement about Gov. Stitt's proposed health care plan [NonDoc] Number of the Day $264 Amount lost by a family of two adults and two children when the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was made nonrefundable in 2016. [Source: Oklahoma Policy Institute] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note State EITCs make work pay for people of color and women: Even as our economy is growing, many people of color and women are struggling to get by on low wages. States can help make work pay by creating or expanding Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

[In The Know] Medicaid expansion funding discussed, state tobacco policies earn poor grades, and more

View this email in your browser. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy Policy Matters: Our retired public servants deserve our support: About 120,000 Oklahomans depend on state retirement systems for their retirement income. These retirees include state employees and all the state’s teachers, firefighters, and police officers. During the past decade, we have repaid our gratitude for their service by not adjusting their retirement income to account for inflation. [Ahniwake Rose / The Journal Record] In The News How would state pay for Medicaid expansion? No one knows yet: As lawmakers return to begin this year’s legislative session, the question of whether Oklahoma should add an estimated 200,000 low-income adults to the state’s Medicaid rolls will be front and center. [Oklahoma Watch] OK Policy has provided information and resources to better understand the need for straightforward Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma.  Oklahoma receives poor grades from American Lung Association on tobacco policies: In its State of Tobacco Control Report issued Wednesday, the organization scored Oklahoma with Ds in four categories and an F in another. JoAnna Strother, senior director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, said Oklahoma is far from the only state with bad scores, and it’s certainly not the first time the organization has sounded the alarm. [Tulsa World] He begged jail staff for medical attention. They ignored and mocked him. Then he died: For hours, Terral Ellis tried to convince someone — anyone — at the Ottawa County jail to help him. Laying in a solitary cell, he repeatedly shouted “D.O.,” in an attempt to sway detention officers to aid him, videos from jail security cameras show. [The Frontier] Issues to watch during Oklahoma’s 2020 legislative session: When the legislative session begins Monday, state lawmakers will have more than 4,500 pieces of legislation they can consider. StateImpact reporters have been combing through the bills and have this preview. [StateImpact Oklahoma] Tulsa World Editorial: The 2020 Tulsa World legislative agenda: The 2020 legislative term begins 12:30 p.m. Monday with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State speech. With a tighter budget situation, legislative elections on the horizon and the ongoing dispute between Stitt and tribes over state’s gambling compacts, it promises to be a more challenging session than last year. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] More women are holding political office — but not everywhere: Oklahoma has one of the most male-dominated legislatures in the country, but also very recently elected a woman to serve two terms as governor. [FiveThirtyEight] Lawmaker wants to help find missing kids faster: State Rep. Merleyn Bell, D-Norman, wants to help streamline the process of finding missing kids by allowing law enforcement access to school photos. [KTUL] Second Oklahoma lawmaker files bill requiring jails comply with ICE detainers: Another Oklahoma lawmaker filed a bill requiring detention facilities to comply with ICE detainers. Whether law enforcement officers are legally able to honor these requests has been hotly debated. [The Oklahoman] Three states consider bills barring public agencies from requiring donor information from 501(c)s: Iowa, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are considering legislation that would bar public agencies from requiring 501(c) nonprofit entities to provide them with personal information about their donors. [Ballotpedia News] Oklahoma lawmakers file batch of comp bills: In a batch of reform measures pre-filed in the last week, lawmakers in Oklahoma are considering legislation that would revamp the state’s Second Injury Fund, add clarity to the state’s law when it comes to workers compensation fraud, and clear the red tape in chiropractic care for injured workers. [Business Insurance] Veteran suicide awareness bill introduced: State Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, has filed legislation designed to bring awareness to veteran suicide. House Bill 2891 would establish “Veterans Suicide Awareness Week” in Oklahoma. [The Lawton Constitution] New Oklahoma bill would help Native American students wear regalia at graduation: Oklahoma House Bill 3046 would further protect freedom of religion and make it easier for Native American students who want to wear regalia at graduation. [KJRH] Bill would regulate car sharing in Oklahoma: An Oklahoma lawmaker with a business background in insurance has filed a bill to establish rules for the emerging peer-to-peer vehicle rental industry in the state. [The Journal Record] Tails wagging: Lawmaker wants to make shelter animals the official state pet: Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, has filed a bill that would designate shelter animals as the state’s official pet. He hopes House Bill 3971 will encourage people to adopt rescue animals. [Tulsa World] With Stitt appointees absent, OU regents hold 8-hour executive session: The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents spent more than eight hours in executive session today, discussing personnel matters, real estate situations and 10 lawsuits facing the university. [NonDoc] Oklahomans at 'low risk' of contracting coronavirus: Oklahomans are at "low risk" for the coronavirus, which started in China and has spread around the globe, state health officials said during a Wednesday press conference. [Norman Transcript] Treatment for problem gambling improved, progress still needed: Wiley Harwell, director of the Oklahoma Association on Problem and Compulsive Gambling, said only 3-4 percent of people will develop some level of a gambling addiction. But only about 10 percent of those individuals will seek help. [The Oklahoman] 'What happens when there's no one around?': Volunteer firefighters discuss declining recruitment: Rural Oklahomans depend on volunteer firefighters for rescue, from burning homes, from brutal wrecks along lonely roadways, but that help is getting harder to find. [Enid News & Eagle] How Oklahoma City’s homeless census works: By 4 a.m., 16 teams spread across the city to count and survey people of all ages sleeping on the streets. Other volunteers did the same across city shelters, libraries, churches and meal sites throughout the day. [Big If True] Cannabis tied to OKC real estate growth: The cannabis industry likely has a lot to do with Oklahoma’s recent boost in the industrial and retail real estate markets, said market analysts from national real estate information company CoStar. [The Journal Record $] Coalition aimed at reducing missing, murdered indigenous Oklahomans: Partnered with tribal members, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is proposing legislative reforms aimed at reducing the number of missing and murdered indigenous Oklahomans. [CNHI / Tahlequah Daily Press] Quote of the Day “A big thing is a living wage. … We have a low cost of living in Oklahoma, but it’s really not because wages have not increased. We’re not setting up youth for success.” -Lindsay Cates, Director of Emergency Services for Pivot, speaking about youth experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma [Big If True] Number of the Day 228,676 Number of low-income, working Oklahomans who lost some or all of a tax cut when the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was made non-refundable in 2016. [Source: Oklahoma Policy Institute] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Many states taking steps that will improve residents' health, advance health equity: Many states this year have adopted or are considering budget and policy changes that don’t involve health care programs directly but can measurably improve residents’ health, such as improving their tax codes, raising the minimum wage, and investing in education. Things like access to food, affordable housing, high-quality schools, and economic opportunity significantly affect people’s and communities’ health. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.   Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

[In The Know] Stitt to participate in Medicaid event in D.C., mental health commissioner resigning, and more

View this email in your browser. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy Together Oklahoma plans State of State and tax meetings: Together Oklahoma has slated an event in Lawton Feb. 3 to help link residents to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s annual State of the State address. The event is one of two events planned in early February; Feb. 10, the grassroots organization will hold a forum on earned income tax. [The Lawton Constitution] (Capitol Update) Proposed bill would address needed alternatives to school suspensions: Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Sand Springs, has introduced SB 1367 dealing with school suspensions, one of the more vexing issues facing education in Oklahoma. Most educators will tell you suspension doesn’t work for the children. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] In The News Stitt to participate in Medicaid announcement in Washington, D.C.: Gov. Kevin Stitt will participate in a federal Medicaid announcement Thursday in which he is expected to unveil his health care plan. National news outlets have reported federal officials will use the event to outline their plan to overhaul Medicaid by letting states receive Medicaid funds in the form of controversial block grants. [The Oklahoman] Stitt, who spoke to members and guests at a luncheon of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, said it is his hope the plan will so impress Oklahomans that they’ll turn down State Question 802 in a vote to be held sometime this year. [The Journal Record $] OK Policy has examined the use of Medicaid block grants, which has been found to threaten access to care while also attracting lengthy and expensive legal challenges. OK Policy has provided information and resources to better understand the issue. Terri White resigning as commissioner of mental health: Terri White, the long-serving commissioner of mental health and leader of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be stepping down from her post Feb. 1. The agency distributed an email announcing White’s departure, which had been rumored for months. White has served as commissioner of mental health since 2007, having joined the agency in 2001. [NonDoc] Oklahoma's prison population dips to level not seen since 2009 but remains overflowing: The state’s prison population has dipped below 25,000 people for the first time in more than a decade, but the system remains overcrowded despite using more than 2,000 temporary beds. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections weekly population count for Jan. 21 listed 24,992 people incarcerated by the state. [Tulsa World] OK Policy analysis showed key elements that should be taken into account as Oklahoma takes steps to address its outdated criminal code. Speaker McCall on tribal gaming: 'In my opinion, the compact has renewed for another 15 years': House Speaker Charles McCall believes the state’s tribal gaming compacts automatically renewed Jan. 1, he said Tuesday. “In my opinion, the compact has renewed for another 15 years,” said McCall, R-Atoka. [Tulsa World] 'Caught in the middle': $130 million in education funding embroiled in tribal gaming clash: As Gov. Kevin Stitt faces a court battle with Oklahoma gaming tribes, about $130 million in education funds hang in the balance. The state received $148 million in tribal gaming fees in fiscal year 2019 — 88 percent of which was designated for Oklahoma public schools. [The Oklahoman] Wayne Greene: Oklahoma's teacher pay isn't highest in the region, despite what politicians say: Oklahoma does not have the highest teacher pay in the region. Gov. Kevin Stitt, state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and others say we do, but to get to that conclusion you have to accept a ridiculous set of assumptions. [Wayne Greene / Tulsa World] Early classes for Oklahoma high schools common despite health risks: For what is likely a majority of Oklahoma high school students, start times for school days are earlier than what medical experts and researchers say is best for their academic performance and their chances of avoiding physical and mental health problems. [Oklahoma Watch] OKC district considering overhaul of school start time. [The Oklahoman] TPS to host public meeting on proposed Indian Education Program reductions Thursday evening: Tulsa Public Schools plans to host a public meeting Thursday evening to discuss a controversial proposal eliminating federally funded positions within its Indian Education Program. [Tulsa World] Legislation filed to create the Oklahoma Commission on Race and Equality: Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, filed Senate Bill 1286, which would create the Oklahoma Commission on Race and Equality. If passed, the commission would advise state agencies, communities, businesses and organizations that request help on equality issues relating to racial discrimination and bias. [Pawhuska Journal Record] Bill requires law enforcement officers to keep body cams recording while dealing with public: One state representative wants it to be illegal for a law enforcement officer to not turn on their body cam while interacting with the public. Police organizations are pushing back. [KFOR] Gathering for “Max’s Law” draws attention to changing station needs: A recent event drew attention to the need for universal changing stations in restrooms that allow for older children and adults who need their attendants to attend to their personal hygiene needs for them during the workday to be able to do so with cleanliness and dignity. [Free Press OKC] Effort to reverse inadvertent omission in seat belt law has met unanticipated resistance: Efforts since 2016 have been stalled by legislators who have contended that voters in their districts see this as an infringement by government. AAA’s poll contradicts this, showing 81 percent of those surveyed support this legislation. [The Shawnee News-Star] Oklahoma leaders hope to push for more LGBTQ rights in 2020: Leaders in conservative Oklahoma say they are looking for more legislative progress for LGBTQ people this year after notable strides in 2019. [KTUL] ‘Shamports’ and taxes targeted by wind power bills: The state of investment in Oklahoma wind power has renewable energy advocates “optimistic” about the upcoming legislative session, although two issues could affect wind power’s progress in the Sooner State. [The Journal Record $] Oklahoma perspectives on water rule changes cover a full, complicated, range: While many Oklahoma politicians applauded the announcement last week of the final phase in rollbacks on Waters of The United States rules, the issue remains complicated for conservationists. [Skitaook Journal] Clarity sought for hotel tax event funds: Members of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Commission want clarification from the city regarding how the city’s hotel tax event sponsorship funds can be used to “promote Oklahoma City outside of Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, president of the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau. [The Journal Record $] Oklahoma flu numbers higher than expected: With an unexpectedly high number of flu deaths this season, and more expected to come, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma State Medical Association and county health departments are working together to mitigate the virus’s impact. [The Journal Record $] Quote of the Day “I think what that shows is we can do as much as we can on the back end in terms of policy reforms and reforms within the Pardon and Parole Board ... But if we don’t change what’s happening on the front end, we’ll never catch up." -Adam Luck, a member of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, speaking about Oklahoma's incarceration rate, which is among the highest in the world [Tulsa World]  Number of the Day $28 million Total amount lost by low and middle income families since Oklahoma's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was made nonrefundable in 2016. [Source: OK Policy] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note States can help lower income families save, starting with the Earned Income Tax Credit: More short-term economic stability makes it easier for people to save more. Families need some predictability of their incomes to make them breathe a little easier. They then can focus more easily on their future, knowing, for example, that their basic expenses are covered. The general policy implication is to make it easier for people to get help from programs such as the earned income tax credit (EITC), for instance, through a partial refund of the EITC during the year. The payoff will not only be more economic security now, but also in the future. [Forbes] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.   Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

