[In The Know] Oklahoma candidates discuss tribal issues | Action delayed on adding SQ 820 to Nov. ballot | Need for youth psychiatric beds

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 included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Wednesday | August 31, 2022 Subscribe  //  View latest headlines Number of the Day 65% Percentage of counties in Oklahoma (50 out of 77) that are designated as mental health professional shortage areas, meaning these counties lack mental health care providers. [U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means, Oklahoma Health Equity Fact Sheet]  Policy Note How the Minimum Wage Affects the Health Insurance Coverage, Safety Net Program Participation, and Health of Low-Wage Workers and Their Families This brief examines the characteristics of minimum-wage workers, discusses the potential pathways through which the minimum wage may affect the health of workers and their families, and reviews recent empirical studies in this area. Some empirical evidence demonstrates that increases in the minimum wage are associated with reduced racial and ethnic disparities in income. Given the well-documented inequities in health by race and ethnicity, future research on the efficacy of the minimum wage as a policy lever to reduce health inequities is warranted. [Urban Institute]  Quote of the Day "We got schools taking out materials and not teaching what actually happened. You can't erase history. You cannot erase it. It's your responsibility to see that [children] know, and they can make the decision that it will never happen again. I'm on my arthritic knees: Please don't let it happen again." -Opal Lee, the 95-year-old known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth" for her decades-long effort to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, speaking to Oklahoma's first All-Black Towns State Conference [NonDoc] Oklahoma News 'Sovereignty is on the ballot': Oklahoma candidates take on tribal issues: One by one, 20 political candidates stepped on to a Tulsa ballroom stage on Tuesday and explained how they would work with tribal governments. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Supreme Court delays action on recreational marijuana question: A state question to legalize recreational marijuana appears unlikely to make it on the November ballot after the Oklahoma Supreme Court declined to step in while the measure still faces procedural hurdles. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Supreme Court agrees to consider marijuana question [Public Radio Tulsa] State Supreme Court puts recreational marijuana ballot dispute on hold [Tulsa World] Report: Tulsa facing critical lack of youth psychiatric beds: Adding more youth mental health beds in central Oklahoma would be an asset to the state overall at a critical time, but it won't help Tulsa gain ground in an area in which it's sorely lacking. According to a new report released this week, the Oklahoma City metro area is home to a disproportionate concentration of the state's already limited number of psychiatric beds for youths. [Tulsa World] Costs for '21 winter storm surpass Oklahoma Natural Gas estimates: Oklahoma Natural Gas ratepayer-backed bonds issued to cover added costs from the February 2021 winter storm will result in nearly a half-billion dollars more in customer costs than originally projected. [Tulsa World] State Government News Oklahoma car title paper shortage continues: The Oklahoma Tax Commission reports that unexpected supply chain delays continue to hold up shipments of title paper, with many Oklahomans having to wait to eight to 12 weeks to get their car title. [KFOR] Oklahomans opposing ACCESS turnpike expansion protest at fundraiser for Gov. Kevin Stitt (video): Protestors against the ACCESS turnpike plan gathered at a fundraiser for Gov. Kevin Stitt hosted by the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors. [The Oklahoman]  Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt holds $1,000-per-plate fundraiser while anti-turnpike protestors demonstrate outside [KOSU] Education News Editorial: TPS needs champions to defend against unfair political targeting: Tulsa Public Schools has been unfairly downgraded in accreditation, and city leaders appear reluctant to be its defenders. That's not good for Tulsa. It's obvious that the Oklahoma State Board of Education, with the exception of member Carlisha Williams Bradley, has become an anti-public school kangaroo court. Gone are the days of advocating for public education and its teachers. Now it's about punishment and disrespect. [Editorial / Tulsa World] Health News Looking for a monkeypox vaccine in Oklahoma? Here's where to go: Monkeypox vaccines are available in Oklahoma County and across the state for people eligible for the shots. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News Family of fallen Edmond officer sues accused truck driver, employer: The family of an Edmond Police Department motorcycle officer who died July 19 from injuries suffered in a multi-vehicle crash is suing the driver accused in the deadly wreck as well as his employer. [The Oklahoman] General News 'It gives you hope': Mayors unite at first All-Black Towns State Conference: The Oklahoma Conference of Black Mayors organized the statewide event that featured talks from the state's historic and incorporated all-Black towns, along with  mayors from two communities that have a majority Black population. Opal Lee, who gained fame for her decades-long effort to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, also spoke about the importance of preserving Black history, particularly the history of racial oppression in the United States. [NonDoc] Oklahoma Local News Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announces he has COVID [Tulsa World] New Crest store coming to Edmond brings excitement alongside 'mixed emotions' [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma City suspends sister-city relationship with Russian city over Ukraine invasion [The Oklahoman] Plans progress for renovated Union Station in OKC [The Journal Record] Former Dolese Bros. headquarters to be redeveloped into retail and offices [The Oklahoman] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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 included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Your support makes this possible.   OK Policy is here to cut through the noise and look at the bottom line for what news and policy means for everyday Oklahomans. Tax-deductible donations from individuals like you makes our work possible. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave. #1005 | Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org Connect with us: Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences

[In The Know] Cherokee Nation boosts minimum wage, family leave | New Panasonic plant in play? | More government transparency needed

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 included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Tuesday | August 30, 2022 Subscribe  //  View latest headlines New from OK Policy Effective democracy requires more transparency in Oklahoma state government Oklahoma's government is one of the least transparent in the nation. In contrast to other states, the general public is largely left out of the budget process and deprived of basic expectations of government such as public debate. [Sabine Brown / OK Policy] Read More Number of the Day 3 During the 2021 legislative session, Oklahoma's state budget was available for public deliberation for three days, which was the nation's third shortest such timeframe that year. The average state deliberated about their budget for 82 days. [OK Policy] Policy Note A Better Path Forward: Focus on Transparency A January 2022 report from the Oklahoma Policy Institute shows that Oklahoma is among the nation's least transparent states when engaging its residents during the development of the annual state budget. The report outlines several ways Oklahoma is not delivering transparency in the budget development process, and it suggests several solutions that lawmakers can consider to make the process more transparent. [Emma Morris & Paul Shinn / OK Policy]  Quote of the Day "No worker should ever have to choose between caring for their family and keeping their jobs." - Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announcing the Cherokee Nation's new increased paid family leave policy along with a minimum wage nearly double the state level to attract and retain employees. [Journal Record]  From OK Policy: Protecting Oklahoma's economy requires labor force-oriented solutions Oklahoma News Cherokee Nation boosts minimum wage, family leave benefits: The Cherokee Nation – one of the largest employers in northeast Oklahoma – is implementing increased paid family leave and a minimum wage nearly double the state level to attract and retain employees. [The Journal Record] Report: Another Panasonic battery plant in play for Oklahoma: Oklahoma is being considered as a site for another electric vehicle battery plant, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. [Tulsa World] Voting and Election News Oklahoma Supreme Court to decide if SQ 820 will be on November ballot: A change in how signatures for state questions are verified is causing major delays for the long-awaited ballot measure proposed to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. Oklahomans for Sensible Marijuana Laws are waiting on the final sign off from the state's supreme court on whether or not State Question 820 will be featured on the November 8th ballot. [Public Radio Tulsa] Editorial: Bring dark money into the light: It may be impossible to curb the billions of dollars spent nationally on races. But, it is reasonable to expect more transparency on who is behind the money. [Editorial / Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News Man at center of tribal jurisdictional issue sentenced in federal court: A federal judge signed off on a shortened prison term Monday for a man at the center of a jurisdictional fight in Oklahoma's Indian Country. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma City police investigating suspected homicide at homeless camp: Officers were called to the camp near N Western and the John Kilpatrick Service Road around 8:15 a.m. Saturday. The deceased person had "injuries consistent with homicide," according to a police department news release. [The Oklahoman] Benjamin Plank allegedly shot at third Oklahoma County deputy during deadly gun battle: A man accused of shooting to death an Oklahoma County sheriff's deputy and injuring another also shot at a third deputy during a hail of gunfire, court documents show. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma prisoner from 'The Innocent Man' on Netflix has murder conviction reinstated: A prisoner featured on the Netflix documentary series "The Innocent Man" won't be going free after all. [The Oklahoman] Education News Key word was 'accountability' in OKCPS Board of Ed meeting: The word "accountability" was used so many times in Monday's Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Ed meeting that one would be forgiven for having lost count. [Oklahoma City Free Press] Shrum's OSU inauguration highlights accomplishments, goals: Oklahoma State University recently held an inauguration celebration held for Dr. Kayse Shrum, who was named the 19th president of Oklahoma State University in April 2021. [Journal Record] General News Justice for Greenwood: Tulsa's DNA collection program is a 'scam': A nonprofit that advocates for survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre gave details at a Thursday night community meeting about its stance that Black Tulsans should not submit DNA to the city. [Public Radio Tulsa] Whistleblowers allege embezzlement, fraud at Tahlequah nonprofit that championed Indigenous women: Lack of oversight resulted in years of mismanagement and allegations of fraud and embezzlement, leaving Native American women without the aid the nonprofit National Indian Women's Health Resource Center was designed to provide, an Oklahoma Watch investigation found. [Oklahoma Watch] Column: Oklahoma Joe: Let's cultivate inclusion, not exclusion in Oklahoma: As we think about future business growth in Oklahoma, we need to consider that a more inclusive society is better for our state's future than the current regressive environment that is being created within it. [Joe Hight / The Journal Record] Oklahoma Local News Emergency well drilled in Sasakwa, where some residents lacked running water for months [NonDoc] Cyber-defense program earns Rose State College national recognition [The Journal Record] Supply-chain issues delay pedestrian bridge placement over Northwest Expressway [The Oklahoman] Crest Foods to begin construction on second Edmond store [The Journal Record] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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 included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Your support makes this possible.   OK Policy is here to cut through the noise and look at the bottom line for what news and policy means for everyday Oklahomans. Tax-deductible donations from individuals like you makes our work possible. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave. #1005 | Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org Connect with us: Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences