'Common Cents Act' takes on penny problems, advances in OK House

Common Cents Act takes on penny problems, advances in House

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 4th) — Legislation that would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel has passed a House policy committee and now moves to an oversight committee.

Authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, House Bill 3075, formally titled the Oklahoma Common Cents Act, would not apply to the private sector and would apply only to public payments made in cash or the portion paid in cash. The measure does not apply to checks, debit cards, credit cards, electronic payments or other digital transactions.

"This is a simple, practical bill that modernizes how we handle cash payments without impacting anyone who pays digitally," Hildebrant said. "HB3075 is limited to public cash transactions only. If you’re paying online or with a card, nothing changes."

Kevin Warnemuende announces candidacy for House District 47

Kevin Warnemuende Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma House District 47

Mustang, OK (Jan. 23rd) – Kevin Warnemuende, a successful local engineer, devoted husband and father, constitutional educator, announces his candidacy for Oklahoma House District 47.

Warnemuende, a Mustang resident since 1999, said his decision to run was driven not by political ambition, but by frustration at politicians talking the talk, but not enacting the solutions that work for Oklahomans.

Sen. Lankford releases 9th edition of 'Federal Fumbles' report on waste

Lankford Releases Ninth Edition of Federal Fumbles

Report details billions in wasteful spending, fraud, and government inefficiencies while outlining solutions to restore accountability for taxpayers

WASHINGTON, DC (February 2nd) — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released his ninth edition of Federal Fumbles today, revealing billions of dollars lost to wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments. The report details eyebrow-raising research grants, weak oversight of taxpayer funds sent overseas, systemic failures in food assistance programs, and the staggering cost of government shutdowns, while offering specific policy solutions to prevent these failures from continuing. 

Keating raises $3.1M since October for Gov race, including $2M personal loan

We thought that the 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary was expensive. Just wait for the final total on the 2026 primary when all is said and done!

Keating Campaign Announces $3.1 Million Raised Since Launch

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 30th) - Chip Keating’s campaign for Oklahoma Governor announced a historic fundraising start today, reporting $3.1 million raised since launching in October, including $1.1 million from individual donors and a $2 million personal investment from Keating. The campaign has $2.6 million cash on hand at the end of the fourth quarter.

Jordan Sekulow of ACLJ endorses Echols for Attorney General

The following is a press release from the Jon Echols for Attorney General campaign. [Just as a blogger's note, as I've pointed out previously, Echols had a horrendous record on tax-hikes in the legislature, including supporting a measure that would have absolutely gutted taxpayer protections by making it easier for legislators to raise taxes.]

Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Endorses Jon Echols for AG

Oklahoma City, OK (Jan. 28th) - Jordan Sekulow is one of the most respected legal minds in the conservative movement. His work with the ACLJ and as a private attorney have set him apart as a champion for conservative values. Today, he announced his endorsement of Jon Echols for Oklahoma Attorney General. 

Democrat Rep. Pittman pleads guilty to felony forgery, resigns from office

State Rep. Ajay Pittman (D-OKC) has resigned in the wake of felony forgery and campaign finance violations. NonDoc has the in-depth particulars and background of the Pittman case. This will make the third special election in 2026 for a seat in the state legislature due to resignation, the others being Republican Ty Burns in HD35 and Democrat Forrest Bennett in HD92. Out of the 20 House Democrats that started the 60th Oklahoma Legislature after the 2024 election, this latest resignation means that 20% (4) of the original Democratic caucus will have resigned before the end of their two-year term.

Pittman pleads guilty after investigation by Drummond’s office

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 28, 2026) – State Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman pleaded guilty today to felony charges related to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission following an investigation by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office. As part of her sentence, Pittman will resign from her elected position in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

According to the charges, Pittman directed the creation of a falsified check, which was then submitted to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in an attempt to avoid repayment of funds to her campaign account. The scheme involved altering and creating a false $2,500 check and using a computer network to  transmit the fraudulent document to state officials while representing it as genuine.

Ethics Commission sues vendor over failed campaign finance system

Drummond represents Ethics Commission in lawsuit over failed campaign finance system

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 22, 2026) -- The Oklahoma Ethics Commission, represented by Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office, has filed a lawsuit against RFD & Associates, Inc., alleging the Texas-based vendor failed to deliver a critical political finance reporting system despite repeated assurances and multiple deadline extensions, costing the state more than $800,000.

In December 2024, the Ethics Commission contracted with RFD & Associates, Inc. to create a new system to support statutorily mandated filing, review, and public disclosure in a timely manner. With the exception of the initial project kickoff, it failed to meet six of seven major contractual milestones and never produced an operational system. 

Hern Policy Institute launched to advance innovation and opportunity

Congressman Kevin Hern and his family have a new project:

Hern Policy Institute Launched To Advance Innovation and Opportunity

TULSA, OK, January 20, 2026 – The Hern Family of Tulsa, Oklahoma announced the launch of the Hern Policy Institute (HPI) to advance economic freedom and opportunity through research and innovation.

“Our family has always strived to help individuals, families, and communities that have experienced significant hardship. We believe it is time to direct resources and research into stopping economic hardship before it ever begins,” said Tammy Hern, Board of Directors of the Hern Policy Institute. “The Hern Policy Institute will fund and conduct research, foster innovation, and promote policies that unleash economic prosperity and allow our families and communities to flourish.”

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

Most - but not all - of the Oklahoma Legislature's Republican members signed the following letter against State Question 836. Some of the missing names are unusual (mostly RINOs with a sprinkling of real conservatives); I'm trying to track down why a few of the 'good guys' aren't on here.

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2026)—Today, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, along with 110 of their fellow members of the Oklahoma Legislature, issued an open letter to the people of Oklahoma, urging them to be wary of signing the initiative petition to place State Question 836 on the statewide ballot.

The letter can be read here [PDF].

All totaled, the letter represents over 75 percent of the membership of Oklahoma’s two legislative chambers.

Small: Credit card debate based on false assumptions

Credit card debate based on false assumptions

By Jonathan Small

“Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself.”

Those are the words of Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. Oklahomans are seeing this lack of belief in freedom firsthand as out-of-state interest groups seek to raise the minimum wage. Not to be outdone, lawmakers in Washington share the same unbelief in freedom as they seek to pass the poorly named Credit Card Competition Act.

Legislator files bill to increase daily physical activity for Oklahoma students

Roe Files Bill to Increase Daily Physical Activity for Oklahoma Students

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 14th) – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to expand physical education requirements for students in full-day pre-K through 12th grade across Oklahoma.

House Bill 3288 would increase required physical activity to 30 or 45 minutes per school day, depending on grade level, reflecting research linking regular exercise to stronger academic performance, improved mental health and better long-term health outcomes.

"Students benefit when physical activity is built into their school day," Roe said. "This bill is about helping them learn better, feel better, and grow into healthier adults. Strong bodies support strong minds. Regular movement not only supports their health, but it also helps them focus, retain information, and perform better academically."

The bill would expand current physical education requirements to include full-day pre-K and raise weekly activity time for elementary students from a weekly average of 60 minutes to a minimum of 150 minutes, or about 30 minutes per school day. Recess would not count toward the required minutes.

Contraband: OK Corrections seizes 2,000 pounds of substances, 10,000 banned items during 2025

I have so many questions after reading this...

Oklahoma Corrections seizes millions in contraband during 2025

(January 14th) The Oklahoma Department of Corrections seized millions of dollars in contraband during 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to protect staff, inmates and the public and to disrupt illegal activity inside state correctional facilities.

The seizures result from joint efforts by facility staff and the Office of the Inspector General. Contraband was confiscated from inmates, staff members and individuals attempting to smuggle illegal items into facilities through visits, drones, perimeter drops and other methods.