Small: On teacher pay, perception and reality often clash

On teacher pay, perception and reality often clash

By Jonathan Small

In a press release issued earlier this year, House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson of Oklahoma City declared that Oklahoma ranks “last in the region for teacher pay.”

That claim may align with longstanding stereotype, but not with reality. By any measure, Oklahoma teacher pay is not the last in the region nor anywhere near the bottom. And nationally, our average teacher pay is in the middle-tier of states.

It’s not “right wing” entities making that claim, but data from liberal entities including the National Education Association (NEA), a teachers’ union, and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), a lobbying entity employed by public schools.

Bye-bye, penny? Cong. Lucas' bill to end penny production passes committee

Lucas' Penny Bill Passes out of Committee

Washington, DC (July 24th) – President Trump's call to eliminate production of the penny took a major step forward with the passage of Congressman Frank D. Lucas' legislation – the MINT Act – passing out of the Financial Services Committee. The legislation passed as part of the Common Cents Act authored by House Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-MI), whose bill text was replaced by the MINT Act.

The Modernize and Improve our National Tender (MINT) Act would cease the production of the penny while ensuring that every penny still in circulation remains as legal tender. It would also allow the Mint to produce the nickel with nickel-plated zinc, giving greater flexibility to producer cheaper coins.

Attorney General charges OKC man for damaging TV station's weather radar

Contrary to what the crazies out in Loony Land on the internet believe (and I've seen some stuff from them), weather radar is not creating, directing, or contributing to severe weather events.

Image source: News9

Drummond charges Oklahoma City man for damaging TV station's weather radar

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 19, 2025) – The office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond will prosecute an Oklahoma City man accused of damaging the weather radar of Oklahoma City TV station KWTV Channel 9.

Early this month, Anthony Tyler Mitchell, 39, allegedly vandalized the power supply of News 9’s NextGen live radar. He is charged with malicious injury or destruction of property, and damage to equipment in a critical infrastructure facility. Both are felonies. In addition, Mitchell faces a misdemeanor of entering with the intent to commit a felony.

Small: Court finds McGirt ruling has limits

Court finds McGirt ruling has limits

By Jonathan Small

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which held that the pre-statehood reservation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was never formally disestablished for purposes of federal criminal law, created vast uncertainty, particularly as other “reservations” were discovered.

The question facing Oklahomans: Would McGirt provide tribal governments with civil authority over the state and non-Indians?

Thankfully, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has now answered, “No.” Otherwise, McGirt would have created economic chaos and worse by cementing Oklahoma as place where there would be two sets of rules based on race, geography, demographic or political classification.

Gov. Stitt touts state revenue growth, low unemployment numbers

Governor Stitt Applauds Strong Revenue Growth and Nation-Leading Unemployment Numbers

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 18, 2025) - This week, Governor Kevin Stitt is celebrating good news for Oklahoma's economy, as new data shows the state is bringing in more money, creating new jobs, and keeping unemployment low.

“This is what happens when you keep your fiscal house in order,” said Governor Stitt. “Because we’ve cut taxes, reined in wasteful spending, and resisted the urge to grow government, Oklahoma is thriving.”

McCall gets $1.6M boost in support of his campaign for Governor

Former House Speaker Charles McCall has received a boost for his campaign for governor. 'Oklahoma Conservative Coalition', a new super PAC aimed at touting McCall's candidacy, has started an 8-week, $1.6 million statewide ad campaign.

Marty Quinn announces campaign for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner

Great news! I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have in this position. Incumbent Republican Glen Mulready is term-limited, so this will be an open seat:

Marty Quinn Announces Campaign for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner

Conservative Businessman and Former State Senator Brings Decades of Industry Experience to the Race

CLAREMORE, OK (July 15th) — Marty Quinn, a small business owner, insurance professional, and longtime conservative leader, today announced his candidacy for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.

With over 40 years of experience as an agency owner and manager— Quinn brings unmatched expertise and a deep commitment to public service. A former Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee and respected voice in the Oklahoma Legislature, Quinn is running to restore transparency, protect consumers, and ensure the Insurance Department works for the people — not the bureaucracy.

Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic Clinic rebrands as CareVet of Honor Heights

For some Muskogee news, here's a press release from one of the city's oldest veterinary clinics:

Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic Clinic Rebrands as CareVet of Honor Heights

Muskogee, OK (July 14, 2025) – