Thursday, October 31, 2024

Daylight Savings debate: two legislators with different solutions


Two state legislators are out with op-eds (below) decrying the continued shuffling of the clock every November and March. They've both authored legislation to "lock the clock" -- but one wants permanent Standard Time and the other wants permanent Daylight Savings Time.

Which would you opt for?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Attorney Stephen Jones joins Supreme Court effort against Corp. Commish Hiett


Attorney Stephen Jones Joins Supreme Court Effort Against OCC’s Todd Hiett

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Three Oklahoma lawmakers say that legal legend Stephen Jones will argue on behalf of their petition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, according to a notice filed at the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday. 

Legislators highlight Administrative Rules, Open Meetings Act online portals


Kendrix, Bergstrom Highlight Rules, Open Meetings Act Online Portals

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, recently held an interim study examining Oklahoma's current administrative rules process and considering how it could be made more efficient and transparent.

"One of the things we’ve been working on is trying to make this process more transparent, get more people involved in it, make it more accountable not only to us as legislators but also to the public, where more people are aware of the rules process—how it works, the notification process, the public comment process," Kendrix said during the study. "We've been working with the secretary of state on the portal that they have, to try to make that better for everybody involved."

Oklahoma: Early voting for the General Election begins today


Early Voting for the General Election Begins Wednesday

(Oklahoma City, Oct. 28th) – “Early voting” – officially known as in-person absentee voting – begins at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday for the November 5 General Election.

Early voting will be held Wednesday, October 30 through Friday, November 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No excuse is needed to vote early, but voters must provide proof of identity when checking in at their early voting site. More information about accepted forms of identity is available on the State Election Board website.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

AG Drummond asks Supreme Court to act on Virginia voter registration case, protect election integrity

A good time to remind everyone to vote for State Question 834, which would specifically restrict Oklahoma voting to only citizens.


Drummond asks U.S. Supreme Court to expedite Virginia voter registration case, protect election integrity

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 29, 2024) – With a presidential election only days away, Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to allow Virginia to remove non-citizens from its voter roll. In an amicus brief filed yesterday, Drummond and a coalition of 25 other states argue that a preliminary injunction halting the state of Virginia from removing self-identified non-citizens from its rolls undermines a state’s authority to determine voter qualifications. Virginia’s law provides mechanisms to protect election integrity, while ensuring only U.S. citizens remain on voter rolls.

Gov. Stitt taps Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs


Governor Stitt Appoints Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 29, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that Timothy Tardibono will serve as the executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

“Tim is one of Oklahoma’s leading experts on criminal justice, family, and public service, and I’m grateful for his willingness to serve our state,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m confident Tim will lead with integrity and a servant’s heart, and I know him as someone who will work tirelessly to provide young Oklahomans with opportunities to thrive.”

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Here's what you need to know about the State Questions on Oklahoma's 2024 ballot



Two weeks ago, I published Here's what you need to know about the judges on the 2024 ballot. In this post, I'll focus in on the two state questions that are on the ballot. 

I got some of my information from these helpful articles (SQ 833, SQ 834) at Ballotpedia, in addition to information from various blogs and news stations.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

OCPA column: ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers


ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers
By Jonathan Small

In recent years “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) investing has become a prominent topic in the financial world as some large-asset managers have claimed they will now invest money based on political goals rather than the longstanding norm of maximizing returns.

Oklahoma lawmakers voted to prohibit ESG asset managers from having state contracts, arguing that ESG ultimately reduces taxpayer benefits compared to traditional investing strategies.

The law has drawn pushback, including from the managers of the Oklahoma Public Employees’ Retirement System (OPERS). But a new study, of which I am one of three co-authors, shows that lawmakers were justified in passing the law.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections announces major progress in reducing inmate violence


Oklahoma Department of Corrections announces major progress in reducing inmate violence

(October 25th) Today, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced a significant reduction in inmate-on-inmate assaults with serious injury, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security. Key reforms, including strategic population management, stricter enforcement policies, and enhanced technology, have significantly decreased the incidence of violence.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Sen. Deevers applauds Trump’s reported consideration of federal income tax repeal


Deevers Comments on Trump’s Reported Consideration of Federal Income Tax Repeal

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, responded on Friday to Thursday’s New York Times report that former President Donald Trump is seriously considering supporting eliminating the federal income tax.

“In a time when government bloat, earmarks, and abuse of funds are out of control, and when the American people are suffering under crushing inflation and taxation, the repeal of the federal income tax would be among the most historic achievements in American history. Should he win in November, I encourage former President Trump to follow through on what he is reportedly considering.”

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus backs SQ834, the Citizens-only voting amendment

I'm a little late on getting this posted, but this goes into some detail on State Question 834, which is the most easily-understood state question on the ballot (SQ 833... that's a totally different matter).

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus leads the charge on only citizens voting in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 10th) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus led by Chairman Senator Shane Jett, joined with Americans for Citizens Voting in support of State Question 834 the Citizen-only voting amendment. 

Oklahoma man with Irish mob ties sentenced for orchestrating murder from prison


Oklahoma man with Irish mob ties sentenced for orchestrating murder from prison 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 23, 2024) – An Osage County judge today sentenced a man with ties to organized crime to life in prison for ordering the 2021 murder of a fellow Irish mob member. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and several partner agencies handled the case against Zachary Millard, who had been convicted earlier this month for the slaying of Mitchell Roberts in Tulsa.