Sen. Deevers encourages officials toward an Oklahoma First energy agenda

Deevers Encourages Officials Toward an Oklahoma First Energy Agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 4th) — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma energy policy reaffirming his commitment to an Oklahoma First agenda of low energy costs and government efficiency.

“Oklahomans have been very clear on their desire for an Oklahoma First energy policy, which means: (1) Prioritizing Oklahoma-based companies and local reinvestment, not foreign-controlled entities; (2) Focusing on proven energy sources under Oklahomans’ feet—oil and gas—rather than speculative technologies; (3) Rejecting climate alarmism which has been proven false on almost every prediction for 20 years; (4) Protecting Oklahoma’s natural beauty; (5) Protecting resources from ‘green’ energy scams that are resource-intensive and strain local utilities and water supplies; (6) Rejecting companies who embrace woke, globalist ESG/DEI ideologies; (7) Rejecting the waste of taxpayer dollars and redistribution of wealth through subsidizing ‘green’ energy in any way.

State Supt. Walters wants local school superintendents to be elected

Well, here's an idea I've never heard before:

Walters Announces Proposal to Elect Superintendents

Measure Would Increase Parental and Public Input and Accountability 

Oklahoma City, Okla (Dec. 4th) – Today, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced a proposal that  would require the election of public school district superintendents in Oklahoma. Under current state law, district superintendents are hired and contracted by local school boards. 

State Sen. Thompson files bill banning certain food dyes, additives

"What exactly are we eating?" That's a question a lot of folks have been asking in the past few years, in particular, and it's starting to reach the halls of elected office. While this isn't my area of expertise -- I am vaguely aware of debates over "seed oils", food colors and preservatives, et cetera (ironically reminiscent of the late-1800s origins of the FDA; PBS aired a fascinating documentary on this) -- State Senator Kristen Thompson thinks it's time to look into it:

Senator Kristen Thompson Introduces Legislation to Improve Health Outcomes in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 25th) — Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has introduced legislation to better improve health outcomes in Oklahoma.

The initiative comes as incoming President Donald Trump’s administration aims to prioritize public health. Senator Thompson’s bill specifically examines the use of certain harmful food additives that are prohibited in other countries.

Sen. Thompson’s Senate Bill 4 was born out of the growing concern over dangerous chemicals and additives in food that have been linked to serious health issues, including developmental and behavioral challenges in children.

State House page program opens applications

House Page Program Opens Applications

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 9th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program has opened applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, announced Program Director Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang.

Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government.

Small: Tax repeal must be priority

Tax repeal must be priority

By Jonathan Small

Now that this year’s elections have concluded, Republican caucuses have selected leadership in both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature. State Rep. Kyle Hilbert of Bristow will serve as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives while state Sen. Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle will serve as president pro tempore of the Senate.

As they prepare agendas for the 2025 legislative session, which starts in February, Republicans in both chambers must be prepared to tackle one of Oklahoma’s most pressing economic challenges – the state’s penalty on work.

Stitt signs energy MOU with Denmark; OK Freedom Caucus mentions concerns

Governor Stitt Signs Energy MOU with Ambassador of Denmark

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 2, 2024) - Today, Governor Stitt joined Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Oklahoma and Denmark. The agreement focuses on increasing collaboration between the two governments in pursuit of a robust and innovative energy future. The MOU also includes areas of technology and defense.

“Thanks to pro-business policies and our 'more of everything' approach to energy, the world is taking notice of what’s happening in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “This mutually beneficial relationship will create opportunities for economic growth and job creation for both Oklahoma and Denmark. Working together on innovative energy solutions will further enhance our already strong relationship with Denmark.”

Small: No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

By Jonathan Small

This week, the group Oklahoma United called for abolishing our state’s primary election system and replacing it with a “jungle primary” in which the top two candidates proceed to the November general election ballot regardless of party.

Oklahoma United’s proposal is substantially based on California law. So, if you think California politics represent the ideal, this plan is for you. But for most Oklahomans, that alone is a giant red flag.

Att'y Gen. Drummond calls on FCC to strengthen process blocking more robocallers

Drummond calls on FCC to strengthen process blocking more robocallers

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 18, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve its Robocall Mitigation Database that could reduce illegal robocalls. He is working with 46 other attorneys general to close a loophole in the database that allows bad actors to have access to the U.S. telephone network. 

Registration on the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database is required to operate as a voice service provider. Since it went live in 2021, however, the database has done little to prevent scammers from obtaining legitimate registrations to make illegal robocalls. Companies have submitted non-vetted information, and voice service providers have faced no consequences for filing inaccurate, false, misleading or incomplete information. 

Gov. Stitt taps Tipton to spearhead operation to work with Trump admin on expelling illegals from Oklahoma prisons

Governor Stitt Taps Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton to Spearhead Operation Guardian

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 15, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton will lead the charge to expel those serving time in Oklahoma correctional facilities who are in the country illegally.

“The Oklahoma taxpayer should not be left holding the bill for President Biden’s open border policies,” said Governor Stitt. “As law and order returns to the White House, Oklahoma will lead the charge with a comprehensive plan to deport those who have committed crimes in Oklahoma while in the country illegally.

New Tulsa VA Medical Center to be named after late U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe

New VA Hospital in Tulsa, under construction (image source)

Lankford, Mullin Honor Legacy of Senator Jim Inhofe by Securing His Namesake for New Tulsa VA Medical Center

WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 19th) – The Senate unanimously passed a bill introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to name the new Veterans Administration (VA) 75,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical hospital in Tulsa the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in honor of the life and legacy of the late-Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, who tirelessly served our military, veterans, and their families for his entire public service career. Lankford helped ensure the hospital received funding to commence construction in 2020 and helped ensure the skyrocketing inflation of the last three years did not interrupt the construction schedule with additional unforeseen costs. Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

Small: Proposals could cut red tape in Oklahoma

Proposals could cut red tape in Oklahoma

By Jonathan Small

Despite being a conservative electorate, Oklahomans still face more state regulations than citizens in most other states. The accumulation of those rules impedes economic growth and job creation.

Fortunately, legislative leaders are preparing to tackle this problem.

At a recent meeting jointly led by state Rep. Gerrid Kendrix and state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, who each chair their respective chamber’s administrative rules committee, lawmakers reviewed initiatives that have pared down regulations elsewhere.

State Sen. Bergstrom files bill to gradually eliminate state income tax

Bergstrom Files Bill to Gradually Eliminate Oklahoma Income Tax

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 20th) – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has filed Senate Bill 1, a tax reform proposal designed to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax rates in a responsible and measured way.

Under SB1, the state’s marginal income tax rate will be reduced by 0.25 percentage points across all income brackets. Future reductions are tied to revenue growth, with the Board of Equalization tasked with determining if total state revenue has increased by at least $400 million compared to the fiscal year before the most recent tax cut. Each time this benchmark is met, another 0.25 percent reduction will be triggered, continuing until the top marginal income tax rate is zero.