In The Know: Oklahoma’s top elected officials at odds over federal lawsuit | Oklahoma GOP lawmaker asks Biden official to investigate state's education agency | Policy Matters: Does Oklahoma truly honor the value of labor?

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 Subscribe // View latest headlines Policy Matters: Does Oklahoma truly honor the value of labor?    Oklahoma's state motto — "Labor omnia vincit," or work conquers all — suggests a deep respect for hard work. Yet, a closer look makes it clear that many state policies, and the actions of some elected officials, don't align with this ideal. This disconnect is especially harmful for our friends and neighbors working in low-wage jobs. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Share your opinions to help shape Oklahoma's future   Together Oklahoma and OK Policy are asking all Oklahoma residents to share their opinions about the issues and policies that matter most to them and that impact communities statewide. Input from the surveys will shape OK Policy's work during next year's legislative session to advance policies that help establish safe communities, keep Oklahomans healthy, and ensure our families and neighbors can thrive. Take the Survey $211.82   The average, first-day cost of incarceration for someone housed in the Oklahoma County jail in 2023. The daily cost thereafter was $66.49. [The Oklahoman] A $100 fine should never equal jail time    For some people, a parking ticket is a minor hassle at most. For others, through no fault of their own, a ticket can unravel their lives and livelihoods as fees quickly multiply and the stakes rise by the day. [Route Fifty] "You affect change by informing people, by sharing the truth and hopefully by inspiring them to continue their work. Not only to elect candidates, but to elect candidates with a specific kind of agenda that's designed to move us forward as a country."   - Christopher Benson, President of the Emmett and Mamie Till Mobley Institute, said during a panel discussion that called on the Biden-Harris administration to deliver justice for survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The panel took place during the Democratic National Convention and examined the similarities between the Emmett Till lynching and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. [KOSU] Oklahoma News   Gov. Stitt, Speaker McCall express concerns about competency restoration lawsuit settlement: Gov. Kevin Stitt and House Speaker Charles McCall did not take action Wednesday on the possible settlement of a lawsuit on the issue of court-ordered competency restoration, but will instead send a letter to a judge outlining their concerns. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Governor, mental health agency leader voice concern for AG's lawsuit settlement proposal [KOSU] Oklahoma mental health class action lawsuit settlement faces pushback [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma's top elected officials at odds over federal lawsuit [KOCO5] State Government News   State Walks Away from Tens of Millions Meant for Needy Families: Oklahoma's federal lawsuit over family planning grants and Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt's decision not to participate in a summer food program for a second year are just the latest examples in the state's love-hate relationship with federal money. [Oklahoma Watch]   State audit criticizes former Oklahoma district attorney and secretive deals: A former district attorney used secretive deals to make more than $160,000 for his office before quitting in 2022 after being accused of misconduct, a state audit found. [The Oklahoman]   Director of Oklahoma's juvenile affairs office leaves to lead Human Services department: An executive at Oklahoma's juvenile affairs agency will now lead the Oklahoma Human Services department. Jeffrey Cartmell was appointed as the next executive director of the human services department Wednesday by Gov. Kevin Stitt. He's served as executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs since his appointment in October 2023. [Oklahoma Voice]   Oklahoma State Capitol Welcomes Leadership Changes As New Session Approaches In 2025: While all eyes right now are on the presidential race, local state politics are about to see a big change. For the first time in eight years, Oklahoma will have new Senate and House leadership at the same time. Current House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate Leader Greg Treat are term-limited, meaning new faces and new ideas. [NEWS9]   House Speaker Charles McCall aide to head state agency: An aide to term-limited Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall was designated Wednesday by Gov. Kevin Stitt as the next executive director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. [Tulsa World] Senior adviser in Oklahoma House tapped to lead OMES [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma is the latest state to cut grocery taxes, but who does this really benefit?: Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan non-profit, says that while grocery taxes are a popular policy and do provide relief, they typically benefit higher-income earners since those who purchase groceries on SNAP and other subsidized benefits are tax-exempt. He says while Oklahoma's grocery tax elimination will save taxpayers around $370 million, there is still the fine print. [23abc] From OK Policy: Fact Check: Will Oklahoma families save $800 a year from eliminating the state portion of the grocery sales tax? Editorial: Parental choice voucher scheme another boondoggle of oversight: As predicted, the school voucher scheme that the Legislature approved last year