[In The Know] State emergency status extended | Oklahoma bottom 10 for Census response | 100+ schools report virus cases

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. Some stories may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy We’re hiring for Legislative and Outreach Director: OK Policy is now hiring for its Legislative and Outreach Director. This position is responsible for representing the organization by developing and maintaining close working relationships with key audiences and partners, including members of the Oklahoma Legislature, community organizations, and grassroots advocates. View full job description and apply online.  Oklahoma News Oklahoma Governor extends emergency, ensures new voting rule: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt extended a statewide emergency declaration on Friday, ensuring Oklahoma voters can cast absentee ballots in November without having their ballots notarized or witnessed by two people. [AP News] For the Nov. 3 election, absentee voters will be able to choose between having their ballot notarized or submitting a copy of a valid identification card. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma in bottom 10 for Census response: With a month remaining to respond to the U.S. Census, Oklahoma ranks among the Bottom 10 nationally for its response rate. Roughly, 59% of Oklahoma households have completed the Census, making the state No. 41 for its response. Oklahoma ranks behind the national response rate of 64%. [The Oklahoman] Thousands of census takers across the country began going door to door this month to assist people in responding to the 2020 Census. [FOX25] Editorial: There’s still time to complete the 2020 U.S. Census: One final time, we encourage people to complete the 2020 U.S. Census. As we’ve said, Oklahoma certainly doesn’t need to be in the bottom 10 of states whose denizens don’t provide the necessary information. Unfortunately, a request to extend the deadline to respond to the U.S. Census to Oct. 31 has been denied. Individuals still have until Sept. 30 to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census. [Editorial Board / Enid News & Eagle] Families, long-term care facilities struggle through pandemic uncertainty: The past five or six months have been difficult for all Oklahomans. For the residents of long-term care facilities, the people who care for them, and the people who care about them, it has been especially so. The vulnerability of long-term care facility patients makes them particularly susceptible to COVID-19, which has caused them to be locked into virtual isolation from the outside world and even each other. In many facilities, residents are restricted to their rooms most of the time and common areas such as dining halls are closed. [Tulsa World] Health care providers, advocates say Oklahoma nursing homes need help to control coronavirus: Health care providers and resident advocates told state lawmakers Oklahoma’s nursing homes have immediate needs to deal with COVID-19. Long-term care facility residents account for about 1% of Oklahoma’s population, but more than 40% of COVID-deaths, mirroring a national trend. [Public Radio Tulsa] More than 100 school districts in Oklahoma are reporting COVID-19 cases: After less than a month of instruction, about 20% of Oklahoma school districts have publicly reported a positive case of the coronavirus. The cases can be found in every corner and every type of school in the state. [KOSU] Schools have second-highest number of cases in Tulsa County [KTUL] Norman Public Schools elementary students to return to in-person instruction Monday [Norman Transcript] Springer Schools closing due to multiple staff members quarantined [KXII] Reported coronavirus cases surpass 58,000 in Oklahoma: The number of reported coronavirus cases in Oklahoma has surpassed 58,000 and the number of related deaths is nearly 800, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said Sunday. There are now 58,020 reported cases and 799 deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, increases of 667 cases and two additional deaths, The true number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick. [AP via Tulsa World] Fort Sill, Stillwater among state’s COVID-19 hotspots [Oklahoma Watch]  Women's prison in Taft declared COVID-19 'hot spot' [Tulsa World] Virus continues to spread inside Oklahoma prisons [KOSU] Health News Survey finds many Oklahoma school children have suicidal thoughts: More than 1 in 5 Oklahoma adolescent school children who took a national survey reported seriously thinking about suicide within the prior 12 months. More than 1 in 9 reported actually attempting to take their own lives. [The Oklahoman] If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Carter County at the center of syphilis outbreak: The Carter County Health Department announced Thursday that they are seeing an outbreak of syphilis, and they are working to stop it. Health Department Regional Director Mendy Spohn says there has been an 800 percent increase of syphilis cases in the county over the past two years. [KXII] After victories, Medicaid expansion revisited in Mississippi: After voters expanded Medicaid in conservative states like Missouri and Oklahoma, health care advocates are renewing a push for expansion in Mississippi and other Southern states where Republican leaders have long been opposed. [AP News] State Government News Capitol Insider: Oklahoma remains a COVID-19 red zone, but mitigation efforts lag (audio): Beginning in late June and continuing for several