[In The Know] Epic to receive state funds while investigation continues, State election board preparing to purge voter rolls

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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy Today is the last day to apply to our Communications Director: The Communications Director has primary responsibility for developing and implementing an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan that helps to shape policy debates and broaden awareness of OK Policy’s mission, work, and policy solutions. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 26th at midnight. In The News Epic to receive state funds while OSBI embezzlement investigation continues: Epic Charter Schools will receive public funds as usual this school year, despite state investigators alleging the virtual charter school embezzled millions of taxpayer dollars. State schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister confirmed Thursday that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation recommended that Epic receive its yearly allocation of state aid, which the state will begin distributing next month. [The Oklahoman] She said state funding for Epic won’t be disrupted as an investigation of the charter schools continues. [Journal Record] Hofmeister: Epic complaints raised for years, but Education Department lacked power to verify: The state Board of Education met Thursday and discussed, both publicly and behind closed doors, the investigation of Epic Charter Schools. State and federal investigators are probing allegations of embezzlement of public funds by the online school’s leaders. They have denied wrongdoing. [Oklahoma Watch] Because of the state’s dedication to privacy, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister says the alleged abuse would not have been preventable under current state law. [StateImpact Oklahoma] State election board preparing to purge 134,000 from voter rolls: More than 134,000 Oklahoma voters risk becoming inactive if they don’t confirm their address by this weekend. Every other year, Oklahoma removes thousands of voters for being inactive. In April, the state election board purged about 88,000 people from the rolls who, in 2015, hadn’t responded to or had an address confirmation mailer returned. [Public Radio Tulsa] Post-secondary education needs to be revamped, expert tells Tulsa Regional Chamber: College might not be for everybody, but post-secondary education is, a leading authority on the subject told the Tulsa Regional Chamber on Thursday. A big reason for that is because 99 percent of jobs created since the Great Recession require some sort of post-high school credential, Howard said. That may also be one reason many sectors of the economy report labor shortages. [Tulsa World] Higher education has sustained drastic cuts to funding since 2008, with state spending on higher ed decreasing by 26 percent.  Oklahoma may be on track to hit another record of emergency-certified teachers: Public schools will be starting up again in a few weeks, and Oklahoma may be on track to hit another record for the number of emergency-certified teachers in K-12 classrooms. More than 1,600 emergency-certified teachers have been approved to instruct students at public schools around the state for the 2019-2020 school year. That’s 400 more than this time last year. [Public Radio Tulsa] What's That? Emergency Certification Interim study on student loan debt approved: State Rep. Melissa Provenzano (D-Tulsa) is set to begin work on an interim study into Oklahoma's student loan debt. Provenzano hopes to use the recently approved study to work with local agencies to examine the student loan debt crisis in Oklahoma and to propose possible legislation that will lead to fewer Oklahoma students with extreme student loan debt. [Claremore Daily Progress] Former state lawmaker's death ruled suicide: The former state lawmaker who fatally shot himself last month was heavily intoxicated, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday. Jonathan Nichols, 53, died inside his home the evening of June 5 from a contact gunshot wound to the chest. [The Oklahoman] Commissioners honor retiree, renew contracts, and question sheriff again: The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners met in their regular weekly session Wednesday where they renewed contracts, questioned the sheriff, and honored a long-term employee who was retiring. [Free Press OKC] Oklahoma Tax Commission adopts mobile app for vehicle registration renewals: Oklahoma vehicle registration renewal is the latest task you can complete with your smartphone. The Oklahoma Tax Commission has adopted the Gov2Go mobile app, which can handle every step of the process, from payment to reminding you the next time your registration is due. [Public Radio Tulsa] 'Public service' valuations complex but usually worked