[In The Know] OKC, Tulsa eviction moratoriums proposed; state's racial profiling law results in few cases; and more

View this email in your browser. 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 may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy Unemployment insurance keeps Oklahomans safe, supports the economy: Since March 15, more than 450,000 people have filed new unemployment claims in Oklahoma. These unemployment claims make up nearly 10 percent of our civilian labor force, and it means that a lot of Oklahomans are out of work. For comparison, we’ve seen more claims since mid-March than we saw in all of 2009, the year during the Great Recession that Oklahoma saw the largest number of new unemployment claims. Unemployment insurance will be a critical piece of our ability to weather and recover from this economic and public health emergency. It is in everyone’s best interest for the system to be robust and accessible to all who need it. [Courtney Cullison / OK Policy] Oklahoma News City councils in Tulsa and OKC to consider calling for moratorium on evictions: During an online conference hosted this week by a coalition of religious groups to discuss evictions in Oklahoma, members of the Tulsa City Council agreed to vote next week on a resolution asking Gov. Kevin Stitt to issue a moratorium on evictions in the state to give tenants more time to collect unemployment and stimulus benefits. [Tulsa World] OK Policy and its Open Justice Oklahoma program have been tracking evictions in Oklahoma and noted that reopening Oklahoma’s courts must be done thoughtfully to avoid a public health disaster. Twenty years after it became a crime, racial profiling charges remain scarce: Friday will mark the 20th anniversary of the passage of a state law that for the first time explicitly banned racial profiling by law enforcement agencies. The law made it a misdemeanor crime for officers to stop, detain or arrest someone based on their race or ethnicity. But there’s little evidence that the law has brought any teeth to the ban against racial profiling. A 2018 Oklahoma Watch investigation found that every complaint submitted to the state attorney general’s office or the now-shuttered Oklahoma Human Rights Commission over the past decade was dismissed. The reason often given is lack of proof.  Two years later, as nationwide protests over racial unrest and police brutality have put policing practices back in a spotlight, the picture hasn’t changed. [Oklahoma Watch] Protests bring increased attention to police budgets and practices in OKC, Tulsa Residents and council members question OKC police department’s request for more funding [The Frontier] Oklahoma City police make budget pitch, citizens want more accountability [NonDoc] Questioning police policy: Speakers demand change during OKC Council budget meeting [The Journal Record] OKC residents call for police change during hours-long hearing [The Oklahoman] Police union backs chief, asks some elected leaders to apologize [The Oklahoman] Tulsa police union opposes mayor's renewed effort to create oversight program [Tulsa World] Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin talks protests, George Floyd video and being a black man in America [Tulsa World] Editorial: Tulsa needs to act now to protect the lives of black Americans [Tulsa World] Statewide protest-related coverage All of your questions answered on civil disturbance and unrest training for Tulsa Police, OK Army National Guard [Tulsa World] OKC mayor joins protesters in downtown OKC late Tuesday [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma City sit-in participants urge George Floyd protesters to stay peaceful [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma march leaves many feeling empty [Gaylord News via Enid News & Eagle] After peaceful protest at Tulsa Hills, young protesters move to 71st and Memorial, get out of street only after tear gas is used [Tulsa World] Protesters gassed at 71st and Memorial: Timeline of Tuesday's demonstrations in the Tulsa area spurred by death of George Floyd [Tulsa World] Police deploy pepper balls at protesters outside Woodland Hills Mall on Monday night [Tulsa World] Still no decision on curfew in Tulsa night after contentious protests [The Frontier] Thousands in Tulsa protest the killings of Black lives [The Black Wall Street Times] Video shot by plainclothes TCSO deputy embedded in protest shows pickup driving through protesters on Tulsa bridge [Tulsa World] Brookside damage: Consignment store owner says vandals caused estimated $10,000 damage [Tulsa World] Organized by 16-year-old, Norman protest peaceful [The Oklahoman] Norman protesters call Tuesday march encouraging [KOSU] Enid community members address BLM protests, Floyd death [Enid News & Eagle] "This is what community looks like:" Teen activist leads peaceful protest through Claremore [Claremore Daily Progress] Black Lives Matter protests held in Shawnee, statewide [Shawnee News-Star] Listen Frontier (Audio): Demands for justice in Oklahoma streets [The Frontier] Former Oklahoma County DA: This isn't a police thing, it's an "us" thing [Opinion / The Oklahoman] COVID-19: 5 more deaths reported as cases rise by 119 in Oklahoma: Five more Oklahomans have died from COVID-19. State health officials reported the new deaths Tuesday. They also reported 119 new cases of the disease in Oklahoma, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health data. [Tulsa World] Visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov for the latest COVID-19 numbers in Oklahoma. Note:The state is no longer releasing specific data about infections and deaths in nursing homes, cities, or by ZIP code. State Government News Input sought on longterm public transportation priorities: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is seeking public input on what the state's transportation priorities should be for the next 25 years. Rather than focusing on individual projects, department officials said they want to know what people's priorities are for various types or travel and freight movement in the state. [The Oklahoman] If Tesla manufactures cars in Tulsa, Oklahomans can’t buy them: Even if Tesla starts manufacturing cars in Oklahoma, existing state law bars the automobile company from selling its vehicles directly to consumers. Fewer than a dozen states, including Oklahoma, continue to ban the direct sale of new cars by automakers. [CNHI via The Duncan Banner] Sen. Ikley-Freeman released from hospital, transferred to physical rehab facility: Oklahoma Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman was recently released from the hospital and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility to help in the recovery of her injuries. [Sand Springs Leader] Federal Government News Horn wants national debt addressed in next coronavirus relief bill: Oklahoma Congresswoman Kendra Horn is part of a bipartisan group of 60 U.S. Representatives who have sent a letter to House leadership urging that a strategy for coping with the growing national debt be included in the next coronavirus relief bill. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News County jail unveils pod dedicated to veterans: Oklahoma County Jail officials on Tuesday unveiled a newly-repainted room dedicated to those who have served in the United States armed forces as part of an effort to increase mental health treatment for inmates. [The Oklahoman] Economy & Business News Job losses driven by pandemic likely undercounted, affect Oklahomans differently: Job losses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn may be greater than previously thought. Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Chief Economist Lynn Gray said the state unemployment rate for April was officially 13.7% but should be about 17% because some COVID-related job losses were classified differently by the U.S. Department of Labor until last month. [Public Radio Tulsa] In expanded role, lawmaker wants to promote business with tribes: A state lawmaker appointed to a leadership post within the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators said he hopes to encourage business investment and greater investment in broadband internet in rural Oklahoma. [The Journal Record] Health News Oklahoma tests 35,800 nursing home residents, workers: State health officials tested more than 35,800 residents and staff at nursing homes across the state for COVID-19 last month, falling short of its goal to test all employees and residents, Gov. Kevin Stitt said on Monday. [AP News] All told, about 3% of those tested were positive for COVID-19. [The Oklahoman] As farmers face increasing COVID-19 pressure, some fear for their mental health: Studies have found the rates of mental illness and suicide are higher for farmers. The profession requires long hours, limited social contact and is often at the mercy of external factors such as weather and market rates. Now the COVID-19 pandemic has farmers facing unprecedented challenges, and this has some worried about a mental health crisis in this community. [KOSU] Tulsans find a way to forgive medical debt for struggling patients: Last week, letters were sent to 3,211 families in Tulsa County letting them know their medical debt has been purchased and forgiven. They owe no more money; no strings attached. These long-lingering, outstanding bills have been taken care of by a project launched nearly six months ago by two Tulsa residents. [Tulsa World] General News How to vote in Oklahoma’s June 30 primary elections: Oklahomans have until Friday, June 5, to register in time to be eligible to vote in the primary election on June 30. This primary season, voters will have the chance to vote for local and state legislators and sheriffs and weigh in on a ballot measure that would expand access to Medicaid in the state. [NonDoc] On anniversary of Tulsa Race Massacre, two documentaries announced to tell story of Black Wall Street: On the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and amid racial tensions across the country for the past week, a pair of documentaries that will focus on the massacre on Black Wall Street were announced Monday. [Tulsa World] Human Rights Watch report calls on officials to make reparations for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: The group said they should base a reparations plan on measures recommended in the 2001 "Tulsa Race Riot Commission" report, including direct payments. Tulsa attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons said during a discussion of the report determining what is owed will be difficult. [Public Radio Tulsa] ‘The hardest part is knowing our kids need other kids’: Part four of the photo-documentary “Life in the Quarantine” features the Ezughas of Edmond. Ben and Mandi Ezugha are parents of 2-year-old twin girls, Sia and Zara. Ben is a graphic designer. Mandi is a retail buyer whose job normally involves regular international travel. [Oklahoma Watch] Oklahoma Local News Electronic intrusion delays beginning of Oklahoma City Council teleconference budget hearing [The Oklahoman] Norman opens door to more outdoor dining space [The Journal Record] Stephens County down to one active COVID-19 case [Duncan Banner] Pittsburg County Courthouse visitors must continue screening process [McAlester News Capital] Officials approve Woodward city budget, other items [Woodward News] Quote of the Day “Zero substantiated complaints? Wow, that is just comical. We have to come to the realization that we can’t keep sugar-coating what has been going on, since as long as do, we are just perpetuating the problem.” -State Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, speaking about the status of racial profiling cases reported to the state. Pittman said she knows numerous people, including herself, who feel they were subjected to racial profiling. [Oklahoma Watch] Number of the Day 85 The number of racial profiling complaints against police that have been filed in Oklahoma since 2008. All were returned with a “no cause” finding, with the exception of four pending cases and one that was referred to the FBI in 2013. The annual profiling reports, however, likely provide an incomplete picture of complaints. [Source: Oklahoma Watch] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note George Floyd’s death demonstrates the policy violence that devalues Black lives: George Floyd joins an ever-growing list of Black names who died unnecessarily while police performed their ostensible mission of protecting and serving. The racial attitudes that lead police to choke Black people (as the country previously witnessed with the 2014 death of Eric Garner in New York, which was also caught on video) are the same that exclude Black people from employment and investment opportunities. Those attitudes surface in research showing the disproportionate number of stops, arrests, and convictions that Black Americans undergo, as well as every extrajudicial killing such as Floyd’s. Few things signal that Black people aren’t wanted in a local economy like police officers killing them. [Brookings] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

 

[In The Know] State restricts virus data; National Guard called up; Oklahoma County jail records first virus case; & more

View this email in your browser. 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 may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy …and two steps back. First look at the state’s FY 2021 budget and what must happen next: In what was likely the most unusual — and contentious — budget process in state history, the Legislature passed the state budget for FY 2021. leaders in both chambers allowed more time for questions and debate than when considering prior budgets. This was new and needed relative transparency in the budget process. Hopefully, our Legislative leaders are lifting the veil on the state’s opaque budget process, and we encourage them to bring the process fully into the open next year. [Paul Shinn / OK Policy] Oklahoma News Oklahoma pulls back on releasing coronavirus data: Oklahoma officials are expected to sharply curtail release of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, taking down the numbers of infections, deaths and recoveries in nursing homes, ZIP codes, cities and small counties, said a health department source familiar with the decision. [Oklahoma Watch] Public and experts say changes in OSDH COVID-19 reports could skew data. [Tahlequah Daily Press] Agency spokeswoman Donelle Harder said attorneys at the department and in the governor’s office agreed state law prohibits the release of such detailed information but that they did so under the powers granted to the governor under the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act. [AP News] OSDH’s new Director of Communications Kristen Davis said in the news release the “core purpose of the emergency declaration is no longer needed.” [Luther Register News] The head of the Oklahoma Press Association, a trade group that represents newspapers across the state, immediately denounced the agency’s decision. [The Journal Record]  Inmate at Oklahoma County jail tests positive: The first Oklahoma County jail inmate to test positive for coronavirus was being kept in isolation Monday. The 22-year-old drug defendant was admitted to the jail Wednesday after being picked up from the Tulsa County jail. The Oklahoma Health Department reported last week that 307 inmates in Oklahoma prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers have tested positive since the pandemic began. Two have died. [The Oklahoman] State question 805 campaign turns in over 260,000 signatures: A state question campaign seeking criminal justice reforms in Oklahoma turned in more than 260,000 signatures Monday to try and put the measure before voters this year. [The Oklahoman] They need about 178,000 signatures of registered voters to qualify the question for a statewide ballot. The governor will set the date of the election once the signatures have been counted. [AP News] The signature drive was suspended in March because of COVID-19, then had to sue Secretary of State Michael Rogers to force him to accept the petition pamphlets, as the signature-gathering documents are called. [Tulsa World] State Question 805 would propose to voters that sentence enhancements should be eliminated in cases involving nonviolent offenses, and also that people who have already received lengthy sentences as a result of enhancements should be allowed to petition the court for relief. [The Journal Record] Stitt calls National Guard to OKC and Tulsa following protests: Gov. Kevin Stitt has called the Oklahoma National Guard to state active duty in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in response to multiple days of protests that have included clashes with local police. [The Frontier] A quick-reaction team of more than 100 members in Oklahoma City was activated Sunday. [The Oklahoman] A similar team in Tulsa was activated Monday. [Tulsa World] Stitt said in a statement he authorized the activation at the request of local communities and said the soldiers would be authorized to provide support “as needed.” [AP News] After protests, Tulsa mayor, advocates for police reform agree to work together for substantial changes [Tulsa World] City will look for alternative to 'Live PD,' restart work on Office of Independent Monitor [Tulsa World] After 2 days of historic protests, Tulsa officials discuss their feelings about rallies [The Frontier] OHP investigating but releasing few details after truck drove through protesters on Tulsa interstate [Tulsa World] Tulsa protest leaders praise participants, disavow 'rogue' vandalism from Sunday night [Tulsa World] With protests across the US, thousands of Tulsans participate in demonstrations for Black lives [Public Radio Tulsa] Black Lives Matter speakers spurn violence, but tensions flare for second night [NonDoc] Black Lives Matter seeks OKC police chief's resignation [The Oklahoman] City manager says Oklahoma City police chief will stay, expresses confidence in Gourley's leadership [The Oklahoman] Black Lives Matter demand for new grocery store could take more time than desired [The Oklahoman] Norman protesters convene at Andrews Park [Norman Transcript] Peaceful protests planned in Stillwater [Stillwater News Press] Peace rally in Lawton calls for systemic change and community action for a better nation [Lawton Constitution] Duncan police stand beside protesters at rally [Lawton Constitution] Police make 11 arrests in second night of George Floyd protests in Oklahoma City [The Oklahoman] Curfew limits access to neighborhood around downtown OKC police headquarters [The Oklahoman] Dress for Success nonprofit attempts to move forward after arson fire [The Oklahoman] Amid unrest, OKC businesses enter Phase 3 [The Journal Record] Churches will host discussions on the Christian response to racism [The Oklahoman] COVID-19: 67 new cases, no new deaths reported in Oklahoma: State health officials reported Monday several dozen new cases of COVID-19. There were 67 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, totaling 6,573 cases. Health officials reported no new additional deaths. [Tulsa World]  State Government News OESC Interim director claims progress on unemployment claims, but won't clarify how much: The interim director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said Monday the agency is making progress on clearing a backlog of tens of thousands pending claims. But Shelley Zumwalt, who recently took over the agency’s top administrative position on an interim basis, declined to specify how many Oklahomans had been helped during her first week on the job. [The Oklahoman] She noted the agency has removed administrative holds that prevented nearly one-third of the backlogged jobless claims from being processed, sometimes for weeks. [Tulsa World] Thousands remain, however, and Zumwalt said much work remains to deliver help to record numbers of Oklahomans who have lost jobs since the March outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. [The Journal Record] Former health commissioner kept on as special adviser: Forced out of the top job at the Oklahoma Health Department, former Commissioner Gary Cox remains on the state payroll as a special adviser. Cox, 73, will serve in the new capacity until July 3 and make another $22,600, The Oklahoman has learned. [The Oklahoman] Another record month for medical marijuana sales in Oklahoma: Oklahoma's medical marijuana industry continues to break sales records. Dispensaries remitted nearly $5.1 million via the state's 7% tax on cannabis, meaning customers spent approximately $73.8 million on medical marijuana in April, according to data released by state tax officials. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News THC breathalyzer program could help police detect marijuana impairment: Oklahoma law enforcement officers patrolling the state’s roads and highways may soon have a new tool for testing drivers who they believe may be under the influence of marijuana. [NonDoc] New law ensures closure of Muskogee juvenile detention center: A new law that restricts detention options for the state's youngest teens provides additional protections for most preteens from incarceration and all but guarantees closure of Muskogee County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. [Muskogee Phoenix] Economy & Business News Ready to open again, again: Tulsa, lakeside businesses hit twice in 10 months with flood, then COVID-19: Throughout the region one year ago, marinas, campgrounds, restaurants and other businesses were literally under water for much of their season, and spring of 2020 brought disaster of another kind. [Tulsa World] Education News 5 school districts sue Oklahoma State Department of Education over alleged underpayments: Five school districts have alleged in a lawsuit the Oklahoma State Department of Education shortchanged their state funding by hundreds of thousands of dollars. [The Oklahoman] OU employees accused of misspending grant money: A married couple working for the University of Oklahoma are accused in a federal charge of misspending $2.1 million in grant money they received from the U.S. Department of Energy. [The Oklahoman] General News Is journalism’s ‘sustainability problem’ eating its young?: The pandemic has compounded journalism’s financial problem: the need for a new revenue model as the existing one, based on print ad revenue, becomes increasingly unsustainable. The extra hit via the pandemic has sped up newsroom layoffs and furloughs nationwide, leaving young journalists reconsidering their career choices. [Oklahoma Watch] New pro bono portal aims to connect legal services organizations with clients: A new website will help organizations offering free legal services connect with clients in need of civil representation. [Public Radio Tulsa] Editorial: Politicizing pandemic masks undermines American values: The dubious debate about whether covering the face while out in public — or at work — when social distancing is impractical or impossible exemplifies a decay of basic human decency. Ignoring the recommendations of medical experts may be a personal choice and a freedom, but being free to make bad decisions provides no right to endanger others. [Editorial / Muskogee Phoenix]  Oklahoma Local News Muskogee NAACP leaders condemn city employee's conduct [Muskogee Phoenix] Oklahoma Transportation Commission approves two major OKC interstate projects [The Oklahoman] City commission to talk moving to phase 3 of reopening [Enid News & Eagle] Oklahoma City Municipal Court to begin phased re-opening [FOX25] Comanche County officials say courthouse reopening goes smoothly [Lawton Constitution] Guthrie Public Works Authority to discuss water shut-offs [Guthrie News Leader] Guthrie City council holds first in-person meeting [Guthrie News Leader] Quote of the Day “It boggles the mind to understand why (the health department) would take a highly informative report and render it useless to local citizens throughout Oklahoma. Knowing COVID-19 by ZIP code and city allows citizens to be fully informed during this time of high anxiety. If we want to avoid a resurgence of this disease this summer and fall we should not retreat on transparency of COVID-19 case disclosures at the local level.” -Oklahoma Press Association Executive Vice President Mark Thomas [Journal Record] Number of the Day 0 Federal laws providing broad nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans. Thirty states also do not provide such protections. [Source: Public Religion Research Institute] Note: Lamba Legal provides an overview of Oklahoma laws that protect LGBTQ people and people living with HIV. See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note 'Whiplash' Of LGBTQ protections and rights: In the last several years, two White House administrations have used their power in diametrically opposite ways to address sex discrimination protections and rights. LGBTQ activists and their allies say it feels like civil rights "whiplash." [NPR] Note: June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, which is celebrated each June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.  You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

 

[In The Know] Oklahomans protest racism, police brutality; Tulsa Race Massacre commemorated; and more

View this email in your browser. 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 may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy State obligated to address systemic racism through legislative action: The session began with high hopes for cash bail reform, fines and fees reform, empowering citizen juries, reform of sentencing for second or subsequent offenses, probation reform, “possession with intent” reform, and others. In the end, none of the bills were considered a priority to be considered in the shortened 2020 session. The fact that criminal justice reform is not happening matters. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Oklahoma News Legacy of racism spotlighted as protests continued in Oklahoma: Thousands of Oklahomans marched Sunday in the state’s two largest cities, decrying police brutality with demonstrations that shutdown a freeway in Tulsa and filled the state Capitol grounds in Oklahoma City. [The Frontier]   ‘It’s more than just George’: Wave of national unrest reaches Oklahoma [The Frontier]  ‘Their emotion is involved’: People protest police in OKC on Saturday [NonDoc] Thousands voice their concerns at weekend protests in OKC [The Oklahoman] Police make 27 arrests Saturday in OKC during protest [The Oklahoman]  Recap: Live coverage of the May 30-31 George Floyd protest in Oklahoma City [The Oklahoman] Tulsans protest Saturday in response to Minnesota police violence [Tulsa World] Hundreds gather in Tulsa on Saturday to protest police brutality 99-years after Race Massacre [Black Wall Street Times] Protesters at OKC rally on Sunday say it's time for change [The Oklahoman] OKC minister: George Floyd death another 'brutal, heartbreaking reminder' [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma City police, protesters clash for second night [The Oklahoman] Pickup rolls through Tulsa protesters gathered on Interstate 244 [Tulsa World] Protest updates: Police deploy tear gas, pepper balls for 2nd time as protesters continue marching in Brookside on Sunday evening [Tulsa World] Pastor who helped lead Saturday's protest issues statement in response to Mayor G.T. Bynum [Tulsa World] After a night of clashes, calmer scenes mark a Sunday protest in OKC [Oklahoma Watch] Muskogee demonstrators chant and carry signs in 'Black Lives Matter' gatherings [Muskogee Phoenix] Peaceful protest held in Ardmore over in-custody death of George Floyd [KXII] [Daily Ardmoreite] Gov. Stitt on protests: 'Let's demonstrate the Oklahoma Standard ... by uniting ... and being respectful' [Tulsa World] Gov. Stitt says state supports both right to protest, local law enforcement [The Oklahoman] Column: After all these deaths, I'm worried about the safety of my 12-year-old nephew [Opinion / Tulsa World] Column: Riots are the evil fruit of America's systemic racism [Opinion / Enid News & Eagle] Editorial: The agents of change [Stillwater News Press] Editorial: After protests, Oklahoma can meet this challenge [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma scraps plan to expand Medicaid on July 1: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration is scrapping a plan to expand Medicaid on July 1, citing a lack of state funding. The state’s Medicaid Director Melody Anthony notified the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a letter Thursday that the state was withdrawing its proposal. The Stitt administration pushed for the expansion in March, but after the Legislature narrowly passed bills to help pay for the state’s share, including one that increased a fee that hospitals pay, Stitt vetoed them. [AP News] It appears Oklahomans voting on State Question 802 will get to decide whether the state expands Medicaid access for those without health insurance, after Gov. Stitt surprised the Legislature and vetoed a funding package for his own plan to expand the system. [Tahlequah Daily Press] Grassroots advocacy group converge on Guthrie Green in support of State Question 802 ahead of June 30 election [Tulsa World] Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin: Why I support SQ 802 [Opinion / CNHI] Oklahoma sees 88 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths: State has had at least 6,506 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 334 deaths linked to the disease caused by the new coronavirus. [AP News] Visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov for the latest COVID-19 numbers in Oklahoma. Tulsa Race Massacre Remembered The 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre was commemorated, which brought national attention in light of nationwide protests about racism in America. Below are articles from the Tulsa World and publications from around the nation.   Tulsa World  City leaders working to address inequities as Tulsa Race Massacre centennial approaches  For years it was called a riot. Not anymore. Here's how it changed. 'No reconciliation without reparations' says Race Massacre panelist  How many people were killed? Special officers deployed to control violence blamed for becoming 'most dangerous part of the mob' In aftermath, no one prosecuted for killings, and insurance claims were rejected but Greenwood persevered  Weeks after opening, Mount Zion Baptist Church was burned down. Faith and perseverance rebuilt it Role of airplanes spotted during height of violence questioned Upcoming city projects in the works to commemorate Tulsa Race Massacre, begin north Tulsa development  Tulsa World editorial: An agenda for change as the city approaches the centennial of the 1921 race massacre Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission Virtual commemoration of the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre (Video) National Media Human Rights Watch calls for Tulsa Race Massacre reparations a century after violence [Washington Post]  99 Years Later: Black Wall Street’s legacy of resilience [Colorlines] 99 years ago today, one of America’s worst acts of racial violence took place in Tulsa. It was covered up for decades. [Vox] The Oklahoma Eagle newspaper has never forgotten the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — and its fight continues [Los Angeles Times] Unearthing the true toll of the Tulsa Race Massacre [Sapiens] Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, explained [Teen Vogue] On the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, America still has a long way to go [Essence] State Government News State and two largest cities moving to final reopening phase: Oklahoma businesses and other organizations can take the next steps toward resuming normal activity on Monday as the state continues to meet benchmarks for reopening amid the pandemic. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma is poised for its third stage of reopening on Monday during which employers can resume unrestricted staffing of work sites. [Tulsa World] 'Everyone doing their part': Tulsa ready for Phase 3 of state's COVID-19 reopening, leaders say [Tulsa World] Governor won’t ask lawmakers to extend his unprecedented emergency powers for another month.[CNHI] Stitt seeks clarification from judge in gaming dispute to determine whether he can amend compact agreement: Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked a federal judge to rule that he has the power to let tribes offer games not authorized by state law. He has asked the judge to put mediation in an ongoing legal dispute over tribal gaming compacts on hold pending the outcome of his request. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and legislative leaders said Stitt did not have that power. [Tulsa World] The governor said the issue regarding the extent of his authority needs to be resolved before he can continue with good faith negotiations. [The Oklahoman] Capitol Insider: Oklahoma Legislature adjourns sine die (audio): KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley look back at the session that will always be defined by COVID-19. [KGOU] Editorial: Stitt's veto losses show there's still room for healthy debate at the state Capitol: From a political perspective, the veto tally looks like an embarrassment for a Republican governor with an overwhelmingly Republican Legislature, but we see signs of civic health in those public struggles. There’s still room for spirited debate and open conflict in our state government, as there always should be in a healthy republic. [Editorial / Tulsa World] Federal Government News Lankford: Republicans not discussing another major relief package: Senate Republicans are more focused on tweaking aid programs already approved than passing another “big, giant spending package,” Sen. James Lankford said this week. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News Point of View: Why Oklahoma needs SQ 805: We have an incarceration crisis, Oklahoma. We keep imposing long, harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses, and we continue to pay for our obsession with incarceration. Study after study has shown that more time in prison doesn’t create a safer city or state. And yet, we currently allow decades to be added to nonviolent offenders’ sentences. This practice is called sentence enhancement, and it’s crushing our schools, communities and families. [Op-Ed / The Oklahoman] Oklahoma prisons to reopen to visitors: State prisons in Oklahoma will reopen for inmate visitation starting next weekend, but with precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. [AP News] Facilities will host two-hour visitation sessions on multiple days of the week to be determined later. To accommodate social distancing, visitors must stay in their vehicle until their session, wear a facility-provided facemask while on the grounds and pass a temperature test. [Tulsa World] Tulsa Chief of Police Wendell Franklin will be the guest on the Tulsa World’s next virtual town hall: Among topics expected to be discussed will be challenges faced by law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Tulsa World] Economic Opportunity Tulsa braces for possible wave of evictions as courtrooms reopen after COVID-19 shutdown: With one of the highest eviction rates in the country before the coronavirus pandemic, Tulsa County will begin hearing cases again Monday, while nonprofit groups also launch new efforts to help tenants stay in their homes. Eviction dockets will resume for the first time since March. [Tulsa World] Evictions are resuming across the state as thousands still struggle to pay rent. [KOCO] OK Policy: Reopening Oklahoma’s courts must be done thoughtfully to avoid a public health disaster. Education News State budget cuts put Oklahoma’s higher education funding back in the 20th century: COVID-19 cuts to colleges have led to a state appropriation that’s lower than it was in 2000. [StateImpact Oklahoma] State Regents prep to hear requests on tuition and fees: The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education heard remarks today via video conference from leaders of higher education institutions about guidelines to consider when approving or disapproving changes to tuition and fees next month. [NonDoc] Tulsa Public Schools launches Team Tulsa Learning Hub resource to provide professional learning opportunities remotely: The Team Tulsa Learning Hub is an online knowledge management platform featuring district technical support tools and ongoing services to help employees continue their professional learning from home. [Tulsa World] Health News Tribes to receive $68 million to combat COVID-19: More than $68.7 million in federal funding is being sent to Oklahoma tribal hospitals, clinics and urban health centers to assist in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma municipalities and counties offered grants to combat opioid addiction: Nearly $23 million in grant money is being offered to Oklahoma municipalities and counties to help combat opioid addiction, state lawmakers announced Friday. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma looking to implement ongoing coronavirus testing in nursing homes: Health experts and nursing home advocates say the only way to keep the coronavirus from spreading in long-term care facilities is through ongoing testing of residents and staff. [The Frontier] Mangum mayor tells Congress about COVID-19 struggles: The mayor said Mangum, with roughly one-third of its population 65 or older, was “hit hard” by the pandemic, which affected more than half of residents of a local nursing home. The town's small, 18-bed critical-access hospital is now the primary care facility serving six counties.  She said assistance from the federal government would provide relief to rural hospitals. [Journal Record] General News GOP congressional hopefuls: Tough conversations needed on race: Republicans vying to run for the Oklahoma City-area congressional seat said Americans need to have “tough conversations” about race and start treating each other with respect. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Historical Society's Bob Blackburn reflects on a career studying the state: 'It is just my nature': On Jan. 15, Bob Blackburn will step down as executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, but he plans to still play a role in sharing the state’s rich history. [Tulsa World] Quote of the Day “Today if you look at these crowds you will find out that we love our community and we are going to stand and continue to demand justice and keep the pressure on until we see the change that needs to be here." -Sheri Dickerson with Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City about Sunday’s rally, which organizers described as a message to city leaders for systemic change to local policing practices. [The Frontier] Number of the Day 45% Percentage of Americans who think the United States hasn’t gone far enough in giving Black people equal rights with whites. The percentage of Black respondents who felt that way was 78 percent compared with 48 percent for Latino respondents and 37 percent for white respondents. [Source: Pew Research] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note The Case for Reparations in Tulsa, Oklahoma: A Human Rights Argument: After decades of silence, an enormous amount has been written in recent years about the Tulsa massacre and its aftermath, including many books, and a comprehensive 200-page report, known as the “Tulsa Race Riot Report,” issued by the “Tulsa Race Riot Commission” in 2001. Yet the state and local governments involved have failed to take action. In the run-up to the massacre’s centennial, the Tulsa and Oklahoma governments should finally take meaningful steps to repair these ongoing, devastating wrongs. [Human Rights Watch] Note: OK Policy's work was referenced in this report.  You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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