Small: Time to target government fraud

Time to target government fraud

By Jonathan Small

The state of Minnesota has recently made national news for an astounding level of fraud. When YouTuber Nick Shirley visited numerous daycare centers receiving an estimated $110 million in taxpayer subsidies, he found most appeared to serve no children. The resulting outcry led Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to abruptly announce he was abandoning a re-election bid. Federal officials are now investigating.

Similarly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York recently filed charges against a long list of defendants accused of perpetrating one of the largest food-stamp fraud schemes in history, totaling more than $66 million in alleged illegal transactions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently estimated as much as 10 percent of the federal budget, around $300 billion to $600 billion per year, is stolen by fraudsters.

Rep. Gann files 'Open Legislature Initiative', aims to subject lawmakers to transparency laws

Gann Announces ‘Open Legislature Initiative’ to Subject Lawmakers to Transparency Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 15th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, on Thursday announced a comprehensive transparency package aimed at bringing the Oklahoma Legislature under the state’s open meetings and open records standards, calling the move "necessary to restore public trust and end a culture of secrecy in state government."

House Bill 3842, which Gann is calling the Open Legislature Initiative, is formally titled the Legislative Transparency, Accountability, and Open Meetings Act of 2026. In addition to requiring continued public notice and recording of legislative meetings for the Oklahoma House of the state Senate, the measure would mandate disclosure of lobbyist influence tied to legislation and prohibit nondisclosure agreements that interfere with lawmakers’ official duties.

“The Legislature cannot demand transparency from every other public body while exempting itself,” Gann said. “If we expect open government, we must lead by example.”

Bill to Abolish Abortion filed in Oklahoma

Let this be the year that the Oklahoma Legislature mans up and truly abolishes abortion in our state! 

Bill to Abolish Abortion Filed in Oklahoma

by the Foundation to Abolish Abortion — Jan. 14th, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Oklahoma State Representative Gabe Woolley filed the Abolition of Abortion in Oklahoma Act this week to completely abolish abortion in the state.

House Bill 3038, which is co-sponsored by Oklahoma State Senator Warren Hamilton, would acknowledge the sanctity of life made in the image of God and the protections that must be extended to all persons under the Fourteenth Amendment.

The legislation would establish equal protection of the laws for preborn babies, ensuring that the same criminal and civil laws protecting born persons also protect preborn persons.

Rep. Norwood wants Fireworks Tax-Free Weekend for America’s 250th

There's an interesting idea. It reminds me of this famous quote from John Adams: "I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." (Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams - July 3rd, 1776)

Norwood Files Fireworks Tax-Free Weekend Bill for America’s 250th

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create a temporary sales tax exemption on fireworks as Oklahoma and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

House Bill 4093 would establish a four-day, tax-free period for the sale of fireworks beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 2. and ending at midnight July 5. The exemption is intended to coincide with Independence Day celebrations marking America’s semiquincentennial.

Sen. Deevers files bills to combat illegal immigration, visa program abuses

Deevers Introduces Slate of America First Immigration Bills Protecting Oklahoma Workers and Sovereignty

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) - On Friday, Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, announced the introduction of a slate of five America First immigration bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration and protecting Oklahoma workers from visa program abuses.

“Oklahomans are incredible people with an incredible heritage and work ethic. Reckless federal immigration policies in recent decades are stealing that inheritance and displacing Oklahoma workers,” Deevers said. “These five proposals come from a place of love for Oklahoma and its people; the hard-working men, women, and families who are the lifeblood of our state. We need policies that put them first."

Rep. Boles files bill to protect Oklahomans from utility rate increases due to new data centers

Rep. Boles files bill to protect Oklahomans from utility rate increases due to new data centers

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 8th) – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, has filed legislation with the intent to protect Oklahomans from having to pay increased utility rates by ensuring data centers pay their share of infrastructure costs as they expand across the state.

House Bill 2992, titled the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would require data centers to pay their share of infrastructure costs associated with their significant electricity demands. While the bill's language is still being finalized, it is being drafted to prevent those costs from being passed on to residential, industrial and small-business ratepayers through higher utility rates.

"With more than a dozen potential new data centers planning to locate in Oklahoma that we are aware of at this point, we have to make sure everyday Oklahomans are not stuck paying the price of the electricity use due to these new data centers being built," Boles said. "This bill is about protecting ratepayers and making sure massive energy users cover the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting that burden onto families and small businesses."

Small: Debacle at OU underscores higher ed’s flaws

Debacle at OU underscores higher ed’s flaws

By Jonathan Small

University of Oklahoma officials recently announced a graduate assistant was “arbitrary” in flunking a student for stating there are only two sexes.

Still, the incident highlights the degree to which a college education is becoming a joke.

OU students were asked to read an article about gender-nonconforming children and write a short essay in response.

Samantha Fulnecky wrote that she “strongly” disagreed with the idea that “encouraging acceptance of diverse gender expressions could improve students’ confidence,” calling it a “lie that there are multiple genders.”

Course instructor Mel Curth gave Fulnecky a zero, declaring it a “fact” that “every” major medical association “acknowledges that, biologically and psychologically, sex and gender is neither binary nor fixed.” In short, Fulnecky was expected to deny reality to get an A.

Congressman Brecheen highlights 2025 work

Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights

Washington, DC (December 29, 2025) – As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen's third year in office, here's a recap of the top highlights from the year:

State Rep. Dempsey announces he will not seek reelection

Dempsey Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31) – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, announced today that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming election for House District 1.

Dempsey issued the following statement:

"Today I'm announcing that I will not seek reelection. I want to thank all my friends and supporters for electing me. Let me say that serving these past five years has been very rewarding, but it's time for me to come home.

Sen. Lankford Releases Statement on Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

Lankford Releases Statement on Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Jan. 3rd) — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair and member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement following the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

“When you funnel drugs and chaos into American streets, you should face justice. Today the very long and powerful arm of justice grabbed Nicolás Maduro and will put him in front of an American court,” said Lankford. “Maduro was a dictator who ruled through fraud, repression, and corruption, and his regime enabled drug trafficking that sent deadly narcotics into the United States. The Venezuelan people deserve free and fair elections and a peaceful return to freedom and prosperity. Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your word to stop the flow of drugs and crime into our nation.”

Election calendar modernization law takes effect, limits election dates

This was a good idea, and long needed. Far too often, local jurisdictions would schedule important votes at odd times in an effort to sneak through tax and bond increases. Standardizing election dates may help with raising voter turnout in these types of elections.

Election Calendar Modernization Law to Take Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31st) – A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state.

Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers.

The true story behind Christmas

Have a very merry Christmas!

The true account of the birth of Jesus Christ, from Luke 2:

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

I hope that you have a very happy and safe holiday! 

Before the year runs out, you should do the 'good person' test:

Here's the deal. God made you. God made everything. Just as the electronic device you are reading this on had a designer, the building you are in had an architect, the vehicle you drive had a manufacturer, this entire universe - infinitely more complex - had a Creator. He orchestrated the atoms and molecules that make up everything.

As Creator, He has the right and prerogative for placing laws and rules for His creation to follow. You, and I, and every human being, have fallen short of those laws. We may think we're good, or that we're better than others, but that's a flawed assessment.