In The Know: 'Huge’ PSO, OG&E rate increases advanced | Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma come to tentative agreement over car tag compacts | Increasing Oklahoma’s minimum wage creates positive impacts for all Oklahomans, especially American Indians

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 Subscribe // View latest headlines   In The Know will be on hiatus Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday, and will return Monday, December 2. Increasing Oklahoma's minimum wage creates positive impacts for all Oklahomans, especially American Indians   Oklahoma has one of the nation's highest poverty rates, with nearly 1 in 6 residents living in poverty. The state's minimum wage is a contributing factor to our long-standing poverty. Wage compensation has significant consequences for Oklahoma and especially rural Oklahomans of color. American Indian, Latino, and Black Oklahomans experience poverty rates higher than both Oklahomans on the whole or their white peers. [Vivian Morris / OK Policy] $63.5 billion   Native American women in the United States are typically paid just 52 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. Native American women lose almost $63.5 billion to the wage gap every year. [National Partnership for Women and Families] How the Government Can End Poverty for Native American Women   Policymakers have a plethora of programs and tools that, when layered to meet the unique needs of specific communities, can be truly transformational for Native women in the labor force. When equal pay measures are enacted alongside other social safety net and work support policies—such as access to health care, paid family and medical leave, quality and affordable child and elder care, and an increased minimum wage—Native women can not only gain pay equity but also build lasting economic security their families. [Center for American Progress] "Poverty is a policy choice. When Oklahoma lawmakers keep the state's minimum wage at its lowest possible rate, it ensures that our state's low-wage workers will continue to struggle to make ends meet. Oklahoma can and should address it by raising the minimum wage."   - OK Policy Tribal-State Policy Analyst Vivian Morris [OK Policy] Oklahoma News   Corporation Commission advances 'huge' PSO, OG&E rate increases: Despite an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision looming on whether Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett may vote on cases involving companies with direct knowledge of his alleged misconduct, he took part in actions Tuesday that allowed large rate increases to proceed for the state's two biggest electric utilities. [NonDoc]   State Government News   Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma governor come to agreement on tribal tag compact: The tentative compact needs the approval of the Council of the Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Legislature's Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. Both sides said that approval is expected by the end of the year. [Oklahoma Voice] Cherokee Nation, state of Oklahoma tentatively agree to motor vehicle compact following months of negotiations [Cherokee Phoenix] Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma come to tentative agreement over car tag compacts [KOSU] Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma work out car tag compact after long dispute [The Oklahoman] Cherokee Nation agrees to pay state $2 million in outstanding tolls as part of new compact [Tulsa World] Bixby superintendent's defamation lawsuit against Oklahoma schools chief moves forward: A court hearing to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a Green Country superintendent against Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters went forward Tuesday. Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller filed suit against Walters in August, alleging the head of Oklahoma's public education system "uttered malicious, slanderous and defamatory statements" against him at a July 31 press conference. [Public Radio Tulsa] Ryan Walters' attorneys ask Oklahoma court to throw out libel case against him [The Oklahoman] Superintendent Ryan Walters' attorneys push for dismissal of defamation lawsuit [Tulsa World] 'Very unusual': Spurlock suggests OSBI Commission reform, spurs special meeting: Following a trio of new gubernatorial appointments with connections to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton, the commission overseeing the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has scheduled a special meeting in January to discuss director Aungela Spurlock's "performance" after she recommended that the Legislature consider restructuring her governing body. [NonDoc]   Oklahoma age registration for porn sites goes into effect: A law requiring age verification for pornographic websites is now in effect in Oklahoma, prompting the most-visited adult site in the world to restrict access to it via Oklahoma-based Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. [The Journal Record]   Opinion: Unity calls try to gloss over uncomfortable reality. Oklahoma continues to harm its marginalized: Critics of "cancel culture" and the so-called "radical left" argue that our divisions are tearing us apart and that we need to find common ground. But these appeals gloss over an uncomfortable truth — our disagreements are not abstract. They are not just about tax policies or infrastructure spending. They are about people's lives. [Kati Malicoate / Oklahoma Voice]   Federal Government News   Renewed focus on immigration policy in Oklahoma amid Trump administration's transition: Immigration policy could once again be a top issue at the Oklahoma Capitol this upcoming legislative session. [Oklahoma Voice] On edge: Latino community leader is both hopeful and fearful ahead of Trump presidency [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Inclusive immigration policy is good for everyone Under Trump, many states might pursue Medicaid work requirements: Arkansas was one of 13 states that received permission to impose work rules on at least some Medicaid recipients during the last Trump administration. Nine additional states requested permission to enact Medicaid work requirements during Trump's term but had not won approval by the time it ended. Oklahoma has pending requests to require at least some of their Medicaid recipients to work. [Oklahoma Voice] From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Most Medicaid Enrollees Work, Refuting Proposals to Condition Medicaid on Unnecessary Work Requirements Tribal Nations News   From museums to art galleries, 20 places to explore Native American heritage across Oklahoma: With 39 Native nations headquartered across the state, though, Oklahoma is home to numerous cultural centers, museums and historic sites where people can learn about the art, languages and lifeways of the tribes all year long. [The Oklahoman] NOTE: The Friday following Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day, which is Nov. 29 this year.  Opinion: Honoring Native American heritage shouldn't be for only one month: As Oklahomans, we are fortunate to live in a state rich with opportunities to explore and celebrate Native cultures. These experiences are available year-round, offering countless ways to deepen our understanding and cultivate genuine cultural appreciation. [Blake Norton / The Oklahoman]   Voting and Election News   Editorial: Elections are for the American people, not political parties: Elections in America are for the people, not political parties, and a citizen's petition effort would bring that principle back to Oklahoma ballots. [Editorial / Tulsa World]   Education News   Owasso Public Schools among recipients of $2.5 million from Opioid Abatement Board: Owasso Public Schools plans to use its $150,000 award to hire an additional school nurse at Ram Academy. Along with the nurse's regular day-to-day duties, the individual in that position will lead an effort to research, organize and implement an opioid awareness curriculum. [Tulsa World]   Opinion: Commingling America's founding documents with the Bible trivializes Holy Writ: What in the world are you thinking, Ryan Walters? As Oklahoma's state schools superintendent, you could be a thoughtful Christian influence for good. But, mandating that "Trump Bibles" be put in classrooms? And ordering that students watch a video (to be distributed to parents) of you praying for Trump! Really? Would Jesus impose himself that way? [F. LaGard Smith / The Oklahoman]   Health News   Child advocacy group pushes for improved health care access for Oklahoma youths: It has been nearly five years since Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid, but thousands of children in the state still aren't covered by insurance and lack access to basic health and dental care. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy has set a goal for making 2025 a year of change. [Tulsa World]   OU students, OSMA propose legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for prostate cancer screening: A coalition of Oklahoma medical students is working with the State Medical Association (OSMA) to propose a measure that would expand coverage of prostate cancer screening under Medicaid during the next legislative session. [KGOU]   Oklahoma is short on nurses. Here's how the state plans to train more nurses quicker: Given a nationwide shortage of nurses, Oklahoma educational leaders are working together to find new ways to train more nursing students. [The Oklahoman]   Criminal Justice News   After prior battery plea, OKCPS teacher Kiera Smith arrested as 'horseplay' injures student: An Oklahoma City Public Schools educator who previously pleaded to resolve a 2018 criminal charge for grabbing a co-worker's crotch was arrested again Tuesday after a 13-year-old student was injured during some sort of wrestling activity in a classroom. [NonDoc]   Pursuit in Creek County leaves two dead after trooper spins out fleeing vehicle: Two people are dead after a pursuit involving the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in Creek County. Mannford police reportedly began the pursuit about 6 p.m. Monday, according to OHP Lt. Mark Southall. [Tulsa World]   Mayor-elect Monroe Nichols names Tulsa police major as public safety commissioner: Tulsa Police Maj. Laurel Roberts will join Mayor-elect Monroe Nichols' administration in the new position of public safety commissioner, he said Tuesday. [Tulsa World]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Evictions could spike across Oklahoma: Housing experts predict Oklahoma could see a surge in evictions over the next two months. Oklahoma already has one of the highest eviction rates in the country and the pandemic relief funds to prevent evictions has expired, which could lead to a heightened spike. [KFOR]   Key to Home initiative houses 26 people from downtown OKC encampments before winter hits: Several downtown OKC homeless encampments have been cleared, and the people once living there are now being housed thanks to the Key to Home Partnership, a collaboration of nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma who are working towards ending homelessness in OKC. [Fox 25]   Local Headlines New MAPS 4 animal shelter plans have finalized. When will construction begin? [The Oklahoman] Where is sales tax the cheapest? How OKC compares to metro-area cities on sales tax [The Oklahoman] 'It can be a matter of life or death': Norman approves new plan for shelter management [Fox 25] 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. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Lawsuit alleges Walters didn't adequately investigate bullying | Put out of office by voters, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice has no regrets | Three things needed to reform education in Oklahoma

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 Subscribe // View latest headlines Three things needed to reform education in Oklahoma (Capitol Update)    A group of education leaders and others from across the state are organizing an effort to improve Oklahoma's schools under the name Advance Oklahoma's Kids. They are gathering input through a short online survey, community forums, and listening sessions to develop a policy agenda they're calling Better Outcomes for Oklahoma's Schools, or BOOK, that harkens back to the 1990 education reform package known as House Bill 1017. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] 1 in 14   By age 14, 1 in 14 U.S. children experiences a resident parent leaving for jail or prison. [Society for Research in Child Development] I grew up visiting my mom in prison. Here's what schools should know about students like me    It is deeply traumatic to be separated from your parent and to worry about their well-being. It can also be very isolating. I remember feeling like I was the only one going through maternal incarceration, unaware that many thousands of kids around the country were experiencing the same thing. We need support and community, yet one of the biggest challenges is that students often don't know what resources are available or how to access them. [Chalkbeat] "The fundamental problem is that too few people have all the money and power and everybody else has too little of either."   -The late former Oklahoma U.S. Senator Fred R. Harris told the New York Times in 1975. Harris was the last surviving member of the Kerner Commission, which in 1968 produced a landmark report on race, power and money in the United States. Harris launched brief presidential campaigns in 1972 and 1976, but neither went very far. Harris died Saturday at the age of 94. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma News   Lawsuit alleges Walters' 'political distractions,' agency downsizing kept it from adequately investigating bullying: State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education are named in a lawsuit alleging state anti-bullying laws were not adequately enforced. [KOSU]   Pagan prayer before Tulsa City Council meeting riles up Gov. Stitt, Ryan Walters: The people behind the invocation before last week's Tulsa's City Council meeting would like Gov. Kevin Stitt, State Superintendent Ryan Walters and other state officials who are in a tizzy over the prayer to know that it had nothing to do with Satan. [Tulsa World]   State Government News   Tax cuts, ingredient bans: The new proposed laws filed in Oklahoma: Oklahoma lawmakers want to cut personal income taxes, ban certain ingredients from food and drinks and place new requirements on where wind turbines can be built. Those ideas and others are among the earliest bills proposed for the 2025 legislative session. [The Oklahoman]   Federal Government News   Fred R. Harris, former Oklahoma U.S. senator and presidential hopeful, dies at 94: For one white-hot decade, Fred R. Harris was arguably the brightest light in Oklahoma politics. Born to a dirt-poor family in a two-room farmhouse near Walters, south of Lawton, he was elected to the Oklahoma Senate at 26 and the U.S. Senate at 33 and almost became the Democratic vice presidential nominee at 37. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Democrats mourn Fred Harris, former US senator and presidential candidate [AP via The Journal Record] Opinion: As reality stars take center stage in Trump cabinet, Oklahomans will have to think critically: Recent political events seem to be persuading many adults that we need to do a much better job of controlling – and not being controlled by – our cell phones and social media. Given that we have just elected a president who was a pioneer in "reality television," we need to learn how to not be swept up by this medium. [John Thompson / Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Plan to return St. Louis mound to Osage Nation progresses: The city of St. Louis, the Osage Nation and the nonprofit Counterpublic announced on Thursday that an 86-year-old woman who owns a home that sits atop Sugarloaf Mound has agreed to sell it and eventually transfer the property to the tribe. [AP via ICT]   Cherokee Nation celebrates opening of new Head Start facility: The Cherokee Nation celebrated the opening of the $7.3 million Nowata Head Start Center last week. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Put out of office by voters, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice has no regrets: Yvonne Kauger's interpretation of the law and the paths she's blazed outside the courtroom have shaped the foundation of Oklahoma's justice system for decades. When the 87-year-old retires Dec. 1, she'll collectively be the longest serving Oklahoma Supreme Court justice and staff attorney. She'll also be the first Oklahoma Supreme Court justice in state history to not be retained by voters following a dark money campaign that targeted her as a liberal judge and as being too old. [Oklahoma Voice]   Education News   Article questioning legality of OU education course under DEI order sparks conversation about exceptions: An article from a right-leaning news organization criticizing an OU education course has sparked conversations about the specific exemptions in Gov. Kevin Stitt's executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion. [OU Daily]   Lesson Learned: Warner Student Phone Ban Could Be a Statewide Model: While schools everywhere struggle to wrest students' attention away from smartphones, Warner Public Schools has held steadfast to its total bell-to-bell ban since 2013. [Oklahoma Watch]   Former senior administrator at Tulsa Public Schools sentenced to prison: A former Tulsa Public Schools executive was sentenced to federal prison Monday in a years-long embezzlement scheme. [Tulsa World]   Former teacher accuses Cache schools of firing her because she reported sexual harassment: A former agriculture teacher for Cache Public Schools has accused the school district of retaliation for reporting alleged acts of sexual harassment committed by a teacher against herself and students. [The Oklahoman]   Criminal Justice News   Criminal case dropped against one former Tulsa County juvenile detention center employee: Tulsa County prosecutors on Monday dismissed charges against a former juvenile detention center employee after their main witness — the alleged victim in the case — refused to testify. [Tulsa World]   Jail advisory council seeks new director after 'driving force' behind reform leaves: Just as the Oklahoma County jail advisory task force put criminal justice practitioners in charge, replacing the business leaders who founded it, the organization finds itself without a daily chief. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Lawmakers must build on criminal justice reforms, not tear them down (Legislative Wrap-Up) 'Too many funerals': Local church hosts gun safety awareness event: Oklahoma County district attorney painted a bleak picture for the holidays but her somber message fit the topic of discussion at a local church. [The Oklahoman]   Opinion: Incarcerated Oklahomans deserve opportunities. Higher education is lifechanging:  Having a college education eases the transition from prison back to a community, but there are still so many challenges people face outside the prison gates. [Tricia Everest / The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   Could Oklahoma be a model for reducing oil and gas-induced earthquakes?: A study from the U.S. Geological Survey used physics-based modeling to show the number of earthquakes in Oklahoma would have been more than four times higher in 2024 without mandates requiring more shallow wastewater injection depths in oil and gas production. [KOSU]   ONEOK announces billion-dollar acquisition plans. What will this mean for investors?: Tulsa-based ONEOK has announced plans to acquire $4.3 billion of common stock from EnLink Midstream by the end of the first quarter in 2025. [Tulsa World]   Community News   4 new books by Oklahoma authors out this November: If you need something to read during Thanksgiving break, here are some recommendations of new books by local authors. [KOSU]   'Focus: Black Oklahoma': Tulsa's first Black mayor, holiday stress, Black Wall Street film: This episode of Focus: Black Oklahoma features stories on Monroe Nichols' historic mayoral win, how the Tulsa Dream Center helps during the holidays, a new film on Black Wall Street and more. [KOSU]   Local Headlines Proponents for $1B Norman entertainment district challenge petition [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. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.