weeks, the White House Coronavirus Task Force warned state leaders that Oklahoma was in the "red zone" for coronavirus transmission. However, despite growing urgency from the White House for the state to adopt new, stricter policies, the recommendations have been largely ignored. [KGOU] Oklahoma legislators ask court to reject Gov. Stitt's bid for rehearing in gaming compacts case: Legislative leaders have asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to deny Gov. Kevin Stitt’s request for a rehearing in a case that invalidated two tribal gaming compacts he signed. Stitt earlier this month asked the state’s high court to revisit its July 21 decision that tossed out two compacts he inked with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe. [Tulsa World] Federal Government News After SCOTUS decision, American Indians in Tulsa jail sometimes wait in limbo for weeks without bond or access to attorneys: While non-Indians who have been arrested on relatively low-level crimes usually receive a bond hearing within 24 hours, American Indians arrested on similar complaints could find themselves waiting days or even weeks while federal, state and tribal authorities decide who, if anyone, will pursue charges against them. [The Frontier] 'I'm not the bad guy here': Eastern Oklahoma mine operator stands firm against Clean Water Act legal challenges: A gravel mine operator who faces a contempt hearing over a Clean Water Act case that he lost in federal court, as well as a second lawsuit on the same grounds, is standing resolute. [Tulsa World] Stitt suggests Native and Black Oklahomans for monument: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt recommended three Native Americans and two Black Oklahomans as national heroes who should be considered for inclusion in a new National Garden of American Heroes. [AP News] Criminal Justice News Oklahoma County's CARES Act funding decision could have lasting ramifications: In early May, Oklahoma County commissioners were debating how to spend their recently acquired $47 million in CARES Act funding. The federal government disbursed billions of dollars through the CARES Act for COVID-19 relief this spring, but the money came with strings. [The Oklahoman] Amid virus lockdowns, prison ministry groups had to adapt: Normally Teresa Stanfield spends her days in prisons talking with inmates about how she changed the course of her troubled life, and how they can do the same. But the coronavirus has locked her on the outside. [AP News] Economic Opportunity Amid COVID-19, Tulsa steps up efforts to find homes for the homeless: Social-distancing requirements have reduced the number of people that local shelters can hold. And even when there’s room, a lot of people are too afraid of the disease to stay in a shelter, officials say. [Tulsa World] Economy & Business News As meat processing expands in Oklahoma, meat inspection shortage looms: Since the COVID-19 pandemic brought shortages of beef and pork and sent prices skyrocketing, revealing issues in the supply chain, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture used $10 million in CARES Act money to expand meat processing. But there’s another problem looming: a shortage of meat inspectors. [KOSU] Oklahoma craft brewers increase production: Brewers in Oklahoma increased production 395%, or an annual average of 25.7%, from 2012 to 2019, according to the Craft Brewers Association of Oklahoma. Total economic impact in the state grew by 130%, or a 12.7% annual growth rate, and the economic impact per capita grew by 121%, or a 12% annual growth rate, over the last six years. [The Journal Record] Millions of dollars in revenue lost in canceled events: The resulting collapse in events, tourism and meetings led to thousands of layoffs in the hospitality industry. Will Rogers World Airport began looking more like a ghost town than a transportation hub that had been seeing record annual passenger traffic. [The Oklahoman] Education News Health department aims to reach almost all Oklahoma districts in 3 weeks for teacher COVID testing: The state health department wants to make it to almost all of Oklahoma’s 547 school districts over the next three weeks to offer COVID tests to teachers and support staff. The health department aims to visit larger districts twice in the next 30 days. [Public Radio Tulsa] Technology delays making school year start 'even harder': Unexpected delays in technology deliveries have cut close to the start of the school year, potentially affecting hundreds of Oklahoma students. Orders of internet hot spots and home devices have arrived weeks later than expected in some districts, while others have orders still unfulfilled. [The Oklahoman] College athletes add voices to those protesting injustice: College athletes across the country added their voices to those calling for an end to racial injustice riday with football players and others marching on campus or stepping away from practices to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. [AP News] General News March to state Capitol recalls March on Washington 57 years ago: Hundreds of people marched east along NW 23 from Tower Theatre to the state Capitol late Friday to commemorate the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. [The Oklahoman] Extra tension was added to the evening as an apparent social media hoax prompted those opposed to the march to believe it was part of a larger effort by “Antifa” to riot in Oklahoma City. A group of about 25 people carrying sidearms and long guns waited at the Capitol building supposedly to “defend” it even though a well-equipped troop of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is dedicated to protecting the Capitol complex full time. [OKC Free Press] Council for Cherokee Nation approves record $1.52 billion budget: The $1.52 billion budget is considerably higher than the current fiscal year's $1.16 billion budget which set the previous record. [The Oklahoman] Did judge misuse campaign funds? On the eve of her ouster trial, Oklahoma County District Judge Kendra Coleman is facing a new criminal investigation, this time into whether she misused campaign funds. Her ouster trial before the Court on the Judiciary is set to begin Monday and is expected to last three weeks. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Local News Ally or adversary: Following Tulsa mayoral election, Bynum, Robinson likely to face each other off the campaign trail [The Frontier] Bynum won 8 in 10 Tulsa precincts to capture second term but support waned north of 21st Street, voting data shows [Tulsa World] Listen Frontier: What played into the reelection of Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum? [The Frontier] Black Lives Matter OKC rallies for Julius Jones at Washington march [NonDoc] Reaction to new councilman shows Norman polarization [Opinion / NonDoc] Dollar General to expand in Ardmore [The Journal Record] Duncan City Manager quarantined, positive for COVID-19 [Duncan Banner] Court lifts order blocking spending of COVID-19 funds by Kiowa tribe [Gaylord News / Enid News & Eagle] Quote of the Day "It's 57 years later and we are still saying 'We have a dream.' Something is wrong." -Rapper and activist Jabee Williams speaking at an Oklahoma City march commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech Number of the Day 25 days The voter registration deadline is 25 days prior to the date of an election. [Source: Oklahoma State Election Board] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Universal vote-by-mail has no impact on partisan turnout or vote share: In response to COVID-19, many scholars and policy makers are urging the United States to expand voting-by-mail programs to safeguard the electoral process, but there are concerns that such a policy could favor one party over the other. We estimate the effects of universal vote-by-mail, a policy under which every voter is mailed a ballot in advance of the election, on partisan election outcomes. We find that universal vote-by-mail does not affect either party’s share of turnout or either party’s vote share. These conclusions support the conventional wisdom of election administration experts and contradict many popular claims in the media. Our results imply that the partisan outcomes of vote-by-mail elections closely resemble in-person elections, at least in normal times. [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences] 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

 

 

 

We're Hiring - Legislative and Outreach Director

View this email in your browser. OK Policy is now hiring for its Legislative and Outreach Director. This position is responsible for representing the organization by developing and maintaining close working relationships with key audiences and partners, including members of the Oklahoma Legislature, community organizations, and grassroots advocates. The position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to meet OK Policy’s goals and objectives. The salary range is $48,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience.    View Full Position Description and Requirements   To Apply Click here to complete the job application. Along with the application, you will be asked to submit: Resume that includes at least three professional references, A professional writing sample, and A cover letter that includes your interest in the position, a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description, a brief description of your current understanding of OK Policy's mission, any previous involvement you had had with OK Policy, and your salary expectations.   Apply Today Deadline The deadline to apply for this position is close of business on September 25, 2020. Candidates will be contacted by OK Policy on or around October 2, 2020 to discuss next steps. – – – OK Policy values its employees, and as such, offers competitive total compensation package which includes cash compensation and benefits.These positions are eligible to participate in the following benefits: Cafeteria Plan: including health and dental insurance, retirement plans, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care accounts (DCA), and more. This position is also eligible for paid time-off (PTO) benefits. The mission of OK Policy is to advance equitable and fiscally responsible policies leading to expanded opportunity for all Oklahomans through non-partisan research, analysis, and advocacy. OK Policy is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive organization to fully represent and engage all Oklahomans. Recruiting staff that reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences of Oklahoma is a priority. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse communities, constituencies, and identities, including but not limited to: people of all ethnic/racial backgrounds, people of all gender identities/gender expressions, people with disabilities, low-income and LGBTQ+ persons. Current elected officials are not eligible for employment at OK Policy.   Connect with Us Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

[The Weekly Wonk] Closer look at SQ 802 results | Parole reform successes | Census matters for rural Oklahoma

View this email in your browser. What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In The Know. Click here to subscribe to In The Know. This Week from OK Policy A closer look at SQ 802 results dispels myth that Oklahomans voted against their self-interest: When Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid on June 30, they showed that our state values increased access to health care, less reliance on emergency rooms, and higher quality of care. The election was close with just 6,000 votes out of 674,951 cast determining the outcome. Commentators were quick to assign a narrative of a rural-urban divide to the outcome. Indeed, only seven counties had more yes votes than no. However, a look at the results with attention to more than surface-level detail reveals a more accurate picture of the election: close vote counts in most precincts, a correlation between votes and income, and a strong impact from American Indian communities. The data show that quite literally every type of Oklahoma voter made a difference in passing State Question 802. [Emma Morris / OK Policy] Parole reform was crucial in ending Oklahoma’s status as the world’s prison capital: In 2016, Oklahoma incarcerated a higher percentage of its population than any other place on Earth. Much attention has been focused on the success of criminal justice reforms like State Question 780, but reforms to the state’s parole system — which grants early prison release for eligible inmates — had a tremendous impact on lessening Oklahoma’s prison crisis. [Damion Shade / OK Policy] Varied backgrounds of elected officials can bring innovative solutions (Capitol Update): The Oklahoma House and Senate are made up of “we the people” who are elected and come from various backgrounds and areas of expertise. Each member adds to the mix, making the whole literally greater than the sum of its parts. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]  Policy Matters: Accurate census count invaluable for rural Oklahomans: During the next five weeks, the U.S. Census Bureau has a remarkable feat to attempt – getting an accurate count of every person living in our nation. The census is never easy, but it has been exponentially harder this go-round due to the global pandemic alongside political maneuvering from Washington, D.C., intended to undermine its important work. (It’s also worth noting its arbitrary Sept. 30 deadline could be extended if Congress shifted the statutory deadline for reporting apportionment and redistricting data from the 2020 census.) [Ahniwake Rose / Policy Matters] Weekly What’s That Education Scholarship Tax Credits In 2011, the Legislature passed The Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, which authorized the creation of scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) and educational improvement grant organizations (EIGOs). SGOs issue scholarships for students who meet certain requirements to attend private schools, and EIGOs issue grants to public schools. Under the Act, individuals and businesses can make a donation to either an SGO or EIGO and receive a tax credit of 50 percent for a one-time donation or 75 percent for a two-year donation, along with the standard charitable deduction. The maximum tax credit is $1,000 for an individual, $2,000 for a married couple, and $100,000 for a business.  The total amount of tax credits that can be issued each year is $5 million. Of that total, credits for private school SGOs are capped at $3.5 million and credits for public school EIGOs are capped at $1.5 million. Look up more key terms to understand Oklahoma politics and government here. Quote of the Week “(O)ut of 30 teachers, I’m going to be starting the school year with six employees basically gone because of COVID-related reasons. I thought, ‘That’s a fifth of my staff. How are we going to have school with a fifth of my staff gone?’” -Dewar School Superintendent Todd Been [StateImpact Oklahoma] Editorial of the Week Attorney General Mike Hunter goes to court to defend Oklahoma's undefendable absentee voting law Voting is a fundamental constitutional right of American citizens. It is underlined by the plain language of the 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments and also made explicit in the Oklahoma Constitution, which declares: "All political power is inherent in the people." Yet, Hunter's team wants to make voting inaccessible to those unwilling to expose themselves to strangers during an uncontrolled pandemic. The notary requirement adds no protection against voter fraud. Anyone determined to vote illegally via absentee ballot would have no compunction about getting the aid of a notary... [Read full editorial at Tulsa World] Numbers of the Day 58.7% - Oklahoma’s Census self-response rate as of Aug. 20. The national average is 64.2 percent. $9,364,879,721 - Amount of federal dollars received by Oklahoma in FY 2016 through 55 programs that rely on Census data for distribution models. $2,496.40 - Amount of federal funds per Oklahoma resident received annually.  62% - Women represent about 62% of the adult Medicaid population nationwide. A state undercount could lead to a reduction in Medicaid funding for that state, which might restrict access and benefits—disproportionately affecting women and girls with low incomes. 24.5% - Percentage of Oklahomans considered part of the “hard to count” Census population. See previous Numbers of the Day and sources here. What We’re Reading 2020 Census Delays and the Impact on Redistricting [National Conference of State Legislatures] Will the Census’s Data Privacy Efforts Erase Rural America? [Urban Institute] The 2020 Census and Title I Funding for Schools: Interactive Maps to Localize Your State’s Stakes [Journalist’s Resource] Census Count Has Implications for Public Health: Health Funding Programs Depend on Accurate Enumeration [The Nation’s Health] Why the 2020 Census Matters for Rural America [Georgetown Law Center for Poverty and Inequality] 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] Many schools not following mask guidance | Second outbreak hits federal transfer facility | A closer look at SQ802

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. Some stories may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy A closer look at SQ 802 results dispels myth that Oklahomans voted against their self-interest: When Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid on June 30, they showed that our state values increased access to health care, less reliance on emergency rooms, and higher quality of care. The election was close with just 6,000 votes out of 674,951 cast determining the outcome. Commentators were quick to assign a narrative of a rural-urban divide to the outcome. Indeed, only seven counties had more yes votes than no. However, a look at the results with attention to more than surface-level detail reveals a more accurate picture of the election: close vote counts in most precincts, a correlation between votes and income, and a strong impact from American Indian communities. The data show that quite literally every type of Oklahoma voter made a difference in passing State Question 802. [Emma Morris / OK Policy] Oklahoma News Dozens of school districts not following COVID mask guidance, officials say: More than a third of Oklahoma school districts are not following state guidance to require masks in schools, state officials reported. The Oklahoma State Department of Education found 190 school districts, or 35%, are not requiring any students or staff to wear face coverings, though nearly all are based in counties with community spread of COVID-19. [The Oklahoman] More than 90 percent Of Oklahoma schools are holding some kind of in-person classes [KOSU] Nearly 700 Enid students at home due to COVID-19; 2 more classes in quarantine [Enid News & Eagle] Springer schools move to distance learning after staff member tests positive for virus [Daily Ardmoreite] Democrats criticize Oklahoma governor, call for task force: Oklahoma House Democrats criticized Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday for failing to implement the recommendations of the White House Coronavirus Task Force and called for the creation of a state-level bipartisan task force. [AP News] Despite the governor having a task force that advises on coronavirus issues, Democrats called on Stitt to form a bipartisan task force, led by public health experts, to keep Oklahomans informed about the pandemic. [The Oklahoman] Stitt created a task force in March, but House Minority Leader Emily Virgin said it is not communicating with the public, is providing misleading information and is led by him. Virgin said Stitt’s administration has hidden White House COVID-19 Task Force information from communities and refused to follow its recommendations, such as implementing a statewide mask mandate. [Tulsa World] Tulsa Mayor again calls for more local mask mandates or for Gov. Stitt to step in and take state action [Tulsa World] Local data show strictest White House COVID-19 recommendations aren't applicable here, Tulsa leaders say [Tulsa World] New COVID-19 report from White House might not dissuade pushback, Enid Mayor says [Enid News & Eagle] COVID-19: 712 new cases, 15 deaths reported in Oklahoma [Tulsa World] Second outbreak hits OKC facility for federal inmates: A holding facility for federal inmates is experiencing another COVID-19 outbreak. The Oklahoma City Federal Transfer Center on Thursday had 58 open positive cases involving inmates, one of the highest totals among the 109 Bureau of Prisons facilities with active cases. [The Oklahoman] Eddie Warrior a COVID-19 hot spot facility: In coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, DOC has designated Eddie Warrior Correctional Center (EWCC) a “hot spot” for COVID-19 after identifying a spike in the number of infected inmates. More than 800 female inmates live in open dorm units there, creating a contact tracing web. [Enid News & Eagle] State & Local Government News Oklahoma municipalities and the COVID-19 response: Over the first eight weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was here in Oklahoma, municipalities of varying sizes reacted in various ways after the World Health Organization (on March 11, 2020) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic; and President Donald J. Trump (on March 13, 2020) declared a National Emergency for the United States. [Southwest Ledger] Ambiguous social media rule leaves legislators in an ethical limbo: When it comes to social media the rules are not as well established, and many incumbents often stray into ethically ambiguous territory by using social media both to communicate with their constituents and to promote issues and campaigns. [NonDoc] Oklahoma's unemployment levels continue to fall, but slowly: New unemployment claims in Oklahoma fell to their lowest level since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The data, which includes claims through Aug. 22, shows 5,130 Oklahomans filed their first claims that week. Claims reached the new