[In The Know] Tough budget year ahead | Virus rate among young rising | COVID-19 positive health care workers allowed to work

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 a Justice Data Analyst: OK Policy is now hiring for a Justice Data Analyst. The Justice Data Analyst will use Open Justice Oklahoma’s (OJO) database of court, prison, and jail records to open the black box of our justice system. Working closely with the Research Director, the Justice Data Analyst will identify and prioritize research projects, analyze proprietary data sets, develop and document methodologies, and communicate findings to internal and external audiences. Click here to learn more and apply. Oklahoma News State lawmakers face an ‘incredibly difficult budget year’ with a long road to recovery: State lawmakers face the potential of a significant budget shortfall next year and lengthy recovery that some worry could return Oklahoma to its recent era of cuts that saw schools, hospitals and law enforcement agencies make drastic moves to reduce spending. But some budget observers believe the financial pain of next year isn’t likely to go away quickly, even if the pandemic begins to subside by spring. “I would be more concerned about what happens after Fiscal Year 2022 than what happens in Fiscal Year 2022,” said Paul Shinn, the budget and tax senior policy analyst at the Oklahoma Policy Institute. “Regardless of the short term issues, we are in for a long recovery over the next five to 10 years.” [The Frontier] School funding outlook distressing in an already difficult year [Oklahoma Watch] Young see largest increase in COVID-19 case rates since October, Tulsa World analysis shows: In the past two months, Oklahoma children ages 5 to 14 have outpaced all the other age groups in new COVID-19 case rates, but state officials say it’s more important to note that the entire state population is currently seeing high infection rates. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma reports 1,721 new coronavirus cases, 19 more deaths [AP News] | [Tulsa World] Oklahoma medical experts tackle state’s ‘mixed messages’ on coronavirus [StateImpact Oklahoma] Asymptomatic health care workers with COVID-19 allowed to continue working in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma State Department of Health is allowing health care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19, but aren't exhibiting symptoms of the virus, to continue working at hospitals and long-term care facilities. But the Oklahoma Nurses Association opposes allowing asymptomatic COVID-19 positive nurses to continue working, and called the recommendation a “reckless” solution to the state’s staffing shortage. [The Oklahoman] Tulsa hits Tier 3 for COVID-19 surge: How are local hospitals dealing? [Tulsa World] Oklahoma health officials ‘amplify’ guidance allowing coronavirus-infected health professionals to skip quarantine and work [StateImpact Oklahoma]  Health News A $2,700 bill for a COVID-19 test turns up the heat on a health care industry dispute: Carolyn Coburn didn’t really know the going rate for a COVID-19 test, but she was pretty sure $2,715 was too much. And she was darn sure her late husband, U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, would think so, too. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma ACA health care premiums are lowest in years, but will COVID-19 impact sign-ups?: Oklahomans will have more choices and the most affordable health insurance options in years through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace. Thanks in part to a record-number of insurers offering plans in Oklahoma for coverage that starts Jan. 1, the average monthly benchmark premiums on the federal exchange are down more than 20% from a record high in 2019. [Oklahoma Watch] Op-Ed: Intimate partner violence is an 'epidemic within an epidemic': That is how a recent editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine characterized the increase in intimate partner violence during COVID-19. Experts have voiced similar concerns about the rise in other types of family violence, including child abuse and elder abuse. [Op-Ed / Tulsa World] McAlester hospital's environmental services contract sparks call for investigation: A McAlester business owner is pushing for a multicounty grand jury investigation into allegations of financial improprieties involving McAlester Regional Health Center. [The Oklahoman] State Government News Committed to serve: Oklahoma health commissioner take reins in pandemic after late military career: In May, Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed a soft-spoken former OB-GYN to lead the Oklahoma State Department of Health and its 2,700 employees. As Oklahoma’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Lance Frye, 57, has spent the past six months helping lead the state through the COVID-19 outbreak. [Tulsa World] Brother, sister to serve in upper chamber for the first time in recent history: It will be a historic moment when lawmakers return to the Capitol in February. The upper chamber will have a brother and sister serving at the same time, a first in at least recent history. Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, will join her younger brother, Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso, on the floor of the Senate. [Tulsa World] New state seal to be installed in February: In February, the Capitol will get a new state seal on the ground floor. The bronze seal is 14 feet in diameter and weighs 3,000 pounds, said Trait Thompson, Capitol project manager. [Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News Oklahoma Department of Corrections locks down prisons after assaults: The Oklahoma Department of Corrections on Friday locked down all facilities after more than 20 inmates were assaulted at three male prisons. The assaults occurred at North Fork Correctional Center, Jess Dunn Correctional Center and Oklahoma State Penitentiary. [The Oklahoman] After shooting death of teen boy suspected of robbery, OKC police union issues statement supporting police: A top leader of the Oklahoma City police union issued a statement Friday supporting officers involved in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy suspected in an armed robbery. On Nov. 23, Oklahoma City police shot and killed Stavian Rodriguez at Okie Gas Express, 7917 S Western Ave., where a clerk reported locking Rodriguez inside the store and fleeing to safety. [The Oklahoman] Response to Stavian Rodriguez death strains police-community relations [OKC Free Press] Institute analyzing TPD's community policing policy seeks applications for civilian 'co-researchers': A research institute the city of Tulsa selected back in July to evaluate its police department's community policing efforts is seeking applications for civilian assistance. [Tulsa World] Economic Opportunity Mental health CEO: Winter could bring ‘desperate, dramatic increase to homelessness’: As coronavirus cases continue to surge across the state, social distancing and isolation become increasingly important. But the precautions that protect our physical health are damaging the mental health of many Oklahomans, said Terri White, Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. [Oklahoma Watch] Oklahoma nonprofits will face ongoing funding problems from COVID-19 pandemic: With event cancellations and individual donations dwindling, Oklahoma’s nonprofits are preparing for possible financial turmoil because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oklahoma has a robust network of nonprofits that play a significant role in the state’s social safety net, and the demand for services from food banks or housing agencies has skyrocketed. [The Oklahoman] Economy & Business News Despite Fear in Oklahoma, Biden Likely Won’t Be ‘Banning’ Fracking: Contrary to Trump’s claims, which have been rated as false by several fact-checkers, Biden does not plan a wholesale ban on old or new fracking. His climate strategy includes a proposal to only cease approving new oil and gas permits on federal lands. [Oklahoma Watch] Bill to repair ice storm damages on its way to customers: Electrical transmission and distribution systems, electric cooperatives and regulated investor-owned utilities like Oklahoma Gas and Electric and Public Service Co. of Oklahoma are self-insured. Whenever a storm like the one that thrashed the Oklahoma City area before Halloween strikes, that means utilities and their customers are on the hook for paying to make needed repairs. [The Oklahoman] OG&E to council: It was a ‘perfect storm’ [The Journal Record] Education News ‘The timing was frustrating’: Districts want coordination on state-provided PPE: Although Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration provided about $10 million in personal protective equipment to Oklahoma school districts in August, some superintendents ultimately expressed frustration over the timing. [NonDoc] School districts pleading for Oklahoma to curb COVID-19: As Oklahoma’s rates of COVID-19 skyrocket, school districts are begging the public to help keep their doors open. Many metro schools scrapped plans for in-person classes once Oklahoma County and the surrounding area soared past Red Level, the highest alert of community spread from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. [The Oklahoman] Union Public Schools resumes in-person classes, transportation Monday [Tulsa World] Districts can in-school quarantine students exposed to virus [CNHI via Tahlequah Daily Press] General News With new 'language hub,' Cherokee Nation hopes to make ancient language part of everyday life again: A generation ago, the Cherokee Nation still had small communities where the tribe’s ancient language could be heard in everyday life, spoken in casual conversations on the street instead of just in classrooms. [Tulsa World] 1867 vision for what's now Oklahoma was an all-Black Territory of Lincoln: In retrospect, and probably even at the time, the chances of success were slim indeed: creation of an all-Black territory and eventually a state out of a hunk of the United States already deeded to American Indians and an object of lust for white settlers, cattlemen, land speculators and railroaders. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Local News With virtual meetings provision expired, Tulsa City Council to hold inauguration in council chambers [Public Radio Tulsa] Upgrades coming to OKC Thunder home Chesapeake Energy Arena [The Oklahoman] Quote of the Day  “I would be more concerned about what happens after Fiscal Year 2022 than what happens in Fiscal Year 2022. Regardless of the short term issues, we are in for a long recovery over the next five to 10 years.” -Paul Shinn, OK Policy's Budget and Tax Senior Policy Analyst [The Frontier] Number of the Day 28% Percentage of all Oklahoma children who have experienced two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences during 2017-2018. Of those, American Indian children had the highest rate at 37% followed by Black and Latinx children (both at 36%) and white children at 24%.  [Source: KIDS COUNT]  See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Adversity in Early Childhood: The pandemic and its economic and social fallout may have adverse effects in the lives of young children today, but these events are not unique. In the past 25 years, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners have focused on a subset of adverse events occurring in childhood, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).9 These events are strongly associated with negative effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being throughout their life span.10 Little is known about the prevalence of adverse events during the developmentally sensitive early childhood period or how systemic inequities give rise to them early in life; however, it is known that their effects can last a lifetime. [Center for American Progress] 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 - OK Policy Justice Data Analyst

View this email in your browser. OK Policy is now hiring for a Justice Data Analyst. The Justice Data Analyst will use Open Justice Oklahoma’s (OJO) database of court, prison, and jail records to open the black box of our justice system. Working closely with the Research Director, the Justice Data Analyst will identify and prioritize research projects, analyze proprietary data sets, develop and document methodologies, and communicate findings to internal and external audiences. They will use their expertise to answer questions and find data for a wide variety of policy and programmatic uses, from evaluating the impact of justice reforms to identifying potential clients for direct service nonprofit organizations. The salary range is $45,000 to $55,000, 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 January 8, 2021 at 5:00 PM (CST).  – – – 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

[In The Know] More cities add mask orders, but it remains flashpoint | Third state veterans center sees outbreak | 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. 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. Note: The daily "In The Know" news digest and "The Weekly Wonk" e-newsletter will be on hiatus this week and will resume on Monday, Nov. 30.  New from OK Policy Legislature should address fines and fees system that harms families (Capitol Update): The Legislature faces a troubling challenge in attempting to limit the reliance of law enforcement agencies and the courts on fines and fees owed by defendants in criminal cases. As the state faced budget gaps or added programs without funding them, it has piled on more court costs, fees, and assessments to avoid appropriating tax dollars. But 70 percent of criminal court debt goes unpaid each year. Meanwhile, thousands of Oklahomans — most of whom will never pay and likely cannot afford to — are burdened with the funding of courts and government agencies. Caught in a vicious cycle of re-arrest on “cost warrants” or inability to have their cases terminated for failure to pay, these Oklahomans are caught in a web that stands in the way of rehabilitation, reentering the work force, and moving on with their lives. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Oklahoma News After 1,600 deaths and counting, mask mandate remains flashpoint in Oklahoma: Nationwide, 37 states have a statewide mask mandate, with Iowa the latest state to put one into effect. In a seven-state region that includes Oklahoma, only it and Missouri are without statewide mask mandates. [Oklahoma Watch] Sand Springs, Muskogee pass mask mandates; Broken Arrow City Council votes 4-1 against resolution [Tulsa World] | [Tulsa World] Claremore City Council passes mask mandate with 5-2 vote [Tulsa World] Muskogee Councilors adopt mandatory mask measures [Muskogee Phoenix] Woodward resolution ‘strongly recommends’ use of masks [Woodward News] Oklahoma City Council to consider extending mask mandate [AP News] COVID-19: Record for new cases set in Oklahoma as 15 more deaths reported [Tulsa World] Third Oklahoma veterans center sees COVID-19 outbreak: The veterans center in Clinton is the latest in the state to experience a COVID-19 outbreak. “They are in the midst of a significant outbreak,” said Joel Kintsel, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs executive director. The outbreak comes after similar situations in veterans facilities in Claremore and Norman. [Tulsa World] Health News Quarantine fails: 14 days means 14 days, even with a negative test result: Public health officials say one of the biggest misconceptions is the difference between quarantine and isolation. Quarantine is necessary for those exposed to someone infected with COVID-19 — staying home for the full amount of time it can take to develop actual illness. [Tulsa World] Mental health experts raise concerns over increased video game, online gambling addiction during pandemic: As the pandemic and social distancing drag on, mental health experts are warning that excessive online gambling and video game usage could lead to addiction and negative social outcomes for some people. [Enid News & Eagle] State & Local Government News Special election set for Oklahoma Senate seat held by Stephanie Bice: Gov. Kevin Stitt has set dates for special elections to fill the Oklahoma Senate seat that will be vacated by U.S. Rep.