out, administrator says: A dance of sorts between the ad valorem division of Oklahoma’s Tax Commission and owners of “public service” companies plays out largely behind the scenes, every year. [The Oklahoman] McKinsey advised Johnson & Johnson on increasing opioid sales: Although McKinsey is not a defendant, Oklahoma used McKinsey consulting records to help build its case against Johnson & Johnson and a subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, for what the state said was irresponsible marketing of a fentanyl patch called Duragesic. [New York Times] Alisa Bell: Medicaid kids need coverage to age 26 too: After years of working with expecting and parenting adolescent families, I see the link between lack of health care and struggle toward self-sufficiency. As we ponder the findings from the Tulsa World’s recent eight-day series on Adverse Childhood Experiences and mental health, we must consider increasing the age limit for SoonerCare coverage. [Tulsa World] Tulsa World Editorial Board: All people released from prison should have job opportunities: Getting a job is foremost on the mind of Corey Atchison, a Tulsa man released last week from prison after serving 28 years on a wrongful conviction. During his first days spent with family, he spoke to Tulsa World reporter Samantha Vicent about a more pressing concern. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] Access to educational opportunities for incarcerated Oklahomans is crucial to their successful reentry after release. Swink Public Schools loses accreditation, consolidated with Fort Towson: The Oklahoma State Board of Education on Thursday approved the mandatory annexation of Swink Public Schools with its neighboring district of Fort Towson after several board members expressed reservations and concerns. [Tulsa World] Norman City Council member Scott launches Senate campaign: Alex Scott, a public servant, organizer and Norman City Council member, has launched her campaign to represent Oklahoma's 15th Senate District in the Oklahoma State Senate. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Scott worked in Moore Public Schools prior to her election to city council. [Norman Transcript] Ardmore refinery sues chemical manufacturers for toxic ‘forever chemical’: An Oklahoma petroleum refinery has sued several chemical manufacturers and fire suppression equipment companies for damages it expects to incur because of a type of chemical that was used in the fire-extinguishing foam stored and used at the refinery. [The Frontier] Mayor, parks director explain why golf courses won't get additional funding in Improve Our Tulsa renewal: The $639 million Improve Our Tulsa renewal proposal does not include additional funding for the city’s four golf courses because that is not a high enough priority, Mayor G.T. Bynum said Thursday. [Tulsa World] Oklahoman Joshua Harris-Till now leads Young Democrats of America: When Joshua Harris-Till bought his car two years ago, it had 17 miles on it. After a tenure as president of the Young Democrats of Oklahoma and a campaign to earn the same title on the national level, Harris-Till now marvels when he looks at the odometer: 77,000 miles, and climbing. [NonDoc] Quote of the Day “There are times when people say, ‘Not everyone needs to go to college,’ and there are times when people say, ‘It’s just not worth the cost.’ And I will agree that maybe not everyone needs a bachelor’s degree. But everyone actually does need to have some sort of post-high school learning — unless any of us are OK with someone being able to earn only $9,000 a year.” - Danette Howard, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the Lumina Foundation, speaking at the Tulsa Regional Chamber's State of Education event this week [Tulsa World] Number of the Day 66.8% Percent of adults served by Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) that were employed in jobs in their communities - one of the highest rates in the nation [Source: Oklahoma Department of Human Services] See previous Numbers of the Day here Policy Note Probation and parole violations are filling up prisons and costing states billions: According to the most comprehensive report of its kind, states spend more than $9 billion a year incarcerating people who violate community supervision terms that even corrections officials admit are difficult to comply with. [Governing] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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Quote of the Day | July 26, 2019

“There are times when people say, ‘Not everyone needs to go to college,’ and there are times when people say, ‘It’s just not worth the cost.’ And I will agree that maybe not everyone needs a bachelor’s degree. But everyone actually does need to have some sort of post-high school learning — unless any of us are OK with someone being able to earn only $9,000 a year.”

– Danette Howard, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the Lumina Foundation, speaking at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s State of Education event this week [Tulsa World]

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[In The Know] State pharmacy board member had the busiest pharmacy as opioid crisis surged

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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy Tomorrow is the last day to apply to be our Communications Director: The Communications Director has primary responsibility for developing and implementing an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan that helps to shape policy debates and broaden awareness of OK Policy’s mission, work, and policy solutions. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 26th at midnight. In The News As opioid crisis surged, state pharmacy board member had the busiest pharmacy in Tulsa County: During a seven-year period, the pharmacy that received the highest-number of opioids in Oklahoma was a long-term care pharmacy in western Oklahoma City. Coming in second was a southern Oklahoma City Walgreens. The third was a small, independent pharmacy in Sand Springs, population 20,000. The pharmacy, Spoon Drug, sits in a small shopping center just off the Sand Springs Expressway next to a Taco Bueno and a nail salon. It is owned and operated by James “Jim” Spoon, a longtime member of the state’s pharmacy board and current Sand Springs mayor. [The Frontier] Doctor traces history of opioid epidemics, explains how heroin use is increasing: With a large presence by police officers, medical professionals and representatives of nonprofits, Dr. Jason Beaman dove into the history, causes, and statistics of the current opioid epidemic, as well as treatment efforts, during a talk in the Cherokee County Community Building Tuesday evening. [CHNI] Cigarette sales down 25% in Oklahoma, tax revenue up $133 million: In 2018, cigarettes received an additional $1-per-pack tax as part of an effort to help fund teacher pay raises. Journal Record editor Russell Ray discusses the impact of the tax increase, how our tax rate on cigarettes compares to other states and the history of tobacco taxes in Oklahoma. [KGOU] Recent revenue measures have helped our long-term budget outlook, but there's still work to do. Southeastern Oklahoma school district facing forced consolidation says under-fire Epic Charter Schools offered to come to rescue: The lone remaining board member of a school district facing forced consolidation says the co-founder of Epic Charter Schools offered to rescue the district in an unorthodox move. The Oklahoma State Board of Education is poised to vote Thursday morning on the consolidation of Swink Public Schools, a rural district between Hugo and Idabel that serves 140 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. [Tulsa World] More Oklahoma kids are eating for free during summer: Oklahoma children were better fed through the Summer Food Service Program last summer than they were the year before, according to the 2019 Food Research & Action Center report. And, advocates expect even more kids in the state to eat free meals through the program this summer. [KOSU] Some schools are using new strategies to make sure students don't go hungry 72 Senate interim studies approved: Education, health care and mental health services, criminal justice policies, and retirement issues are among the topics approved for interim studies in the Oklahoma Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat’s office on Tuesday released the list of 72 interim studies. House Speaker Charles McCall approved 90 House interim studies last week. [Journal Record] What's That? Interim Study Stitt to host series of public cabinet meetings across Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt is taking his Cabinet meetings on tour. The Governor’s Office announced Wednesday that Stitt will kick off his Cabinet tour next week with a public meeting in Woodward. Stitt and the 15 members of his Cabinet will meet in Woodward to talk about what’s being done under the current gubernatorial administration and take questions from the public. [Tulsa World] With politicians who set up Oklahoma's gaming compacts no longer in office, tribes are told to court Republicans: Oklahoma’s gaming Indian tribes may feel secure in their position concerning state gaming compacts, but political strategist Tyler Powell offered a chilling word of warning to them Wednesday. [Tulsa World] Attorney: Tribes may have a case for lower gaming fees: If Gov. Kevin Stitt is intent on renegotiating a legal compact with Indian tribes that sets new terms for how much money the state receives from gaming operations, the tribes might reasonably negotiate the fees downward, a lawyer who represents the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association said Wednesday. [Journal Record $] Place your wagers: Will sports betting come to Oklahoma through new tribal