[In The Know] Bills filed for legislative session, state's gaming & horse racing historically tied, and more

View this email in your browser. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. In The News 2020 bills: State cornbread, porch piracy law, increased minimum wage proposed for Oklahoma: The Tulsa World looked at some of the highlights among the 2,243 bills and resolutions Oklahoma lawmakers filed for the 2020 session, which begins Feb. 3. [Tulsa World] The Tulsa World also has published issue summaries in its Countdown to the Capitol series, which this week has included information on Medicaid expansion and criminal justice reform.  Capitol restoration: What to know before visiting Oklahoma's state Capitol: When Oklahoma’s legislative session kicks off Monday, the normal sounds of the state Capitol, the dull roar of political banter and high heels on marble flooring, will be mixed with the whir of power tools and hammering. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma's tribal gaming compacts historically entangled with efforts to save horse racing: The state's primary motivation wasn't to bring Las Vegas-style gambling to Oklahoma's Indian casinos or provide a lucrative source of new revenue for Oklahoma education. The goal was to save Oklahoma's then-struggling horse racing industry. [The Oklahoman] Sports betting likely not a big deal if Stitt, tribes go for new gaming compact. [Public Radio Tulsa] The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has joined four other tribes in a gaming compact lawsuit against Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. [Public Radio Tulsa] CLEET boosts officer performance, credibility: Just as plumbers must pass tests to obtain their contractor's licenses and attorneys must pass the bar exam, law enforcement officers have to meet certain standards to prove their effectiveness and understanding of their mission. [Tahlequah Daily Press] OK Policy has published a report recommending strategies for building trust between law enforcement and communities in Oklahoma. Is Tulsa ready to handle its own jail? Is the city ready for the true costs?, Tulsa World editorial: The death of a 46-year-old woman with disabilities at the municipal jail is raising questions about the city’s preparation to handle a lockup. [Tulsa World / Editorial] School Climate Transformation Project to be implemented in Tahlequah: A five-year, $3.7 million federal discretionary grant will include interventions preventing negative behavior, interventions targeting at-risk students and students who have problems related to Adverse Childhood Experiences, and collaboration with a local mental health agency. [Tahlequah Daily Press] Positive Tomorrows hosts open house at new school building: Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only school exclusively serving families and children experiencing homelessness, held the first classes in its $15 million, 42,000-square-foot facility in December. [The Oklahoman] Loan incentive increase helps attract rural physicians: A substantial increase in the amount of money Oklahoma will kick in to help new doctors pay off student loans may help to alleviate serious shortages of physicians in small towns across the state. [Journal Record $] Oklahoma election officials eyeing $5.8M federal grant: State officials want Oklahoma to lock down a $5.8 million federal election security grant. The grant is meant to help shore up election systems. [Public Radio Tulsa] State's three largest chambers of commerce announce joint lobbying efforts: The state’s three largest chambers of commerce on Monday released a list of issues and policies for which they will be lobbying together during the legislative session that begins Monday. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma news organizations selected to receive legal support from national group: Oklahoma is one of five states selected by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to receive pro bono legal support to assist news organizations in pursuing public records and access to public meetings and in defending against legal actions. [CNHI] Editorial: Legal support should help restore, defend open government in Oklahoma. [Enid News / Editorial] Leaders hope to push for more LGBTQ rights in Oklahoma in 2020: Leaders in conservative Oklahoma say they are looking for more legislative progress for LGBTQ people this year after notable strides in 2019. [AP / Public Radio Tulsa] Oklahoma City budget envisions parks cuts: A proposed budget cut shows why Oklahoma City parks need dedicated funding insulated from turf battles when revenue slips, a former city councilman said Monday. [The Oklahoman] Quote of the Day “Our families are used to being the ones that are always on the sidelines. We want to help them realize they don’t have to stand on the sidelines for the rest of their lives." Susan Agel, president and principal of Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only school exclusively serving families and children experiencing homelessness [The Oklahoman] Number of the Day $121 Average annual loss for Earned Income Tax Credit recipients in Oklahoma since the credit was made non-refundable in 2016 [Source: OK Policy] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Poverty grew in one-third of counties despite strong national economy: Despite an economic recovery that lifted people out of poverty in most areas of the country, poverty increased in at least one county in every state between 2016 and 2018. The poverty rate grew in 30 percent of counties between 2016 and 2018, according to a Stateline analysis of U.S. Census Bureau county estimates released this month. [Stateline / Pew Charitable Trusts] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.   Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe