[Weekly Wonk] A job isn’t enough to afford housing for most Oklahomans | MODERN task force report released | What to expect when expecting chaos | Civil rights movement helped create Head Start

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.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Sunday, February 4, 2024 Subscribe  //  View latest headlines A job isn't enough to afford housing for most Oklahomans State leaders often say the answer to housing instability is a job – but jobs don't help if they don't pay enough. Wages have risen at less than half the rate of rent for the last two decades, putting working Oklahomans at risk of housing instability and homelessness. In Oklahoma, 2 out of 5 wage earners do not make enough to afford a two-bedroom rental working a single, full-time job. [Sabine Brown / OK Policy] Opinion: What to expect when you're expecting chaos — the Oklahoma Legislature edition Monday marks the beginning of Oklahoma's regular legislative session, which is shaping up to be another rollercoaster ride. Ignoring power plays among elected officials and mind-meltingly bad bills intended to grab headlines, here are some things informed Oklahomans should watch for this session. [Shiloh Kantz / Tulsa World] An early look at recommendations from the governor's MODERN criminal justice task force (Capitol Update) Policy Matters: Civil rights movement a model for early childhood education 27% – Percentage of low-income families with children in Oklahoma. This is defined as families with children under age 18 with household incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level and at least one parent worked 50 or more weeks during the previous year. [KIDS COUNT] 1 in 4 – About 232,000 Oklahoma children (nearly 1 in 4 of all children) would benefit from the proposed bipartisan expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] 7 – When the Oklahoma private school tax credit/voucher program is fully implemented in 2026, its $255 million price tag will exceed the current budget of all by seven state agencies. [OK Policy] 79 – Number of hours per week that a minimum wage earner in Oklahoma has to work in order to afford a modest one-bedroom rental at fair market rent. [National Low Income Housing Coalition]  186,000 – Number of Oklahomans aged 65 and older who are lifted out of poverty by Social Security, or nearly 3 in 10 Oklahoma seniors. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] Revenue Estimates/ Revenue Certification Oklahoma makes official revenue estimates that determine how much the Legislature is allowed to appropriate in its annual budget. The Legislature is limited to appropriating no more than 95 percent of certified collections. Revenue estimates are certified three times each year: In late December, the State Board of Equalization certifies a preliminary estimate. This estimate becomes the basis of the Governor's executive budget proposal. In mid-February, the Board of Equalization certifies a revised estimate considering changes in revenue collections and economic conditions. The February certification is binding on the Legislature and establishes the maximum amount it can budget under existing laws for the coming year. In late June, the Board may revise the official revenue estimate up or down only if the Legislature has made changes to the law that affect state revenue. Revenue estimates for Oklahoma's major taxes are prepared by the Oklahoma Tax Commission based on a model developed by an economist at Oklahoma State University. Other taxes and fees are estimated by other means. Look up more key terms to understand Oklahoma politics and government here. "You know, we talk about the Oklahoma Standard … We are doing the opposite. We gave out $7,500 tax credits for private school attendance. If we had that much zeal and excitement about helping the people who cannot afford to have a place to live or eat, imagine what kind of state we would be." -Shiloh Kantz, Executive Director of OK Policy, speaking about the disinvestment in shared public services as the result of  decades of state revenue cuts. [KOSU] From OK Policy: National experts say Oklahoma is part of a damaging tax-cutting trend Editorial, Enid News & Eagle: Some things we'd like to hear from Oklahoma's CEO Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt may face a challenging audience when he delivers his State of the State address to both houses of the state Legislature on Feb. 5. But, this also is a great opportunity, in front of elected Republicans, Democrats and voters statewide, to make some bold substantial statements about his vision for Oklahoma in a format where his message is direct and unfiltered. Given this captive audience, Stitt should capitalize on the opportunity. Here are a few topics we hope he'll address: Common-sense budgeting. Oklahomans would love to have a tax cut — whether that's a slight reduction in the income tax, or eliminating the state grocery tax — but Oklahomans also want safe communities, good roads, well-educated youth, reasonable health care access and more. Figure out both the income and expense sides of the equation at the same time without edicts, please. A willingness to work with other elected officials. As the state's CEO, Stitt is in a position to lead. He should offer respect for others involved in the decision-making process, and that respect must be reciprocated. No ultimatums. No refusals to talk. Republicans have a clear majority in both legislative chambers plus a conservative Republican in the governor's chair. Use that majority constructively. Compromise is not an evil word or concept. Make headway, not headlines. Genuine support for public education. That is the state's mandate. Parents clearly have school choice. The problems are in schools that unusual obstacles such as high poverty, high numbers of non-English-speaking households. Breakdown of the family is hurting students and schools. Address the real problems, please, not the political dog whistles that some politicians love to tout. Work with the state's tribal leaders. Again, not all tribes will agree, but make the effort — on both sides. Both sides. A plan for economic growth. It doesn't have to be just the grand slam, thousands of workers economic successes. Help rural Oklahoma communities and regions grow and succeed, too. A genuine safety net. We as a state owe those suffering from mental health issues, poverty, disability, and medical woes a safety net. Reasonable tactics for moving Oklahoma out of the bottom quadrant of states on rankings that truly make a difference in our lives and livelihoods. Avoid the temptation to find obscure dragons to slay — bits of wrongdoing lurking in isolated classrooms or libraries or teams. Stitt has the opportunity, unfiltered, to show positive leadership. We look forward to a strong and positive State of the State address. [Editorial / Enid News & Eagle] In the Absence of the Expanded Child Tax Credit, Many Families with Children Faced Material Hardship in 2022: Working-age adults with children were more likely than adults without children to face difficulty meeting basic needs in 2022, despite having higher family employment rates. Adults living with children tend to be younger and at an earlier stage of their careers, while also facing child care costs and additional child-related expenses. This fact sheet explores how expanding the child tax credit could provide a much-needed economic boost for families with children struggling to pay for food and housing. [Tax Policy Center] Bipartisan Child Tax Credit Expansion Would Help Roughly Half a Million Children in Veteran and Active-Duty Families in First Year:  Among the roughly 16 million children in families with low incomes who would benefit from the proposed bipartisan expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit during the first year, about half a million are in the families of U.S. veterans and active-duty service members. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] School Choice: A Full Menu: What exactly do we mean when we say "school choice"? Although the term often generates bitter conflicts and debate, even the most vocal supporters and opponents of 'school choice' may be unaware of all the educational options available to K-12 students in Oklahoma. A new issue brief from aims to help parents, policymakers, and advocates gain a clearer understanding of the school choice landscape in Oklahoma. The brief is a primer on the public and private school options for Oklahoma families. [Advance Oklahoma Kids] Measurable income inequality has skyrocketed in recent decades: In recent years, researchers have debated the simple question of whether inequality has risen a lot or a little in the United States over the past half-century. Lots of arguments in this debate surround highly technical issues like, "Should the income of owners of 'pass-through businesses' be reported as wages or business profits?" or "Is income that is not reported on tax returns mostly earned by rich or middle-class households, and how do you know?" But we've identified available data that sidesteps nearly all these complexities and demonstrates that inequality has indeed risen enormously: what individual Americans earn in the labor market. [Economic Policy Institute via CNN] Social Security Lifts More People Above the Poverty Line Than Any Other Program: Social Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty in every state, and they lift more people above the poverty line than any other program in the United States. Without Social Security, 22.7 million more adults and children would be below the poverty line, according to our analysis using the March 2023 Current Population Survey. Depending on their design, reductions in Social Security benefits could significantly increase poverty, particularly among older adults. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] 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. Support with Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave. #1005 | Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org Connect with us: Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences

[In The Know] Members removed from OK County Election Board | Oklahoma GOP file more anti-abortion legislation | Expecting chaos this #OKLeg session

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. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Friday | February 2, 2024 Subscribe  //  View latest headlines Opinion: What to expect when you're expecting chaos — the Oklahoma Legislature edition Monday marks the beginning of Oklahoma's regular legislative session, which is shaping up to be another rollercoaster ride. Ignoring power plays among elected officials and mind-meltingly bad bills intended to grab headlines, here are some things informed Oklahomans should watch for this session. [Shiloh Kantz / Tulsa World] 186,000 Number of Oklahomans aged 65 and older who are lifted out of poverty by Social Security, or nearly 3 in 10 Oklahoma seniors. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] Social Security Lifts More People Above the Poverty Line Than Any Other Program Social Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty in every state, and they lift more people above the poverty line than any other program in the United States. Without Social Security, 22.7 million more adults and children would be below the poverty line, according to our analysis using the March 2023 Current Population Survey. Depending on their design, reductions in Social Security benefits could significantly increase poverty, particularly among older adults. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "I haven't had a promotion or raise in a couple of years, nothing has gone up but rent cost has." - Brad Brewer, a Tulsa renter, said he's had to move to find more affordable housing as rent prices in his neighborhood rose around $300/month in just a matter of years. [News on 6] From OK Policy: A job isn't enough to afford housing for many Oklahomans Oklahoma News GOP members Cheryl Williams, Jenni White removed from OK County Election Board: After a 10-hour executive session, members of the State Election Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to remove the Republican member and her alternate from the three-member Oklahoma County Election Board for failing to perform their duties and exhibiting behavior unbecoming of an election official. [Nondoc] Panel removes two members of the Oklahoma County Election Board [Oklahoma Voice] State Election Board Removes GOP Members From Oklahoma County Election Board [Oklahoma Watch] Oklahoma election officials ousted after challenging vote tabulation; may face criminal investigation [The Oklahoman] State Government News After enacting strict abortion bans, Oklahoma GOP lawmakers seek more restrictions: GOP lawmakers filed bills this year to crack down on access to abortion-inducing pills, punish people who help minors obtain abortions and allow for civil lawsuits against doctors who perform the procedure in violation of state law. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma lawmakers take a second look at school choice tax credits: Leaders in both the House and Senate have filed a handful of bills that would just clean up some of the language in the private and homeschool tax credit laws. But lawmakers have introduced legislation that could make some bigger changes, like providing more government oversight for schools that participate. [News 9] From OK Policy: 10 questions every Oklahoman should be asking lawmakers about private school vouchers, tax credits This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Special Session, Superintendent Ryan Walters, ClassWallet lawsuit and more (Audio): This Week in Oklahoma Politics discuss a special session which saw a tax cut in the House, but nothing in the Senate, State Superintendent Ryan Walters coming under fire for attacking the media for reporting issues with his new teacher bonus program and more. [KOSU] Federal Government News Thousands of Oklahomans to lose federal discount on internet service: What to know: There were about 23 million households across the nation enrolled in the broadband discount program as of Jan. 29. This includes 323,955 tribal households. Here's everything we know about the program and how Oklahomans will be affected by its projected demise. [The Oklahoman] Votes on major bipartisan immigration deal in Congress said to be nearing: A U.S. Senate vote is expected next week on a bipartisan deal that would overhaul U.S. immigration law and provide more than $100 billion for a global security package. Republican lead negotiator James Lankford of Oklahoma said work on the bill is in its final stages, which negotiators have said repeatedly. [Oklahoma Voice] Opinion: Censure symptomatic of GOP's Trump sycophancy [Arnold Hamilton / Journal Record] Health News SoonerCare shift to managed care begins for Oklahomans; enrollment open: The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is transitioning most Medicaid patients from SoonerCare, which operates on a fee-for-service model, to the new SoonerSelect program, which is a managed-care model. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma has the highest rate of long COVID in the nation, study shows: A new study found that Oklahoma has the highest rate of people who suffer from long COVID after they've contracted COVID-19. In Oklahoma, 34% of adults who had COVID-19 have experienced long COVID. The national rate of Americans who experienced long COVID is 24.4%, according to the study from Help Advisor. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News Man whose murder conviction was vacated after McGirt decision resentenced in federal court: An Ada man whose murder conviction was vacated after the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma decision has been sentenced again to prison. This week in Muskogee federal court, Tyler Jay Mullins, 45, was sentenced to concurrent life sentences in prison for one count of first-degree murder in Indian Country and one count of using a firearm to commit the murder. [The Oklahoman] Judge: Oklahoma mental health department to pay $500 each day defendant left in jail: A judge has fined the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services $500 a day for leaving in jail a criminal defendant who needs treatment. Oklahoma County District Judge Susan Stallings last week found the department in direct contempt of court. The contempt finding is the latest example of the longstanding frustration in the judicial system with the state agency responsible for treating defendants whose criminal cases are on hold because of mental issues. [The Oklahoman] Two sentenced in bribery scheme involving lodging for soldiers at Fort Sill: In Oklahoma City federal court in January, Candy Hanza, 51, of Medicine Park, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, and Alfred Palma, 65, of Duncan, was sentenced 29 days in federal prison, followed by 11 months of in home confinement. Hanza worked as the general manager of a local hotel in Lawton, and prosecutors said Hanza paid Palma bribes to direct soldiers to that establishment. [The Oklahoman] Housing & Economic Opportunity 'It has only gone up': Renters, landlords in Tulsa struggle with rising rent costs: People all over Green Country said they're struggling to make ends meet, with prices going up everywhere, including rent. But apartment complex managers said their costs are increasing, and this is all a bigger issue. [News on 6] PSO seeks rate hike that will increase Oklahoma customer bills an average of $10 per month: Public Service Company of Oklahoma customers may soon be paying more. The public utility is asking the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to approve a $218 million rate hike annually, according to a document filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. If approved, the average residential customer will see an increase of $10 per month — a 7% increase compared to current rates, according to the document. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahomans have some of the most expensive grocery bills in the US, a survey showed: Oklahomans are averaging nearly $300 per trip to the store. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahomans spend $279.16 per week on groceries. And while inflation is dropping, many families still struggle to put food on the table. Here's a quick look at what grocery bills are like in other states. [The Oklahoman] Economy & Business News Agriculture built these High Plains towns. Now, it might run them dry: The Ogallala Aquifer, the underground rock and sediment formation that spans eight states from South Dakota to the Texas panhandle, is the only reliable water source for some parts of the region. But for decades, states have allowed farmers to overpump groundwater to irrigate corn and other crops that would otherwise struggle on the arid High Plains. Now, the disappearing water is threatening more than just agriculture. [Stateline and the Kansas Reflector via KOSU] General News Remember Sand Town and other Black settlements along Canadian River? Share your memories: Oklahomans who have memories about Sand Town or other Black communities along the North Canadian River are being encouraged to share their stories during Black History Month. [The Oklahoman] Opinion: Political theater to city red tape among concerns of Community Advisory Board: "Let's make being moderate OK again." "Just like attorneys face court sanctions for filing frivolous lawsuits, let's do the same to lawmakers for filing frivolous legislation." "Oklahoma's new motto: I. Can't. Even." Those were just a few of the comments from the meeting of the Tulsa World's Community Advisory Board held in January. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World] Oklahoma Local News Interstate 244 west of downtown is going to be a much smoother ride, but it will take a year [Tulsa World] Projects taxi toward takeoff at Tulsa airport [Journal Record] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave. #1005 | Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120 918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org Connect with us: Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences