In The Know: Federal deportation efforts are underway in Oklahoma with help of state, local agencies | Trump budget bill could make it harder for Oklahomans to access health care | Attorneys challenge new Oklahoma business courts

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.

MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 Subscribe // View latest headlines $45 billion   The amount ICE could spend over two years on "Emergency Detention and Related Services," paving the way for new privately run immigration detention centers amid plans to massively expand deportations. [National Immigrant Justice Center] Takeaways from AP's reporting on shuttered prisons, mass deportation push and no-bid contracts   As the federal government ramps up plans to detail and deport more immigrants, private prison companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group are revising shuttered facilities through no-bid or modified contracts — raising serious concerns about oversight, abuse, and local resistance. [Associated Press] "We need to be there for the most vulnerable, for the immigrant, for the stranger and the impoverished."   - Rep. Arturo Alonso (Oklahoma City) emphasizing the importance of treating students and parents with dignity regardless of their immigration status. This matters more than ever, as harsh immigration policies are fueling fear and anxiety among families. [The Oklahoman] You're invited to join a Community Listening Session near you!   This summer, the Oklahoma Policy Institute and Together Oklahoma are hosting in-person listening sessions across the state to hear directly from Oklahomans about the issues that matter most in their communities. These free, public events offer a chance to connect with neighbors, share your experiences, and speak with policy experts. Participants will receive compensation for their time.   Make your voice heard—find a session near you and join the conversation. Oklahoma News   Federal deportation efforts are underway in Oklahoma as state, local agencies help: Halfway through the 2024 legislative session, Stitt signed House Bill 4156, criminalizing anyone in the state without legal immigration status. The new law has been blocked in federal court before it could be fully enforced, twice. [KOSU] From OK Policy: Silence in the face of injustice puts each of us at risk (Commentary) Trump budget bill could make it harder for Oklahomans to access health care, hospitals say: Oklahoma hospital leaders are warning that proposed Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" could cripple rural hospitals throughout the state, forcing some to close or cut services. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Hospital Leaders Warn of Dire Consequences from Proposed Medicaid Cuts in Big Beautiful Bill [Hoodline] Oklahoma hospital leaders sound alarm on potential Medicaid funding loss impacts [Fox 25] Medicaid Cuts: What do they mean for Oklahomans? (video) [News on 6] State Government News   Attorneys challenge new Oklahoma business courts: A group of Oklahoma City attorneys filed a lawsuit against Gov. Kevin Stitt this week, requesting the Oklahoma Supreme Court prevent the creation of a business court system they consider unconstitutional. They argue the bill unconstitutionally creates a barrier to services through a $1,565 filing fee, which they say violates Oklahoma law. [KOSU]   'It's a lot': As investigations linger, ODMHSAS declines to release reports approved by board: Despite months of public drama about fiscal chaos at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the agency is declining to release four new reports about internal audits and inspections approved by its governing board June 26. [NonDoc]   Group claims 'gamefowl' PAC leaders seen on secret video at rural Oklahoma cockfight: In videos secretly captured in 2025, two leaders of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission political action committee were reportedly seen at a cockfight in rural Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman]   Federal Government News   Senators kick off debate on Trump's major tax, Medicaid, border bill: The Senate is getting closer to voting on President Donald Trump's package of legislative priorities as Republicans try to thread the needle for tax cuts, Medicaid reforms and border security funding with a narrow majority. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans Senate's 'big, beautiful bill' faces serious headwinds in the House: The Senate's version of the "big, beautiful bill" is facing serious headwinds in the House with The Hill learning that at least six House Republicans are currently a "no" on the framework, a daunting sign for GOP leadership as the Senate races towards a vote. [The Hill]   Oklahoma nonprofits brace for major federal funding cuts: Oklahoma's nonprofit sector is anxiously awaiting action on the budget bill championed by President Donald Trump that cuts billions of dollars from federal government programs including Medicaid and SNAP food stamps. [The Journal Record]   Republican Senator Mullin says babies born in US should be deported if parents are: Republican U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday he believes babies born in the United States to immigrants living in the country illegally should be deported alongside their parents if the adults are removed. [Reuters]   Opinion: Medicaid cuts will worsen the caregiver crisis. We've already seen the warning signs: Recent budget discussions include massive cuts to Medicaid — the very lifeline that makes caregiving even remotely possible for families like the ones we serve. Cutting Medicaid doesn't just reduce benefits. It rips away the fragile scaffolding holding these families together. [Lisa Kelly / Tulsa World]   Opinion: Donald Trump is far from being the most profane president: Trump may be flawed, but he's far from the most crude of presidents. That title belongs to President Lyndon Johnson. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]   Tribal Nations News   Seminole Nation of Oklahoma officials stand in solidarity with Florida tribal nations against 'Alligator Alcatraz': The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is joining forces with the two federally recognized tribes in Florida in the fight against Ron DeSantis and Florida's rapid efforts to build a migrant detention center set to house 5,000 beds. [KOSU]   Cherokee Tribal Council approves funding for new Claremore medical facility: The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approved a multimillion-dollar appropriation Thursday afternoon to pay for a new health care facility in Claremore. Slated to replace the Claremore Indian Hospital in 2027, the $255.5 million facility would include a wellness center, outpatient services and an emergency room. [Tulsa World]   Voting and Election News   Cheat sheet: Open Choctaw Nation District 5 seat draws 7 candidates: Seven candidates are competing in a July 12 special election to represent District 5 on the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council. The district covers the northeast corner of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, including parts of Haskell County and LeFlore County. [NonDoc]   Education News   'Remember these are kids' Educators speak out about how immigration policies are affecting students: Some kindergartners toted something a bit unusual amid the jumbo crayons, glue and pencils in the backpacks they carried to school this year: their birth certificates. Typically safeguarded at home, the important documents were being sent to school with some children because fear of family separation is running rampant in local immigrant communities. [The Oklahoman]   Some Oklahoma university, college tuition rates will increase: What to know: More than a dozen Oklahoma colleges and universities are raising tuition rates and mandatory fees this fall. Both large universities and community colleges will be affected by the increases, including the University of Oklahoma in Norman and University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. [The Oklahoman]   New law elevating dyslexia training takes effect July 1: A new law authored by Sen. Carri Hicks to better support children with dyslexia will go into effect on July 1, following unanimous approval during the 2025 legislative session. Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore served as the House principal author of the measure. [The Journal Record]   Opinion: Oklahoma lawmakers love to grade schools. Here's a taste of their own medicine: A report card: If you're keeping track, that brings the Oklahoma Legislature to about a C average grade for the session. Here's hoping they can bring up their GPA and our state's overall quality of life next year. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]   Health News   Executive order targets food additives and fluoride to improve health (audio): Governor Kevin Stitt has issued some high-profile executive orders over the last several months and the latest one came down on Thursday. This one was to implement what the governor calls a "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" initiative. [KGOU]   Oklahoma leaders renew push to ban food dyes in state-funded meals: State leaders are reviving efforts to eliminate certain food dyes from Oklahoma's meals and schools after a series of related bills failed to gain traction earlier this year. Governor Kevin Stitt, joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced that he is directing state agencies to remove synthetic dyes from state-funded meals. [News 9]   Criminal Justice News   Oklahoma County jail trust faces multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, dodges dissolution: The beleaguered Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority was briefly at risk of being disbanded, but instead will continue its work in improving a notoriously deadly jail with new and ongoing money issues, trustees said. [The Oklahoman]   Under fire, Oklahoma County jail trust votes to evaluate its future: Facing increasing pressure to dissolve, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority voted unanimously on Friday to launch a formal review of its performance. The evaluation will examine whether the authority is effective and sustainable, as demands persist for jail operations to be handed back to the county sheriff's office. [KOSU]   More states are tracking rape kits. But key support for survivors may be slipping away: After years of pressure over lost or untested sexual assault kits, a growing number of states are adopting systems to track the kits — giving survivors a way to follow their evidence through the justice process. But despite nearly $400 million in federal support since 2015, backlogs persist, and some states still lack basic oversight. [Oklahoma Voice]   Editorial: We want security in an insecure world in light of fatal shootings. Know your role: Until everyone does their part, we will continue to call press conferences, create task forces and plead for this community to stand up when too many residents are laid to rest by gun violence. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   New affordable apartment complex to be built on formerly blighted north Tulsa site: Construction will begin soon on a new multifamily apartment complex in north Tulsa, with a goal of placing more affordable housing options close to downtown. The complex will include 20 units designated for chronically homeless individuals funded by the city of Tulsa's HOME American Rescue Plan Program funds. [Tulsa World]   Economy & Business News   'Behind the meter' legislation sparks industrial park, data center development in Chickasha: The "behind the meter" bill passed the Oklahoma Legislature this year with unanimous support, allowing companies to build off-the-grid power plants. Supporters say the measure will boost economic growth by easing energy burdens on utilities and accelerate large-scale development projects in the state. [NonDoc]   Community News   PrideFest Parade caps off June in Oklahoma City: The Oklahoma Pride Alliance hosted its fifth annual event, complete with a weekend of activities. The parade route started near the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, then traveled south on Walker Avenue to Oklahoma City Boulevard, then east to South Robinson Avenue, ending at Scissortail Park. [The Oklahoman]   Local Headlines Tulsa County wins award for efforts to fund county bridges, roads statewide [Tulsa World] Tulsa Public Schools, Teachers Retirement System settlement terms disclosed [Tulsa World] How does Edmond compare now to its leaders' visions then? Take a look at recent progress [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. 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.

Weekly Wonk: Youth justice recap during this #okleg session | Protests get likes; voting gets results | Cash bail doesn’t make us safer, but pretrial reform can

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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025 Subscribe // View latest headlines One step forward for youth this session, two steps back on investment   This session, Oklahoma took action to protect youth from harmful systems and shield students with special needs from physical abuse at school. Lawmakers also passed a measure that will examine the feasibility of modernizing Oklahoma's application for social support benefits. These measures, coupled with investment in support that Oklahomans need, could prevent youth from harm while strengthening their families' ability to thrive. [Jill Mencke / OK Policy] From OK Policy: HB 1965 will help connect first-time youth offenders in Oklahoma with community-based services (video) Cash bail doesn't make us safer, but pretrial reform can (Capitol Update)   It may be time for the legislature to take another look at pretrial release reform in Oklahoma. Pretrial reform would protect the public and help Oklahoma honor the fundamental principle of "innocent until proven guilty." [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Policy Matters: Protests get likes; voting gets results   But now what? That's the question hanging in the air after the "No Kings" protests swept across the country, including more than 10 rallies held statewide in Oklahoma. For the folks who attended: You marched. You showed up. You made a statement. Now comes the part that doesn't trend — turning action into real, lasting political change. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] You're invited to join a Community Listening Session near you!   This summer, the Oklahoma Policy Institute and Together Oklahoma are hosting in-person listening sessions across the state to hear directly from Oklahomans about the issues that matter most in their communities. These free, public events offer a chance to connect with neighbors, share your experiences, and speak with policy experts. Participants will receive compensation for their time.   Make your voice heard—find a session near you and join the conversation. "Cutting health care and food aid is not aligned with Oklahoma values. It is a betrayal of them."   – Tiffany Tagbo, writing in an op-ed about the U.S. Senate's push to pass the federal reconciliation bill through reconciliation — a budget tool meant for fine-tuning fiscal policy, now being exploited to bypass transparency and debate. [Oklahoma Voice] $16,500 - The estimated annual cost to provide licensed center-based child care for an infant in Oklahoma. While costs decrease as children age, the average never drops below $8,000 per year for children under age 5. [RAND]   31% - The percent of rural hospitals in Oklahoma that face immediate risk of closure. Proposed deep cuts to Medicaid in the Senate's reconciliation package threaten these vulnerable facilities and jeopardize health access in rural Oklahoma. [Center for American Progress]   3,432 - The number of youth who entered foster care in Oklahoma in 2023 — equating to a rate of 3.55 per 100,000 children. That ranks Oklahoma 33rd in the nation, though two states did not report data. [The Administration for Children and Families]   686,800 - The number of Oklahoma residents reached by SNAP in federal fiscal year 2024 — accounting for 17% of the state population, or 1 in 6 people. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] How States Are Trying to Make Child Care More Affordable: States are piloting diverse strategies — such as tax credits for private donations, cost-sharing grants, regulatory easing for providers, and employer-supported childcare — to lower costs and expand access for working families. These initiatives aim to stabilize the childcare sector, retain quality providers, and boost workforce participation and business recruitment by treating childcare as an economic and public-good priority. [Governing]   Republicans Threaten a Hospital Apocalypse: Senate Republicans' proposed budget reconciliation bill dramatically scales back Medicaid provider-tax financing, which could accelerate closures of rural and safety-net hospitals already weakened by prior pandemic-era shutdowns. Experts warn that shuttered rural facilities would overload the entire care system, reducing access even for insured patients, while compounding financial strain from rising uncompensated emergency care. [The American Prospect]   Protect and Redirect: America's Growing Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System: Diversion programs, which steer youth away from arrest and formal juvenile court, are proven to reduce re-arrests and improve educational and employment outcomes — especially compared to traditional court processing — and help address racial and ethnic disparities. Best practices include pre-charge diversion, independent oversight outside of probation or prosecutors, data-driven evaluation, and effective public messaging emphasizing accountability through support rather than punishment. [The Sentencing Project]   Oklahoma Summer EBT Recipients Report Lower Food Insecurity, but Access Remains Unequal: Oklahoma Summer EBT recipients reported food insecurity at a rate of 65%, compared with 82% among eligible non-recipients — highlighting a significant reduction in hunger for participating households. However, access to the benefit remains uneven, with disparities in outreach and enrollment, particularly in rural and Tribal-serving areas. [The Urban Institute] Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' has serious flaws that will hurt Oklahomans   Oklahoma's