Small: Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize idleness

Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize idleness

By Jonathan Small

Oklahomans don’t mind providing a helping hand to those in true need. What they hate is paying for others’ idleness. In the view of Oklahomans, those who can work, should work.

That’s one of the major problems with the 2020 decision to expand Oklahoma’s Medicaid program to include able-bodied adults with no children, rather than confine the program to children, low-income pregnant women and the disabled.

That expansion has diverted hundreds of millions of state tax dollars away from other uses in the years since, and the price tag could explode by as much as $700 million per year if federal officials alter the state match for those able-bodied adults to roughly the same level as the state match for disabled people on Medicaid.

Polaris Technology blasts Muskogee City Council's annexation vote

Is this a case of the City getting greedy? As I recall, almost every single large industrial center in Muskogee is technically on unincorporated zones. They touted this data center investment when it came, but are they breaking any of the previous agreement?

Polaris Technology Responds to Muskogee City Council Annexation Vote

MUSKOGEE, OK (June 10, 2025) – Polaris Technology expresses deep concern following the Muskogee City Council's vote today to move forward with annexation of private property currently owned and operated by Polaris. If finalized, the decision would jeopardize prior good-faith agreements with former city and county leadership and risk undermining significant economic progress in Muskogee and the broader region.

ODOC to purchase Lawton Correctional Facility, last privately operated prison

ODOC to purchase Lawton Correctional Facility, take over operations July 25

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 5th) – The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has officially entered an agreement to purchase the Lawton Correctional Facility from The GEO Group. ODOC will assume operational control on July 25, a major milestone in strengthening the agency’s transformative presence.

This transition brings the State of Oklahoma one step closer to a fully unified corrections system, as Lawton Correctional Facility is the last remaining privately operated prison used by the state. Once the purchase is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Corrections and finalized, ODOC will assume full responsibility for facility operations, staffing and programming.

Stitt names retired Admiral Slavonic as interim Mental Health commissioner

Governor Stitt names Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2025) -Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). This comes after the Legislature voted to remove the Governor’s previous appointee in a late-night vote.

“It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,” said Gov. Stitt. “It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I’m grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.”

State Treasurer Todd Russ announces campaign for re-election

State Treasurer Todd Russ Announces Re-Election Bid

(Wednesday, June 4th, 2025) State Treasurer Todd Russ announced today that he is running for a second term in 2026. Russ, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 65 percent of the vote, sweeping all 77 counties. 

“As Treasurer, I use my extensive background in banking and business, along with more than a decade of mastering the inner workings of state government, to help conservatively manage Oklahoma’s money and financial resources, significantly improving the state’s financial position,” Russ said.

“It would be my honor to continue serving the citizens of Oklahoma as their State Treasurer. My conservative values align with the vast majority of Oklahomans. I know the value of hard work and the importance of standing for Godly values and honest, ethical leadership,” Russ added.

Gov. Stitt, local leaders tout major new industrial park in Chickasha

Governor Stitt, Chickasha leaders Celebrate Largest Private Investment in City History with Announcement of New Industrial Park and Power Generation Joint Venture

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 5, 2025) -Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt joined local leaders in Chickasha to unveil plans for a major new industrial park and power generation initiative— projects representing the largest single private investment in the city’s history. Spearheaded by Chet Hitt, the development of the industrial park is projected to attract high-demand industries, potentially creating thousands of new jobs and injecting approximately $3.5 billion into the local economy.

OCPA column: A successful session

A successful session

By Jonathan Small

The 2025 legislative session has provided many policy wins for Oklahomans, and it is evidence of the intentional efforts by lawmakers to pass meaningful reforms.

The success of this session owes much to the leadership of Gov. Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, and Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, as well as the hard work of many lawmakers.

House Bill 2764 cuts Oklahoma’s top income-tax rate from 4.75 percent to 4.5 percent and puts the income tax on a gradual path to zero. This will help Oklahoma remain competitive with other states while encouraging more investment and job creation in Oklahoma. State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom and state Rep. Mark Lepak, in particular, deserve credit for their work on this issue.

Governor Stitt celebrates legislative session policy wins, including tax cut

Governor Stitt Celebrates Session Wins

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 30, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt celebrated a successful end to the legislative session. He signed multiple policy priorities into law, including a quarter point personal income tax reduction and a plan to eliminate the income tax for all Oklahomans. He signed business-friendly priorities including “Behind-the-Meter” and business courts. He also signed legislation that will ensure Oklahoma students are receiving the education that best prepares them for the future workforce.

Rep. Rick West: "Just Say No" (to lobbyist money)

Just Say No

By Rep. Rick West (R-Heavener)

Back in the 1980s, then-First Lady Nancy Reagan popularized the phrase "Just Say No" as part of an anti-drug campaign.

I kind of feel like bringing that back at the Legislature, but in this case pertaining to lobbyists. Never have I been more convinced that my decision to just say no to lobbyists' or political action committee money was the right move. It's one of the best decisions I've made since I've been in politics. It gives me freedom, and freedom is everything.

There is no question that lobbyists run the vast majority of legislation at the Capitol, and they do it through the power of the purse.

I appreciate the folks in my district who understand my decision not to take lobbyists' money. Y'all get it.

Rep. Hays: 'A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy'

A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy

By State Representative Neil Hays (R, HD-13)

As communities across the country work to balance budgets, fund essential services, and attract the businesses that drive innovation and job creation, it’s time for local governments to rethink their approach to public policy. As State Representative for District 13, I encourage our elected leaders to adopt transparent, deliberate, and equitable decision-making processes when considering new taxes, fees, or regulations. We must resist hasty or regressive measures that undermine the very economies they seek to support.

Legislature approves $4M to help relocate USS Batfish

After five years of languishing following the 2019 Arkansas River flood, the USS Batfish finally has some good news: 

Top: April 2019 - middle: May 2019 - Bottom: June 2019

OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE APPROVES $4 MILLION TO RELOCATE USS BATFISH

Oklahoma City, OK (May 29, 2025) - One of America’s most decorated World War II submarines—and a beloved Oklahoma landmark—is one step closer to safe harbor. On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature approved HB2794, allocating $4 million in FY26 funding to the USS Batfish. The state appropriation will be used to relocate the historic military vessel to its future home at Three Forks Harbor.

US Senate approves Lankford bill establishing National Monument in North Tulsa

Senate Approves Lankford Bill Establishing National Monument in North Tulsa

WASHINGTON, DC (May 23rd) – Thursday, the United States Senate approved the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act by unanimous consent. The legislation will designate as a national monument the Historic Greenwood District of North Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre took place.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in first introducing the legislation in 2023. During the last Congress, the bill was unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources where Lankford testified on the importance of the national monument to North Tulsa. The legislation was then passed unanimously by the full Senate.