In The Know: Homeless youth have few options in Oklahoma | Highway Patrol doubles down on pulling resources from metros | Native communities in Oklahoma stand to lose $3 billion from proposed funding freeze

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.

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025 Subscribe // View latest headlines 1974   The year the federal Privacy Act was passed to protect Americans from government overreach and misuse of personal data. Today, the Trump–DOGE initiative is sidestepping those very protections in a sweeping attempt to collect sensitive information from state agencies — without public input or clear guardrails. [Center for American Progress] The Trump administration is making an unprecedented reach for data held by states   The Trump–DOGE initiative is pushing for unprecedented federal access to state-held data — such as DMV records, birth certificates, tax info, and more — to build a centralized "mega‑database" intended to flag noncitizen voters. While billed as preventing voter fraud, the effort raises serious concerns: it sidesteps normal public notice and Privacy Act procedures, consolidates highly sensitive personal information under a political appointee agency, and invites potential misuse and intimidation of immigrant communities. [NPR] "The demand is going up significantly for services and the money is disappearing. That's kind of a perfect storm."   - Janet Fultz, Executive Director of Payne County Youth Services, speaking about financial issues hitting her organization. Their budget is projected to shrink this fiscal year by around $400,000 from various funding cuts and grant losses. She said they've turned away seven youth in the past six months alone because there wasn't enough funding to assist them. A decline in funding would mean they'd have to turn away even more. [The Frontier] 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.   Make Your Voice Heard — In Person or Online   Can't attend in person? Take our online survey (available in English and Spanish) and share your thoughts about the laws and policies that affect you and your neighbors. Your input helps shape our priorities for the next legislative session to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities across Oklahoma. Oklahoma News   Nowhere to go: Oklahoma's growing number of homeless youth have few options: There were 450 unaccompanied youth under age 24 who were experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma in 2024, a 39% increase since 2019, according to federal housing department data. The figure is likely an undercount because it only includes people sleeping outside or at shelters, and not those couch surfing or staying in motels. There is not enough housing or funding to combat the growing problem. [The Frontier] From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma – Information and Resources  State Government News   Highway Patrol doubles down on pulling resources from Oklahoma metros: Despite criticism from state lawmakers, the head of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety on Thursday dug his heels in on a plan to pull patrols from seven urban and suburban areas. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma Highway Patrol plan to pull out of urban areas worries OKC police [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Public Safety Commissioner explains why OHP is leaving major metro areas [KOSU] Lawmakers discuss eliminating property tax during fall study: Oklahoma state senators will discuss 74 interim studies during the fall at the State Capitol. At least two senators have requested to discuss ways to eliminate property taxes. Tax reform was a hot topic at the Capitol during the session. Recent legislation led to cuts to state income and grocery taxes. [KFOR]   Exclusive: Oklahoma legislator being investigated by AG office, Ethics Commission: A state legislator who has admitted in the past to using campaign funds for personal expenses is now under investigation by the state attorney general's office. Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, was first elected in 2018. She is one of 20 Democrats in the state House of Representatives. [The Oklahoman]   After string of staff departures, Oklahoma Education Department keeps resignation records secret: Following an exodus of several senior employees from state Superintendent Ryan Walters' administration, the Oklahoma State Department of Education is now refusing to release records explaining the departures. [Oklahoma Voice]   When is Tax-Free Weekend in Oklahoma, and what does it cover?: Oklahoma's Tax-Free Weekend is scheduled for Aug. 1-3, which is the first Friday through Sunday of August. While the special sales tax holiday comes as parents get ready to send their children back to school, supplies they'll need before going back to the classroom aren't covered. [KOCO] Why Sales-Tax Holidays Are Bad Tax Policy [National Review] From OK Policy: Oklahoma's sales tax holiday costs about $7 million in state revenue annually, and it has not been shown to promote economic growth of increase spending.  Opinion: Court reform or corporate coup?: If you listen closely, you can almost hear eyes glazing over whenever state leaders discuss the notion of creating specialized "business" courts. But the fact the State Supreme Court heard arguments this week about their constitutionality serves as a Gotham-sized bat signal to workaday Sooners to pay close attention. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]   Federal Government News   Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients' personal data, including addresses, to ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will be given access to the personal data of the nation's 79 million Medicaid enrollees, including home addresses and ethnicities, to track down immigrants who may not be living legally in the United States, according to an agreement obtained by The Associated Press. [AP via KFOR]   Trump's DOJ wants states to turn over voter lists, election info: The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the voter registration lists of several states — representing data on millions of Americans — and other election information ahead of the 2026 midterms, raising fears about how the Trump administration plans to use the information. [Oklahoma Voice]   Trump Administration cuts could hurt mental health in rural Oklahoma schools (audio): KOSU's Michael Cross talks with mental health and addiction reporter Sierra Pfeifer about a recent story with StateImpact Oklahoma's Beth Wallis looking into $1 billion in cuts from President Trump to schools across the country to hire mental health professionals. [KOSU] New bill could impact Medicaid clients in Oklahoma [KJRH] "Big, Beautiful Bill" Delivers Key Wins for Oklahoma Ag and Businesses, Says Senator James Lankford: Oklahoma Senator James Lankford recently discussed the recently passed "Big, Beautiful Bill," highlighting its significant impact on Oklahomans, particularly the state's agricultural producers and businesses. In an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Senator Lankford clarified key components of the extensive 940-page legislation, which he noted was a "struggle" due to its broad scope. [Oklahoma Farm Report] Editorial: Our Congressional delegation should be home to explain themselves [Tulsa World Editorial Board] From OK Policy: "Oklahomans are already facing high levels of poverty, health disparities, and barriers to opportunity. This bill doesn't fix that — it makes it worse." Department of Labor announcement means 'seismic change' for Oklahoma businesses: A recent Department of Labor memorandum means reduced immediate financial risk for Oklahoma businesses during U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigations. [The Journal Record]   Tribal Nations News   Brookings: Native communities in Oklahoma stand to lose $3 billion from proposed funding freeze: Oklahoma's Native American communities could lose $3 billion in funding for essential services due to the Trump administration's proposed mass grant freeze, according to a new report. [KOSU] A federal grant freeze could disrupt over $24 billion to Native American communities and undermine US obligations to Tribes [Brookings] Voting and Election News   Oklahoma lawmaker proposes ending straight-party voting; some say it could be a tough sell: Oklahoma is one of the last few states with the option to vote straight-party on the ballot, but one Democrat wants to change that. Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, is pressing the Republican-controlled Legislature to end a long-held option that allows voters to simply check a box to select all candidates of a specific political affiliation. [Gannett via AOL]   Opinion: Partisanship that turns politicians into saviors does not belong in church: On one hand, the recent declaration by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that it will allow houses of worship to endorse candidates for political office without losing their tax-exempt status, was a nothingburger. Yes, starting in 1954, the tax code warned that churches could lose their tax-exempt status if they participate in, or intervene in "any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office," but the rule has rarely been enforced. [Rev. Lori Walke / The Oklahoman]   Education News   CFO: Epic will close 2024-25 school year with a positive fund balance — barely: The board governing Epic Charter Schools spent more than an hour in a closed session discussing a "Notice of Concern" it received from the Statewide Charter School Board, but officials from Oklahoma's largest charter school are remaining mostly quiet publicly. [The Oklahoman]   Health News   988 suicide crisis lifeline ends program for LGBTQ+ youth, including in Oklahoma: Starting Thursday, LGBTQ+ youth in Oklahoma who dial 988 will no longer have a separate, specific option for mental health care. A 2024 survey from the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization, found 46% of LGBTQ+ youth in Oklahoma seriously considered suicide in the past year. Overall, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the state. [The Oklahoma Eagle]   Oklahoma man's death highlights dangers faced by agricultural workers: The death rate at work is about five times higher for agricultural workers compared to the average across all industries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. [KOSU]   Criminal Justice News   In email, Drummond agreed to Glossip release terms, but contract never finalized: Attorney Don Knight is asking an Oklahoma County judge to enforce a 2023 email "agreement" with Attorney General Gentner Drummond that would release Richard Glossip from prison, although other emails indicate Knight did not present his client with specific details of the agreement and a drafted contract was never signed by the parties. [NonDoc]   Oklahoma Criminal Court: 'Common intent' required for riot charges: In a new decision issued Thursday, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals found that riot charges in Oklahoma require the state to "prove the defendant's mutual or common intent with two or more others to use or threaten violence, accompanied by an immediate power to carry the threat into being." Under the ruling in Terry v. Drummond, prosecutors must prove a "common intent" in order to bring riot charges successfully. [NonDoc]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   'Our whole life is blowing up': Tulsans face eviction over rent hikes (video): Tulsans are increasingly facing eviction in the face of rent hikes. [KJRH]   Community News   Dozens show up at OKC Good Trouble protest to honor civil rights leader, protest Trump: Waving at passers-by and receiving countless honks from nearby drivers, at least three dozen people gathered Thursday, July 17, on the Broadway Extension bridge at NW 63rd St. in Oklahoma City to commemorate a civil rights leader's legacy and to protest the Trump administration. [The Oklahoman] John Lewis Fought for Us. Now It's Our Turn. [The Black Wall Street Times] Local Headlines 'This is our time': Mayor David Holt declares OKC's arrival on global stage [The Journal Record] OKC Legends Tower developer says 'there's more to come.' What we know about the project [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. 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