compacts? In Oklahoma, sports betting is one of the chips in the high-stakes game playing out between Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state’s gaming tribes — a fact reflected in the schedule of this week’s Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association convention at the Cox Business Center. [Tulsa World] OK County Commissioners divided on ICE officers stationed in County Jail: Oklahoma County’s three commissioners are divided in their opinions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being stationed full-time in the Oklahoma County Jail. Commissioner Carrie Blumert has come out clearly against the agents being present and Commissioners Brian Maughan and Kevin Calvey have taken a strong stand for the agents’ presence. [Free Press OKC] Dept. of Ed responds to comments on lack of diversity in Teacher of the Year Finalists: The Oklahoma State Department of Education is responding to comments questioning the diversity of the 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists. The finalists, announced Tuesday, were all selected as Teachers of the Year for their respective districts. [FOX25] Southern Oklahoma Leaders Luncheon: Economic growth slows; Chad Wilkerson of the Federal Reserve talks about the economy: While the economy is still strong, the expansive growth of the last few years has begun to slow down. Chad Wilkerson, branch executive of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank’s Oklahoma City branch office, provided some insight to the situation Thursday afternoon at the Southern Oklahoma Leaders Luncheon. [The Ardmoreite] Read the first edition of our new paper series that sheds light on Oklahomans left behind by the economic recovery Where Oklahoma's worst drivers are, according to one survey: Nary a car horn was heard on a recent Friday afternoon in downtown Chickasha, where according to one survey, the best drivers in Oklahoma reside. The city of 16,000 was named tops in the Sooner State by QuoteWizard, a consumer insurance research company that ranked Oklahoma’s 50 largest cities by analyzing more than 65,000 insurance quotes, as well as the rates of accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs and citations. [The Oklahoman] OKC's sign code violates Constitution, judge rules: A district court judge has found Oklahoma City’s sign code violates the First and 14th amendments of the Constitution in ongoing litigation filed by a resident against City Hall. U.S. District Scott L. Palk wrote in an order released this week that plaintiff Fredrick B. Knutson’s constitutional rights were violated because the sign code creates a content-based scheme of speech regulation rather than serving a compelling government interest. [Journal Record $] Oklahoma’s historic all-black towns: Built on hope, survived by pride: Thirteen historic all-black towns are still incorporated in Oklahoma. Most feature abandoned and run-down buildings, but a nonprofit group is working to preserve and revitalize the towns. [NonDoc] Federal government rejects plan to bring Medicare dollars to Oklahoma nursing homes: According to an Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers 2016 release, a plan to participate in the federal Upper Payment Limit (UPL) program would have increased federal reimbursements to participating Oklahoma hospitals and nursing homes by as much as $275 million per year. [News9] Quote of the Day "It is a prescription-driven epidemic. We're all one car accident away from getting an opioid prescription, and if you have the right kind of brain, you can get addicted." - Dr. Jason Beaman, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences,  speaking about the history and current state of the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma [CNHI] Number of the Day 9% Percent the mean hourly wage for all workers in the OKC metro was below the national average in May 2019. [Source: U.S. Department of Labor] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Minimum wage workers can’t afford housing: In a national poll commissioned by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, most people said they believe "a safe, decent, affordable place to live should be a national priority." However, this is not a luxury many Americans share, according to the coalition, an organization that works to assure low-income individuals affordable and decent housing. [US News] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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Quote of the Day | July 25, 2019

“It is a prescription-driven epidemic. We’re all one car accident away from getting an opioid prescription, and if you have the right kind of brain, you can get addicted.”

– Dr. Jason Beaman, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences,  speaking about the history and current state of the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma [CNHI]

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Apply to be our Communications Director by Friday!

View this email in your browser. Apply to be our Communications Director by Friday! Oklahoma Policy Institute is seeking an experienced and effective Communications Director. The deadline to apply is this Friday, July 26. Apply Now Our new Communications Director will have primary responsibility for developing and implementing an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan that helps to shape policy debates and broaden awareness of OK Policy's mission, work, and policy solutions to key audiences. Their day-to-day work will include creating or overseeing the editorial direction, design production, and distribution of all printed and branded materials; serving as lead point person on media interactions, and supervising the work of communications staff. The ideal candidate will be a proven strong writer and editor with at least five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field and experience in a supervisory capacity. We are looking for a demonstrated ability to communicate and build relationships with racially- and ethnically-diverse audiences. Familiarity with Oklahoma legislative process and public policy is desirable, as are strong technical skills including data manipulation, graphics, website maintenance, and experience with WordPress. The position will be based in Tulsa. The deadline to apply is this Friday, July 26. The approximate start date for the job will be September 15th. For the full job description and to apply, click here. OK Policy is a Tulsa-based think-tank that works to advance fiscal responsibility and expanded opportunity for all Oklahomans through non-partisan research, analysis, and advocacy. OK Policy is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive organization to fully represent and engage all Oklahomans. Recruiting staff that reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences of Oklahoma is a priority. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse communities, constituencies, and identities, including but not limited to: people of all ethnic/racial backgrounds, people of all gender identities/gender expressions, people with disabilities, low-income and LGBTQ persons. Please share this announcement with others you think may be interested in applying. Apply Now 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] Signature gathering for Medicaid expansion petition to begin July 31, Oklahoma County struggles to fully staff jai

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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy Last week to apply for the Communications Director position: The Communications Director has primary responsibility for developing and implementing an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan that helps to shape policy debates and broaden awareness of OK Policy’s mission, work, and policy solutions. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 26th at midnight. In The News Signature gathering for Medicaid expansion petition to begin July 31: Medicaid expansion supporters can begin gathering signatures for an initiative petition calling for expanded access to health coverage on July 31. In order for supporters of Medicaid expansion to get the issue on the ballot in 2020, they will have to collect nearly 178,000 valid signatures between July 31 and 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. [The Oklahoman] Amber England, spokeswoman for the Oklahomans Decide Health Care campaign, said numerous people have already contacted the pro-SQ 802 campaign about volunteering, something she said will lead to a robust signature collection effort in every corner of the state. [NonDoc] Steve Schaben shares how expansion saved his life in Colorado. Cell by Cell: With low starting pay and high turnover, Oklahoma County struggles to fully staff jail: With low starting pay and difficult working conditions, the Oklahoma County jail has long struggled to keep detention officers. Jail leaders say the agency is always hiring. The jail’s starting pay for detention officers is below what other law enforcement agencies in the state offer. The facility itself is deteriorating and has no shortage of design flaws that can make for dangerous interactions with inmates. [The Frontier] Ninety interim studies approved by Oklahoma House speaker: Oklahoma lawmakers who fiercely debated but declined to pass a bill earlier this year to reform the state’s bail bond system will revisit the issue in an interim study. The study, proposed by state Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, was among 90 studies approved in recent days by House Speaker Charles McCall. A total of 146 had been requested by House lawmakers. [Journal Record] What's That? Interim Study This 1974 #okleg video is a blast from the past: In 1974, a group of University of Oklahoma journalism students produced a quirky documentary about the Oklahoma Legislature called But What Do They Do In There? The Oklahoma Legislative Process. [NonDoc] Oklahoma County commissioner releases statement, supports ICE presence at county jail: Oklahoma County District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan said he is “deeply concerned” with calls to end cooperation between the sheriff’s office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a statement released Tuesday. [The Oklahoman] Indian gaming official says tribes united in opposition to compact renegotiation: Oklahoma’s Indian tribes are unified in their opposition to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s attempt to renegotiate their gaming compacts, one of the state’s top tribal gaming officials said Tuesday. [Tulsa World] Economist: Marijuana business bust looms in Oklahoma: The medical marijuana industry in Oklahoma has at least two troubling similarities to the dot-com business growth period leading into 2000, economist Jonathan Willner said. “I would expect a bust to follow soon,” the Oklahoma City University professor said. [Journal Record] Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalists announced: As one educator steps into her role as Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, 12 others have been named as finalists for the 2020 award. 2019 state Teacher of the Year Becky Oglesby announced the finalists Tuesday before a packed auditorium at Southmoore High School. [The Oklahoman] The Oklahoman Editorial Board: Filling Oklahoma's aerospace, defense jobs is a challenge: The aerospace and defense industry comprises a major part of Oklahoma’s economy. Phil Busey Sr. is among those who hope that impact will only continue to grow, although he has his concerns. [Editorial Board / The Oklahoman] Tulsa World editorial: North Tulsa grocery store planned. But will it last? We’re pleased to hear that a group plans to open a 16,425-square-foot grocery store at 1717 N. Peoria Ave. Bringing a full-service grocery store to north Tulsa has been the loudest desire of area residents and the higher priority goal of its political leadership for years. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] 61st & Peoria: Savanna Landing could be a lesson in how to begin reclaiming community from crime, according to grant researcher: The clock is ticking on a federal grant program to improve the 61st and Peoria area through a holistic approach to crime and community. But positive gains have inspired optimism that successes in the recently christened “Hope Valley” are sustainable. [Tulsa World] Tulsa Police partner with video doorbell maker on app: Tulsans have a new way to share information with the police. The Tulsa Police Department is now a partner with video doorbell Ring’s community app known as Neighbors. Users can send TPD photos or videos through the app. [Public Radio Tulsa] Virtual school offerings through Tulsa-area districts: The rise of virtual juggernauts like Epic Charter Schools triggered a whirlwind of frantic discussions at other public school districts about how to make them more appealing to students. Reported enrollment at Epic, the state’s largest virtual school with blended learning centers in Tulsa and Oklahoma that opened in 2018, increased at least 62% from 2017-18 to 2018-19. [Tulsa World] Bill Hickman, council member for Ward 4, to resign seat: Ward 4 City Council member Bill Hickman announced at tonight’s meeting of the Norman City Council that he will be stepping down from his current position as he joins the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA). [Norman Transcript] OU graduate, youngest ever Norman city councilmember to run for Oklahoma State Senate: An OU graduate and Norman city councilwoman will run for state senate next year. Alex Scott, who graduated in May with a master’s degree in public administration, became the youngest ever Norman city council member when she won her Ward 8 seat in July 2018. [OU Daily] Dennis R. Neill Equality Center memorial mural featuring renowned gay playwright vandalized: A vandal defaced the Lynn Riggs memorial mural at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in downtown Tulsa on Monday, according to a Facebook post by Oklahomans for Equality. [Tulsa World] Ten candidates vying to lead Muscogee (Creek) Nation: The Muscogee Creek Nation has certified 37 candidates for office in elections this fall, including 10 for principal chief. Current Principal Chief James Floyd announced last month he will not run for a second term. [Public Radio Tulsa] Defense tops deficit concerns for Inhofe, says he is fine with budget agreement: Budget deficits still matter but national defense matters more, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said Tuesday. Speaking by telephone from Washington, Inhofe said he supports the two-year federal budget agreement announced earlier this week even though it is expected to add $1.7 trillion to the deficit. [Tulsa World] U.S. Sen. James Lankford came out against the agreement because it lacks any long-term debt reduction tools. [The Oklahoman] Quote of the Day “I needed a safe place. Not only did I have a safe place in my school, I had teachers who encouraged me. I had teachers who valued me. That’s why I wanted to teach, just to give back to what was given to me.” - Jena Nelson, a 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist, believes public education saved her life [The Oklahoman] Number of the Day $12.9 billion The total economic impact that tribes made in Oklahoma in 2017. In addition to direct contributions, tribes generate billions in production by companies that support tribes’ business operations. [Source: Oklahoma Native Impact] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note How legal marijuana is helping the black market: When Oregon legalized marijuana in 2014, the state tried very hard to stifle its black market by ensuring the path into the legal market was as easy as possible. It did not limit licenses and it simplified regulations, creating a program with one of the lowest barriers to entry in the United States. It worked. [Politico] 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