In The Know: Housing advocates raise concern over proposed limits on federal housing assistance | Oklahoma Congressman predicts tweaks to planned Medicaid cuts | Make community great again | OK Policy is hiring!

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.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025 NOTE: In The Know will be on hiatus on Friday, August 22. It will return on Monday, August 25.  Policy Matters: Make Community Great Again   In Oklahoma, community was once a way of life. Neighbors helped each other in big and small ways, from repairing fences and cooking meals to fundraising for schools and cleaning up after storms. Today, many Oklahomans tell me this spirit is missing. Even as we live close to others, many of us feel isolated. Too often, we're being divided into camps and drawn into arguments over labels, forgetting the simple bargain we once honored: I show up for you, and you show up for me. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Housing is out of reach for working Oklahomans, seniors and people with disabilities   For Oklahomans earning minimum wage — and for many seniors and people with disabilities — affording rent is nearly impossible. Minimum wage workers need to work nearly three full-time jobs to afford a two-bedroom rental, and Social Security payments aren't enough to cover housing costs for seniors and Oklahomans with disabilities. Without bold action from lawmakers, more Oklahomans will be forced to choose between housing, health care, food, and other essentials. [Read the latest from OK Policy's Sabine Brown] $498   Average amount of their own money that public and private school teachers in Oklahoma spent on classroom supplies without reimbursement. This was higher than any of Oklahoma's neighboring states. [Economic Policy Institute] U.S. investment in public education is at risk   Weak public K–12 education spending in the U.S. and the rising trend of Republican attacks on public schools threaten our children's futures. The last decade has seen a flurry of high-quality studies that show that increasing the level of spending per pupil would have reliable effects in boosting student achievement and closing various achievement gaps. [Economic Policy Institute] "Our goal should be clear: rebuild community foundations by reclaiming shared problem-solving. We can argue about tax rates forever, or we can choose to agree that strong public schools, a fair justice system, and reliable health systems are the baseline for Oklahoma's growth."   - OK Policy Executive Director Shiloh Kantz, writing in an op-ed about returning to the spirit of community. She calls for setting aside shallow divisions and working together to solve the real problems facing our state. [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. Next up: Altus! Thursday, September 4 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Western Oklahoma State College (HLC Training Room) Register Now 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   Oklahoma housing advocates raise alarm over proposed two-year cap on rental assistance: Oklahoma housing advocates are voicing concerns about a proposal from the Trump administration to put a two year limit on rental assistance. [Fox 25] From OK Policy: Housing is out of reach for working Oklahomans, seniors and people with disabilities State Government News   Oklahoma TSET board hopes to pressure some major companies to change their policies: In an attempt to limit risks to its investments, an Oklahoma state board plans to try to shape some major companies' policies pertaining to the dispensing of medications, "discrimination" in charitable giving and images of child sex abuse. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma Supreme Court asked to block law affecting TSET board [The Journal Record] From former Oklahoma House Speaker Steve Lewis: Oklahoma Supreme Court stays HB 2783 over Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board terms (Capitol Update) Stitt event highlights 7 new laws he says promote Oklahoma as business-friendly: Gov. Kevin Stitt hosted a special event at the Capitol on Tuesday to call attention to bills passed into law this year that he said would boost the state's economy and promote Oklahoma as the most business-friendly state. [Tulsa World]   Federal Government News   Congressman Hern says One Big Beautiful Bill likely to be tweaked: Deep cuts to Medicaid and other controversial provisions of this Congress' One Big Beautiful Bill are likely to be "modified" before they take effect, 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern told the Tulsa Regional Chamber on Wednesday. Hern said one reason many of the bill's provisions aren't effective for two or three years is to allow time for adaptation and feedback. [Tulsa World] Hern says Medicaid work requirements 'most popular thing in America' [Public Radio Tulsa] 5 Key Facts About Medicaid Work Requirements [KFF] From OK Policy's Shiloh Kantz: "Republicans in Congress have hidden the pain from the federal megabill behind an election-year curtain. They timed the negative consequences so voters won't feel the impact until it's too late to hold anyone accountable." Grants to boost local emergency alert systems in question as public media agency closes: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will no longer administer a grant program that has so far provided millions of dollars to local television and radio stations to upgrade the equipment they use to send out emergency alerts. [Oklahoma Voice]   Trump admin asks SCOTUS to ban weed users from owing guns: Where do Oklahoma laws stand?: The Trump administration's lawyers want the Supreme Court to make it official that regular weed smokers, as well as other drug users, should not be allowed to own firearms. [The Oklahoman]   Here's what U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice said about biotechnology and research funding: Oklahoma's sophomore U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice says the state can play an important role in the biotechnology industry as the state continues to be a leader in innovation. [The Oklahoman]   Tribal Nations News   Muscogee Nation Supreme Court denies rehearing of Freedmen citizenship case: The Muscogee Nation Supreme Court denied a motion to hold a rehearing on the court's July 23 order that requires the Muscogee Nation Citizenship Board to enroll descendants of Muscogee Freedmen as tribal citizens. The denial appears to end the marathon legal case of Rhonda Grayson and Jeff Kennedy, two descendants of Muscogee Freedmen who sued for tribal citizenship. [NonDoc] Muscogee Nation Supreme Court rejects rehearing request in freedmen case [Tulsa World] Creek Nation Court Affirms Freedmen Citizenship, Denies Rehearing [The Black Wall Street Times] Gov. Stitt asks state Supreme Court to throw out Tulsa-Muscogee agreement: Gov. Kevin Stitt late Wednesday asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to invalidate an agreement between the city of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation that sends misdemeanor cases involving tribal citizens to tribal court. [Tulsa World]   Citing 1898 Curtis Act for jurisdiction over tribal citizens, Henryetta calls 2020 McGirt ruling 'old' news: Sued by the Muscogee Nation in federal court for prosecuting tribal citizens in alleged violation of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, the City of Henryetta has responded by arguing that "McGirt is old and, as applied here, inapplicable news." [NonDoc]   First Americans Museum refashions process for reuniting cultural items with Indigenous communities: First Americans Museum is hosting the first public screening of its 45-minute documentary film this Saturday, highlighting the reunification of tribal members in Oklahoma with cultural items relevant to their family lines. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   What have Oklahoma's governor candidates said about education?: While other leading GOP candidates for Oklahoma governor pledged to continue a campaign against the "radical left" in public schools, Attorney General and gubernatorial hopeful Gentner Drummond called for state leaders to change their tone toward teachers. [Oklahoma Voice]   Five candidates seek Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor post: Four Republicans and one Democrat have filed paperwork indicating they are running for lieutenant governor. Republican Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is serving his second term and can't seek reelection to the post. [Oklahoma Voice]   Education News   Education Watch: Naturalization Test for Teacher Certification Began This Month: Superintendent of Schools Ryan Walters appears to be moving ahead with a requirement that prospective teachers pass a U.S. Naturalization test even though the Legislature rejected the idea. [Oklahoma Watch]   How education policies from the 2025 legislative session impact Oklahoma students: As schools across the state are starting classes, students and parents may notice some changes this year, thanks to the legislature. StateImpact's Logan Layden and Beth Wallis discuss what's new for Oklahoma students this school year. [KOSU]   As U.S. college enrollment 'cliff' looms, Oklahoma should be OK, state chancellor says: Colleges and universities across the country have been enrolling fewer students in recent years, and an enrollment "cliff" is looming, a result of fewer babies being born since around the time of the Great Recession. But the outlook seems OK for Oklahoma. [Tulsa World] State colleges, universities respond to enrollment, other challenges [Tulsa World] New law bars DEI policies at state colleges and universities: Diversity, equity and inclusion policies that may have been embraced in the past on public college campuses in Oklahoma won't be any longer. [Tulsa World]   Executive director of Regional University System of Oklahoma departing after one year: The Regional University System of Oklahoma will be looking for another leader, as its executive director, Brandon Tatum, has announced his departure. [The Oklahoman]   Meet the woman in charge of making Oklahoma City school kids better readers: Kartina McDaniel has the responsibility of overcoming one of Oklahoma's toughest challenges — helping its public school children become better readers. She's been an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, principal and held several other district positions. Now, as director of elementary curriculum, instructional and professional learning, she's the point person on improving the test scores that indicate how well students can read. [The Oklahoman]   Health News   Kratom Compound Under Fire as Users Brace for Ban: The United States is grappling with the question of how to regulate kratom. In Oklahoma, the drug is still legal, though one of its compounds, considered central to its analgesic properties, 7-OH, is drawing scrutiny from both state and federal authorities. In Oklahoma, a law banning products containing more than 1% of 7-OH goes into effect in November. [Oklahoma Watch]   Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board awards $16.6 million in grants across the state: On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board announced it has awarded $16.6 million in grants to communities and schools across the state to combat the state's opioid crisis. [KFOR]   Criminal Justice News   Oklahoma private prisons set to make more money as detainments increase: There is a possibility that two of the three private prisons owned by CoreCivic could open soon and house detained immigrants. Reporting from Oklahoma Watch found that CoreCivic had advertised jobs at the vacant prisons in Watonga and Sayre. [KFOR] From OK Policy: Private prison operators are focused on profit, not public safety Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Tulsa City Councilors OK $4 million for rehousing initiative in lieu of homeless care center: City councilors on Wednesday voted 9-0 to approve the reallocation of more than $4 million to help fund an effort to rapidly rehouse Tulsans who are homeless. [Tulsa World] Proposal to limit access to medians draws questions from city councilors [Tulsa World] Community News   Facing harassment, vandalism and violence, Oklahoma faith groups take steps to stay safe: The emphasis on safety comes at a critical time as houses of worship and faith communities continue to face harassment, vandalism and theft and threats of violence. Too often, violence comes right to their doors. [The Oklahoman]   Local Headlines Tulsa Launches Office of Health and Wellbeing, names Jabraan Pasha as Chief Health Officer [The Oklahoma Eagle] CEO shares vision for renovated Tulsa PAC after three-year closure starting in 2028 [Tulsa World] Oklahoma City tourism generates $4.6B economic impact in 2024 [The Journal Record] Officer-involved shooting ruled justified, Broken Arrow police say [Tulsa World] 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.