entire congressional delegation recently voted for H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping bill that supporters claim will root out Medicaid fraud and restore fiscal responsibility. But a closer look reveals misleading data, misplaced priorities and policies that could do more harm than good — especially to Oklahomans. In a recent letter to a constituent, Rep. Stephanie Bice claimed that 4.8 million "able bodied adults choose not to work," 1.4 million undocumented immigrants are receiving Medicaid, and another 1.2 million people are enrolled who don't qualify. None of these claims withstand scrutiny. The 4.8 million figure refers to adults without dependents who are enrolled in Medicaid. It does not mean they're refusing to work. Many are employed in low-wage jobs or face barriers like mental illness, caregiving responsibilities or lack of transportation — especially in rural areas. The idea that 1.4 million undocumented immigrants are receiving Medicaid is simply false. Federal law already bars undocumented people from accessing full Medicaid benefits. The only exception is emergency care, and there is no reliable data showing widespread abuse of this exception.   As for the 1.2 million supposedly ineligible enrollees, the vast majority are due to state administrative errors, not intentional fraud. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that less than 10% of improper payments are tied to fraud. Most are the result of paperwork mistakes or system glitches.   And yet, H.R. 1 imposes new restrictions — particularly work requirements — that could strip coverage from thousands of low-income Oklahomans. Nearly 1 in 4 Oklahomans rely on Medicaid. For many in rural communities, it's the only path to care. These new barriers don't reduce fraud; they reduce access.   If this were truly about cracking down on fraud, we'd hear more about the billions lost to high level, corporate abuse. But there's been no outrage from our delegation about the fact that President Donald Trump — whose name headlines the bill — commuted the sentences of people responsible for more than $1.8 billion in actual Medicaid and Medicare fraud. That includes Lawrence Duran, who ran one of the largest mental health scams in U.S. history, bilking taxpayers out of more than $200 million. Others received similar clemency for orchestrating massive schemes. Not one member of Oklahoma's congressional delegation has addressed this contradiction.   Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, along with Reps. Bice, Kevin Hern, Tom Cole, Frank Lucas and Josh Brecheen, all support H.R. 1. While several have echoed the need to fight "waste, fraud and abuse," none have challenged the misleading statistics or the double standard of punishing low-income patients while letting white-collar fraudsters off the hook.   We absolutely need accountability in public programs. But accountability must go both ways. It must include oversight of providers and corporations that exploit loopholes — not just policies that make it harder for working families to get the care they need. Oklahoma has some of the highest rates of poverty and uninsured adults in the country. We can't afford policies that target the wrong people.   H.R. 1 doesn't solve fraud — it redirects blame. Oklahomans deserve better than political posturing. We deserve leadership rooted in truth, fairness and a serious commitment to protecting both taxpayers and patients.   [Trish Emig / The Oklahoman] How States Are Trying to Make Child Care More Affordable: States are piloting diverse strategies — such as tax credits for private donations, cost-sharing grants, regulatory easing for providers, and employer-supported childcare — to lower costs and expand access for working families. These initiatives aim to stabilize the childcare sector, retain quality providers, and boost workforce participation and business recruitment by treating childcare as an economic and public-good priority. [Governing]   Republicans Threaten a Hospital Apocalypse: Senate Republicans' proposed budget reconciliation bill dramatically scales back Medicaid provider-tax financing, which could accelerate closures of rural and safety-net hospitals already weakened by prior pandemic-era shutdowns. Experts warn that shuttered rural facilities would overload the entire care system, reducing access even for insured patients, while compounding financial strain from rising uncompensated emergency care. [The American Prospect]   Protect and Redirect: America's Growing Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System: Diversion programs, which steer youth away from arrest and formal juvenile court, are proven to reduce re-arrests and improve educational and employment outcomes — especially compared to traditional court processing — and help address racial and ethnic disparities. Best practices include pre-charge diversion, independent oversight outside of probation or prosecutors, data-driven evaluation, and effective public messaging emphasizing accountability through support rather than punishment. [The Sentencing Project]   Oklahoma Summer EBT Recipients Report Lower Food Insecurity, but Access Remains Unequal: Oklahoma Summer EBT recipients reported food insecurity at a rate of 65%, compared with 82% among eligible non-recipients — highlighting a significant reduction in hunger for participating households. However, access to the benefit remains uneven, with disparities in outreach and enrollment, particularly in rural and Tribal-serving areas. [The Urban Institute] Support Our Work with a Donation 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. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@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.