-elect Stephanie Bice. Due to her 5th Congressional District victory over one-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, Bice will vacate the state Senate seat she has occupied since she was first elected in 2014. [The Oklahoman] Special election will be held to fill Tulsa County Treasurer vacancy [Tulsa World] Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints new Cleveland County judge: Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday appointed Bethany Stanley as an associate district judge for Cleveland County. Stanley’s career began in 1998 when she worked as a deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to the Western District of Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman] Pandemic has challenged Oklahoma's child welfare system: DHS is still trying to sort out how to maximize services while minimizing contact. The agency has seen a slight increase in foster home vacancy rates — the number of certified foster homes without any children placed there. An official said she thinks that’s because of people needing to be in quarantine, but she’s seen foster parents act heroically as a result. [Public Radio Tulsa] Millions in CARES Act funds still in hand; Tulsa County expects payouts by Dec. 30: Time is running out for Tulsa County to distribute the $113.7 million in CARES Act funding it received in the spring. The money is running short, too. [Tulsa World] Payne County waiting for federal disaster declaration: Oklahoma is still waiting for the federal government to approve disaster aid that would reimburse local governments and public utilities for at least some of their expenses from an early season ice storm that struck the state beginning on Oct. 26. [Stillwater News Press] Editorial: With tweaks, state electronic meetings can make open meetings more open: An emergency state law giving city, county and state decision-making groups broad permission to meet electronically expired Sunday. Some groups, including the Tulsa City Council, have called on the Oklahoma Legislature to extend the authorization quickly because the pandemic it was designed to address continues to spread without control. With the so-called Zoom exception gone, some members of boards, commissions and councils can still attend meetings electronically, but the quorum of members must be in the announced meeting place. Electronic meetings make state and local government more accessible and transparent to more of the public in a safe fashion. That’s critical in a pandemic, but good any time. [Editorial / Tulsa World] OK Policy: Transparency is a necessary ingredient for democracy, because it allows citizens to hold their representatives accountable, shifts power to citizens, and protects against corruption. Federal Government News Projects to focus on missing, murdered Indigenous peoples: Oklahoma and five other states will participate in pilot projects to better coordinate investigative efforts surrounding cases of missing or murdered Indigenous peoples, U.S. Attorneys Trent Shores and Brian Kuester announced Tuesday. [AP News] The goal for the Tribal Community Response Plan pilot project is to establish a collaborative response from tribal governments, law enforcement agencies and other partners by implementing “culturally appropriate guidelines when investigating emergent cases of missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.” [Tulsa World] Oklahoma's House Republicans mum on Trump's legal chances to overturn election results: Oklahoma’s four Republican U.S. House members late last week defended President Donald Trump’s right to contest the Nov. 3 election in court, but declined comment on whether they think he’ll win or the elaborate conspiracy theories being thrown up by his legal team. [Tulsa World] End of term draws near as relief remains uncertain and government divided: Oklahoma’s House members are working during Congress’ lame duck session to help constituents with two federal programs that could release billions of dollars in aid. The four Republican members of the delegation are calling for the release of $138 billion appropriated for the Paycheck Protection Program that brought millions back to work after they were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Gaylord News via KGOU] Education News Parents demand open schools, greater voice during COVID-19 pandemic: Frustrated with their options for in-person learning, some Oklahoma parents say they want fully open schools and a seat at the table in their districts’ decision making. Two dozen parents rallied outside the state Capitol on Monday, holding signs that read “Open our schools.” [The Oklahoman] Parents in the Stillwater, Owasso and Deer Creek school districts, meanwhile, announced they were forming a new group — Parent Voice Oklahoma — to pressure school boards and administrators to listen to parents instead of unions, politicians and the media when deciding whether their children should be allowed to attend school in person. [CNHI via Enid News & Eagle] Criminal Justice News Kim Kardashian West visits Oklahoma State Penitentiary death row inmate Julius Jones: Global celebrity and activist Kim Kardashian West travelled to Oklahoma today to visit with Julius Jones, a man on death row being held in Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Jones, who is Black, was convicted in 1999 of shooting a white businessman in Edmond but has maintained that he is innocent and was never even at the scene of the crime. [CNHI via McAlester News Capital] Jail Trust moves forward on improved detainee phone system replacement: For detainees in the Oklahoma County Jail, there is reason to hope that a new phone system for them will mean less cost and better service. [OKC Free Press] Economy & Business News Farm-to-front-door options grow as Local Farm OK dials in 405 service: The impact of COVID-19 has been overwhelmingly negative, but delivery options for farm-fresh food is among the few net-positives. [The Oklahoman] Realtors push back against racial slurs: In the days and weeks following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, millions of Americans took to social media to express their personal views on the racial issues facing the country. Some of the comments posted were blatantly, offensively racist, and some of the individuals posting those comments made their living as real estate professionals, entrusted with upholding the Fair Housing Act. [The Journal Record] General News Oklahoma Democrats face uphill battle to be competitive in state politics again: Republicans strengthened their hold on the state’s politics this election cycle, flipping the only Democratic-held seat in Oklahoma’s congressional delegation back to red and making gains in the state House. But for Democrats to be competitive in Oklahoma again, they will have to fight a steep, uphill battle. [KOSU] Oklahoma Local News Cherokee Nation urges citizens to follow federal guidance, stay home for Thanksgiving [Public Radio Tulsa] Mayor Breea Clark, CDC offer guidance for celebrating Thanksgiving safely [The Norman Transcript] Muskogee County declares 'local emergency' [Muskogee Phoenix] Lack of morgue space worries county officials [The Lawton Constitution] Return to in-person OKC meetings brings equipment, procedure changes [OKC Free Press] | [The Journal Record] Quote of the Day “There are also people who are very healthy people who get really sick — we just don’t know why yet — until we find out those answers we should all have the compassion for one another to do what’s right.” -Dr. Jonathan Baldwin, a Muskogee physician speaking about mask mandates [Muskogee Phoenix] Number of the Day 31 Number of states that have imposed new COVID-19-related restrictions since the beginning of November [Source: KFF] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note As Thanksgiving Approaches, Fewer Than Half of Households With Kids Very Confident About Affording Needed Food: As Thanksgiving approaches amidst a pandemic-driven economic crisis, just 44 percent of households with children are “very confident” that they can afford needed food over the next four weeks, according to new Census survey data — and about 10 percent, or 3.5 million households, are “not at all confident.” That uncertainty reflects widespread food hardship across the country, with 5.6 million households with children struggling to put enough food on the table in the past seven days. Other data show that hardship has significantly worsened since the pandemic started and remains high, underscoring the need for policymakers to agree on a robust, bipartisan economic relief package. In Oklahoma, 58% of households with children are not “very confident” they will be able to afford needed foods for next four weeks. [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] Virus straining rural hospitals | Local mask votes privately supported by Gov.'s office | Special session needed

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 There are many reasons to call a special session and, contrary to claim from the Governor’s office, no reasons not to: Oklahoma hasn’t yet fully committed to fighting the human, social, and economic damage wrought by COVID-19; instead our leadership has largely relied on federal action, pleas, and hope. Time is running out for all three, and it’s nearly three months before the Legislature is scheduled to reconvene. Now is the time for our governor and lawmakers to demonstrate that they are serious about helping us through this most difficult of times. A special session is a big first step in that direction. [Paul Shinn / OK Policy] Oklahoma News Oklahoma’s coronavirus surge is leaving rural areas struggling to find beds for critically ill patients: As the demand for intensive care among Oklahoma’s coronavirus patients continues to surge, the system is seeing strain from beginning to end — from ambulance services, to small-town hospitals, to the state’s metro health systems. [The Frontier and StateImpact Oklahoma]  Active Coronavirus cases pop up in prison towns, suburbs [Oklahoma Watch] Doctor: Oklahoma virus restrictions ‘too little, too late’ [AP News] Governor won’t mandate masks despite study showing slowed spread [CNHI via The Norman Transcript] Spikes lower in mask mandate cities like Norman [The Norman Transcript] Sunday - Oklahoma reports 3,406 new COVID-19 cases, 10 new deaths [AP News] | [Tulsa World] Without city action, Enid health care officials say system will be 'overwhelmed' [Enid News & Eagle] Oklahoma 'almost inevitably going to overload' hospitals as COVID infections keep rising [Public Radio Tulsa] In the red: 35 of 42 Tulsa County ZIP codes have 'severe and uncontrolled' COVID-19 spread [Tulsa World] Tulsa City Council will consider COVID-19 regulations Tuesday night [Tulsa World] Op-Ed: Rural America must do its part in curbing pandemic [Op-Ed / Tulsa World] Governor’s office expressed private support for local mask mandate vote: The day before the Jenks city council was scheduled to take up a vote on whether to adopt a mask mandate, Bond Payne, the governor’s chief of staff, left a voicemail for Jenks Mayor Robert Lee. “I understand you guys are voting on a mask mandate tomorrow and just wanted to reach out and offer some support for what you’re doing,” said Bond, according to a recording of the Nov. 9 voicemail he left the mayor, which was shared with The Frontier. [The Frontier] U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas Op-Ed: As COVID-19 winter approaches, Oklahoma must act [Op-Ed / The Oklahoman] Editorial: Jenks, Sapulpa, Glenpool, Claremore smart to follow public health mask mandate recommendation [Editorial / Tulsa World] Health News Point of View: Privatizing Medicaid not the right solution for Oklahoma: Something everybody can agree on in 2020: Health care is expensive. It affects our personal finances, local economies and the state budget. Privatizing Medicaid in Oklahoma isn’t an answer to that problem. We know because we have tried before. [The Oklahoman] OK Policy: Managed care will be bad for patients and providers.  COVID-19 frontline fatigue: 'It has been draining and frustrating seeing the lack of concern,' ER doc says: To frontline health care workers like Hunter Hall who are witnessing individuals’ last breaths day in and day out, the mounting death toll from the pandemic doesn’t just represent wave upon wave of sadness and compounding grief. It’s also exacting a personal toll that feels like failure. [Tulsa World] Who will get vaccinated first in Oklahoma?: With announcements earlier this month that two pharmaceutical giants have developed effective COVID-19 vaccines, Oklahoma and other states across the nation are ramping up plans to distribute millions of doses of the potentially life-saving vaccine in the coming months. [Oklahoma Watch] But while vaccines against COVID-19 have appeared on the horizon, experts warn it will take months for most to receive it. [The Oklahoman] State Government News Oklahoma using $15 million in CARES Act funds to update state websites: The state is using $15 million in coronavirus stimulus funds to revamp at least 24 state websites, including those for many of the state's largest agencies. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which oversees information technology requests for state agencies, is using CARES Act funds to modernize state websites most often used by the public. [The Oklahoman] Tulsa County expects to allocate all $114 million of its CARES Act funds by year's end [Tulsa World] Gov. Stitt's legal, other fees in tribal gaming disputes top $2 million: Legal and other fees associated with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s disagreement with tribes over gaming compacts has topped $2 million. “The expenses incurred were a result of lawsuits filed against the governor, not by him,” said Charlie Hannema, a Stitt spokesman. “Gov. Stitt is focused on protecting the state’s best interest and the litigation cost pales in comparison to what is at stake.” The Tulsa World in July reported the fees were $1.5 million and were expected to rise. [Tulsa World] 'Integrity in elections' concern of Oklahoma Republican lawmaker amplifying election conspiracy claims: An Oklahoma lawmaker who has been aggressively pushing conspiracy theories about the presidential election said Friday that he is just concerned about “integrity” and will accept whatever courts decide about President Donald Trump’s apparent loss to Democrat Joe Biden. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma House Republicans encourage Arizona lawmakers to interfere in 2020 election: Nearly all Republicans in the Oklahoma House signed a letter sent to the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives encouraging them to get involved in the 2020 election. They're calling on that state’s legislature to ensure all legal votes in the state for federal elections are counted and "all illegal votes for the same are rejected." [Public Radio Tulsa] ‘Anti-riot legislation’ proposed by Standridge: State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has filed a bill to amend current legislation set in place for anybody arrested and charged while partaking in a riot. Announced on Sep. 28, Standirdge called his proposal “anti-riot legislation,” which would add stricter punishment to those charged with rioting. [The Norman Transcript] Gov. Stitt's COVID-19 restrictions, school board president fired, prison practice ended and more: This Week in Oklahoma Politics discusses Governor Stitt's restrictions on bars and restaurants and mask requirement for state employees and in state buildings to curb the spread of COVID-19 as well as Stitt's firing the president of the Virtual Charter School Board as he was investigating Epic Virtual