has no quality controls and inspired private schools to raise tuition. The poorly conceived Parental Choice Tax Credit program offers up to $3,750 per student ($7,500 cap for a family) with no limit on household income. It ramps up to take $250 million from state revenue by 2026. [Editorial / Tulsa World] From OK Policy: Vouchers: Another Wrong Turn for Oklahoma Schools Federal Government News   Oklahoma GOP lawmaker asks Biden official to investigate state's education agency: A Republican state lawmaker who's been his party's primary budget watchdog over financial issues at the Oklahoma State Department of Education has asked Democratic U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to launch a federal investigation into the state agency's management of federal programs and use of funds. [The Oklahoman] Rep. Mark McBride Requests Federal Investigation Into OSDE's Handling Of Funds [NEWS9] Panelists call on Biden-Harris administration for 'justice' for survivors of Tulsa Race Massacre: Stories of injustice were kept alive at an event during the Democratic National Convention last week. A panel discussed the intersection of goals for victims of racial violence. The panel took place during the Democratic National Convention. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Where the votes came from and who got them in the Tulsa mayor election: If it came down to who won the most precincts in Tuesday's Tulsa mayoral election, the runoff would feature a different matchup than who will face off in November. [Tulsa World]   Election losses by high-ranking Republicans are reshaping Oklahoma's Legislature: For the second time in as many months, a high-powered Republican member of the Oklahoma Legislature crashed and burned on election night, an indication that infighting among the GOP is increasing and the party's far right-wing is now a major voice in state elections. [The Oklahoman]   Editorial: What will it take to get Tulsans to vote?: Among the details of Tuesday's municipal elections, one fact stands out: The vast majority of Tulsans don't vote. Three-fourths of residents opted out of choosing their mayor and city councilor. [Editorial / Tulsa World] From OK Policy: The 2022 Midterms reveal our democracy is still inaccessible to many Oklahoma voters Education News   Oklahoma students are missing class and failing in reading. What's happening?: Oklahoma's education system, chronically ranked among the lowest-performing in the nation, is failing at even getting kids to come to school. The state's schools received an "F" grade in chronic absenteeism on the most recent Oklahoma State Report Card issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. [The Oklahoman]   Hoax mailer about Bible mandate received by school leaders across the state: Public school leaders across Oklahoma have received a mysterious, large piece of mail purporting to be a companion text from the Antichrist for State Superintendent Ryan Walters' recent Bible instruction mandate. [Tulsa World]   Does LOFT chairman's election loss affect State Department of Education investigation?: The loss on Tuesday of incumbent state Rep. Kevin Wallace in a runoff election isn't expected to have an impact on an investigation of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. [Tulsa World]   Opinion: Teachers at a disadvantage when asked to improve test scores: Like the coach, teachers can argue that these tests don't capture the whole picture — that students' abilities and growth can't be distilled into a single number. Yet the expectation remains: Every student must perform at a high level, regardless of their starting point or individual challenges. [Rob Miller / Tulsa World]   Health News   $8M boost for MIECHV program to enhance maternal health services: President Biden has signed bipartisan legislation doubling federal funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program over the next five years, marking the first significant expansion in a decade. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced nearly $8 million in new funding to expand home visiting services in Oklahoma. [The Journal Record]   Criminal Justice News   Dog groomer convicted after beating, hanging golden doodle: A man has been found guilty of animal cruelty after he was accused of beating a dog that died in his care at a south Tulsa pet grooming business late last summer. [Tulsa World]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   OKC homelessness rises 28% despite growing housing efforts: The Key to Home Partnership program has closed 18 encampments in Oklahoma City and housed 233 inhabitants since September. Even so, on Jan. 25 the city's annual Point in Time survey showed the number of people living outdoors or in shelters grew by 28% from 2023. [The Journal Record] From OK Policy: Oklahomans will go another year without solutions to housing crisis  Economy & Business News   Help wanted: Oklahoma works to lower barriers to long-term care careers: Recruiting long-term care CNAs can be challenging, and fighting consistent turnover is costly. But groups in Oklahoma are finding ways to invest in workers' futures. [KGOU]   Opinion: Women paved way for workers' rights: As we celebrate Labor Day this year, it is an opportune time to remember the women who have helped pave the way in advocating for the workforce in our state and country. [Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn / Tulsa World]   Community News   How a local couple supports grandparents raising grandchildren through Nana's Closet: Six years ago, an Oklahoma City woman had no idea that she would become honorary grandmother to hundreds of children. In many ways, that's what happened when Leela Baker and her husband Lamont founded Nana's Closet in 2018. The nonprofit was so named because the couple's granddaughter, Evelyn, calls Leela her Nana. [The Oklahoman]   Local Headlines Groundbreaking planned for new Family Safety Center in Tulsa [Tulsa World] Voters approve boost in Oklahoma City's visitor tax [The Journal Record] Turnpike authority to cancel frontage roads in response to Norman toll road opposition [The Oklahoman] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Oklahoma runoff primary and special election results | Corporate Commission approves rate hike for ONG | Discussing alternatives to incarceration in youth justice system

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.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024 Subscribe // View latest headlines Help Us Build a Better Oklahoma – We Need Your Input!   Together Oklahoma and OK Policy are asking all Oklahoma residents to share their opinions about the issues and policies that matter most to them and that impact communities statewide. Input from the surveys will shape OK Policy's work during next year's legislative session to advance policies that help establish safe communities, keep Oklahomans healthy, and ensure our families and neighbors can thrive. Take the Survey 5%   Oklahoma's Earned Income Tax Credit — a tax credit that subsidizes work for low-income families — is capped at 5% of the federal EITC credit. Of the 30 states that provide this tax credit to low-wage workers with families, Oklahoma has the nation's fourth lowest credit. [OK Policy] States Should Continue Enacting and Expanding Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Tax Credits   State child tax credits and EITCs build on the success of both federal credits by helping families afford the basics and reducing poverty; this, in turn, helps them thrive in the long run through improved child and maternal health, school achievement, and other benefits, research has found. Because people of color, women, and people who immigrated to the U.S. are overrepresented in low-paid work and in families with little to no earnings — due in part to discrimination, bias, and other structural barriers to opportunity — these two state credits are an important tool for advancing equity. And by bolstering families' incomes, they also boost local communities and state economies. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "We don't give youth service agencies the flexibility to try new things and things that could work for these counties, and so without the funding to be able to make those things happen, they can't try new things."   - Jill Mencke, youth justice policy analyst at OK Policy, speaking about roadblocks to reform at an interim study on Tuesday focused on the rehabilitative nature of the juvenile justice system and explore alternatives to incarceration. [Journal Record] Oklahoma News   Oklahoma Corporation Commission approves rate hike for ONG: The average Oklahoma Natural Gas customer's monthly bill will increase by $1.33 after the Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted to approve a rate hike Tuesday. The increase will add more than $31 million to ONG's annual base rate revenue, which is currently around half a billion dollars. [KOSU] Corporation Commission approves another ONG rate increase [KFOR] State Government News   Oklahoma Gov. Stitt's work permit, visa task force releases final report: Gov. Kevin Stitt's work permit and visa task force has five recommendations for how Oklahoma can encourage non-citizens to join its workforce. They include establishing a new government office and providing certain folks with special privilege cards to drive — which require legislative will to implement. [KOSU] Task force identifies ways to help undocumented Oklahomans in the workforce [KOCO] 'Legitimacy' of Corporation Commission at stake in Hiett scandal, Bob Anthony says: Votes cast by Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett should be considered violations of state ethics rules and grounds for legal appeal in cases that can involve hundreds of millions of dollars and utility bills paid by Oklahomans, longtime Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony said Tuesday. [Tulsa World]   Legislators discuss alternatives to incarceration for youth justice system: State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, held the study to examine the rehabilitative nature of the juvenile justice system and explore alternatives to incarceration. Jill Mencke, youth justice policy analyst at Oklahoma Policy Institute, talked to the committee about using diversion to empower youth and keep them out of prison. [Journal Record] From OK Policy: Better Tomorrows: A Landscape Analysis of Oklahoma's Youth Justice System and Suggested Reforms Long Story Short: Parental Tax Credit Program Has No Standards for Accreditation (audio): Oklahoma Watch · Parental Tax Credit Program Has No Standards for Accreditation Jennifer Palmer reveals how little private school accreditation means in light of the new state tax credit program. [Oklahoma Watch] First Watch: Stuff You Should Know: A zoo association accredited an Oklahoma private school to get your tax dollars [Oklahoma Watch] Federal Government News   Construction on Veterans Hospital in Tulsa hits milestone; Inhofe's memory honored: A few short speeches, the Star Spangled Banner and a crane lift on Tuesday morning marked one more milestone along the road to completion of the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa. [Tulsa World]   Tribal Nations News   Chickasaw Historical Society Examines Food Sovereignty during Annual Conference: The 2024 Chickasaw Historical Society (CHS) Ittafama Ithana (Gathering to Learn) Conference, conducted Aug. 8-9, provided opportunity to honor a longtime culture keeper and learn about tribal food sovereignty, past and present. [Native News Online]   Lawsuit between tribal member, Broken Arrow Public Schools settled: A lawsuit filed by Otoe-Missouria citizen and Osage descendant Lena Black was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice last week, meaning the case is permanently closed. [KOSU]   Hope in sight for Oklahoma Superfund site thanks to efforts by Quapaw Nation: The ghost town of Picher is known for its dark and disheartening history. But the Quapaw Nation is actively working to change that narrative. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Oklahoma election results 2024: Tulsa mayor race headed to runoff, OKC hotel tax passes: Oklahomans headed to the voting booth Tuesday to decide local issues like taxes, school bonds and legislative seats. [The Oklahoman] Unofficial results for Aug. 27 Runoff Primary and Special Elections [Oklahoma Election Board] Oklahoma election results [KFOR] See final Tulsa and Oklahoma election results [Tulsa World] OKC passes hotel tax increase, Tulsa mayoral race goes to runoff in August election [KGOU] Special Election Results: 3 Incumbent Lawmakers Lose Seats, School Bonds & More [News 9] House appropriations chairman, two other incumbents knocked out in Republican runoffs [Tulsa World] Three Oklahoma incumbent state lawmakers lose runoffs [Oklahoma Voice] Voters sink Stephens, wash out Wallace, dump Davis [NonDoc] Oklahoma legislative runoffs see 4 candidates win outright, 6 head to general election [NonDoc] Oklahoma City voters approve 3.75% increase to hotel tax [Oklahoma Voice] Cashing In On Tourism: OKC Hotel Tax Increase Passed [News 9] Tulsa elections: 4 incumbents reelected, 3 seats sent to November runoff [NonDoc] Tulsa mayoral election heads to November runoff election [Oklahoma Voice] Monroe Nichols, Karen Keith reach Tulsa mayoral runoff [NonDoc] Monroe Nichols, Karen Keith headed to runoff election in Tulsa mayor's race [Tulsa World] Four City Council incumbents reelected; two others in runoffs [Tulsa World] Guthrie and Purcell bond proposals pass easily, but those in 4 other districts go down [The Oklahoman] Sheriff showdowns: Varnell to vacate Pawnee County, Merritt and Shirey head to general [NonDoc] Oklahoma's election system '100% accurate,' says chief election official: Oklahoma's election system functioned with 100% accuracy during the June primary election, says the state's chief election official. The announcement came Monday, just a day before thousands of Oklahomans were expected to return to the polls for the August primary runoff election. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy's Shiloh Kantz: More leaders should quash election conspiracies Low voter turnout concerns as Oklahoma heads to polls, analyst cites hurdles: "We're consistently ranked very, very low in relation to the rest of the country and even surrounding states," said OK Policy's Cole Allen. A limited early voting period, voter registration requirements and voting during the workday are some factors that contribute to low voter turnout in Oklahoma. [Fox 25]   Has Oklahoma always trended conservative? Polling expert looks at voting history: More than most, Pat McFerron knows what Oklahomans are thinking. Ballotpedia, the nonpartisan online political encyclopedia, calls McFerron one of the nation's "top influencers." [The Oklahoman]   Health News   GRAND Mental Health 'Care-A-Van' visits rural Oklahoma towns: Throughout the week, a van will be stationed in different towns in Oklahoma, stocked with free snacks and health professionals from GRAND Mental Health. The van is part of a new pilot program launched by GRAND to introduce its services to rural areas in Oklahoma. [KOSU]   Criminal Justice News   At the Oklahoma County jail, a lack of staff means security checks often get skipped: When jailers don't check on arrestees, the consequences can be deadly. Jail officials have tried boosting detention officer pay and hiring a private staffing company to help, but say more funding is needed. [The Frontier]   A petition for a grand jury investigation of an Oklahoma County official failed. What's next?: A group of Del City leaders said they had gathered more than 5,000 signatures when they submitted the petition on Aug. 12, but officials with the Oklahoma County Election Board announced Aug. 20 they'd validated only 4,180 of them. [The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Stitt advocates for less housing regulations in national media appearance: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appeared Sunday on CBS' Face the Nation to talk about the Republican platform before November's election. Stitt was questioned about former President Trump's plan to tackle the housing shortage across the country, including in Oklahoma. [Public Radio Tulsa]   Opinion: The childhood hunger issue is not just about a human need. It's about economics, as well: Chronic food insecurity is not just about hunger; it's about the physical, emotional and cognitive development of our children. To ensure our children reach their full potential, we must align our efforts to provide a secure safety net. [Stacy Dykstra / The Oklahoman]   Local Headlines Amid Rigby uncertainty, Edmond City Council uncorks brewery plan, green-lights electric projects [NonDoc] Council approves OKC Will Rogers International Airport as new name [Journal Record] Norman City Council Unanimously Rejects Turnpike Expansion Resolution [News 9] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Support Our Work with a Donation Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.