pandemic-era low mark after briefly spiking the previous week. [The Oklahoman] Commission objects to OG&E’s territory claims: In two rulings issued by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Wednesday, regulators disagreed with OG&E’s claim that the electricity utility had the right to compete for certain customers within the designated territory of smaller electricity cooperatives. OG&E won one of the cases mainly because the cooperative was too slow in mounting its challenge. [The Journal Record] Federal Government News New federal-tribal partnership formed to combat domestic violence against women: The Department’s Office on Violence Against Women will dedicate more than $2 million to help tribal and federal authorities prosecute felony crimes that occur in Indian Country. [KOSU] Cole bill aims to improve mental health care for Native American vets: Native American and Alaska Native veterans would receive mental health care that’s appropriate to their cultures under legislation announced Thursday by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News Average Oklahoma County jail population on downward trend, but disparities still exist: The average inmate population at the Oklahoma County jail has stayed below 1,700 people for over a year, a downward trend after nearly two decades of populations routinely above 2,000. The decline in numbers is being attributed to diversion programs, collaboration between local judges, changes in state law and dedicated funding to address mental health and substance abuse issues. [The Oklahoman] Ardmore community leaders hold forum on SQ 805 as November election approaches: Several Ardmore community leaders joined the director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform in a virtual forum Tuesday evening to discuss the potential impact of a state question that will appear on the November ballot. [Daily Ardmoreite] Economy & Business News Regional manufacturing in August experiences modest rise, according to survey: Manufacturing in a seven-state area that includes Oklahoma rose moderately in August but lagged below levels from 2019, according to information released Thursday by the Kansas City Fed. [Tulsa World] Ample supply should counter climbing fuel prices after Hurricane Laura, unless consumers intervene: Wholesale gasoline prices climbed slightly before Hurricane Laura roared ashore at the Louisiana-Texas state line Thursday morning. But because there was an ample supply of gasoline being stored before the storm forced several major refiners to shutter their operations, the biggest impact on fuel prices could be consumer behavior during the next several weeks. [The Oklahoman] Pandemic leads to sales increase for wine, beer, spirits: In Oklahoma, the pandemic led more people toward buying spirits and beer, though wine has seen a respectable increase. [The Journal Record] Education News OU to launch required online diversity training for students, employees next week: The University of Oklahoma will launch a mandatory diversity training program for all students, staff and faculty next week after student leaders called for the change this spring. [Norman Transcript] General News National Park Service, National Geographic boost John Hope Franklin Park: With racial tension flaring across the country, a Tulsa park dedicated to reconciliation is getting national recognition. On Tuesday, John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, 321 N. Detroit Ave., officially joined the African American Civil Rights Network during a brief ceremony moved indoors because of the weather. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Local News Tulsans, area residents take to the streets for Jacob Blake [Tulsa World] Norman council looks to fill second vacancy on interim basis [The Oklahoman] Norman bond voters nearly doubled recent elections [Norman Transcript] City of Lawton, county trailing on national census [Southwest Ledger] Sales, use tax receipts up in SW Oklahoma [Southwest Ledger] Kiowa CARES Act checks aren’t yet in the mail [Southwest Ledger] Quote of the Day “In Oklahoma we have created a criminal justice system that’s almost entirely based on punishment and retribution. The reality is there’s got to be elements of grace, there’s got to be opportunities for a second chance, there’s got to be a focus on redemption and reconciliation and restoration if we’re ever going to reach our full potential individually and collectively.” -Kris Steele, director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, speaking about the state's need for criminal justice reforms [Daily Ardmoreite]  Number of the Day 24.5% Percentage of Oklahomans considered part of the "hard to count" Census population. [Source: National Conference of State Legislatures] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Why the 2020 Census Matters for Rural America: The decennial Census is an unmatched opportunity to capture accurate information about rural America. This information is used to determine which areas are considered rural, to inform other surveys that take a closer look at the characteristics of rural residents, and to make funding decisions for federal programs that serve those residents. All of these uses depend on a fair and accurate Census that counts everyone in America once and in the right place. However, limited access to the internet, remote geographies, and significant hard-to-count populations in rural areas make the count challenging. [Georgetown Law Center for Poverty and Inequality] 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