Charter School. [KOSU] Capitol Insider: Lawmakers begin preparing for 2021 legislative session [KGOU] State AG said McGirt ruling doesn't apply to local cases: Oklahoma’s Attorney General has offered his opinion on a pair of Comanche County murder cases that challenge the Comanche County District Court’s jurisdiction. [The Lawton Constitution] Latimer County judge to rule on tribe's reservation status: A Latimer County judge will make his decision following a Friday hearing on whether the reservation status of the Choctaw Nation was disestablished. [McAlester News Capital] Criminal Justice News Oklahoma City police officers shoot, kill man on south side: Two Oklahoma City police officers shot and killed a man after he raised a shotgun as they approached him on the city’s south side, police said Friday. [AP News] Economic Opportunity New homeless shelter may provide additional beds during COVID-19 pandemic: Oklahoma City’s homeless shelters collectively cut bed space by roughly a third this year to allow for social distancing during the pandemic, and freezing temperatures are straining that shortage further. [The Oklahoman] Economy & Business News Oklahoma County small business relief available starting November 23: Oklahoma County businesses of less than 100 will have the opportunity to receive grants from COVID-19 disaster relief funds on the application website Monday. Especially small, local businesses have been hardest hit by the reduction in business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic since March. [OKC Free Press] Hochatown: Southeast Oklahoma’s unlikely tourism hub: For most of its existence, Hochatown was barely a blip on the map in a wooded corner of southeast Oklahoma. But, in recent years, businesses such as the distillery have sprung up, bringing a new life to the once rural and isolated community. [NonDoc] Analysts: Oil and gas is down but not out: Dark clouds have been gathering over the oil and gas industry for a long time, and now we’re seeing the wave of Chapter 11 filings and merger announcements that industry watchers have been predicting for years. [The Journal Record] OKC airport traffic expected to shrink amid COVID concerns as CDC warns against Thanksgiving travel: Roughly half as many people are expected to fly out of Oklahoma City for Thanksgiving this year compared to 2019, according to figures released by airlines and the TSA. [The Oklahoman] Facial recognition is not just for your phone. It could be used to prevent livestock disease: To the human eye, a herd of cows look almost identical. But new technology is being developed to identify cattle through facial recognition and this research may lead to a faster way to track cattle in the event of a disease outbreak. [KOSU] Education News Oklahoma schools are starting to defy CDC quarantine rules: Some school leaders believe those rules are too restrictive and say masking should limit quarantines. Under a new district rule, if a child in Woodward Public Schools is wearing a mask and is exposed to a person also wearing a mask with COVID-19, they will no longer be required to quarantine. [StateImpact Oklahoma] Oklahoma parents to rally for in-person learning as COVID-19 cases climb [FOX25] The coveducation week: House Dems ask two SVCSB members to resign: Members of the House Democratic Caucus education policy group released a statement this week asking two members of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to step down owing to alleged conflicts of interest with Epic Charter Schools. [NonDoc] General News Joy Harjo gets rare third term as U.S. Poet Laureate: Muscogee (Creek) Citizen Joy Harjo has been appointed to a third term as the U.S. Poet Laureate. First appointed as U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019, she's the second poet to serve this many terms. The first was Robert Pinsky in 1997. [KOSU] Oklahoma Local News OKC City Council to vote on mask mandate extension [The Oklahoman] Nazi-looted painting should return to OU, federal judge rules [The Oklahoman] Muskogee City Council gears up for videoconferenced public meetings [Muskogee Phoenix] Quote of the Day “I think some of the new restrictions that have been put into place may have some benefit for reducing spread of the disease, but quite honestly ... I think it’s too little, too late right now.” -Dr. Dale Bratzler, University of Oklahoma's Chief COVID Officer, speaking about the state's virus-related restrictions announced last week [AP News] Number of the Day 51.5% Percent of Medicaid-funded births in Oklahoma compared to 42.3% nationally. [Source: Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note The Thanksgiving Myth gets a deeper look this year: It is now widely accepted that the story of a friendship-sealing repast between white colonists and Native Americans is inaccurate. Articles debunking the tale have become as reliable an annual media ritual as recipes for cornbread stuffing. But this year should be different, say Native American leaders, scholars and teachers. The holiday arrives in the midst of a national struggle over racial justice, and a pandemic that has landed with particular force on marginalized communities of color. The crises have fueled an intense re-examination of the roots of persistent inequities in American life. [New York Times] 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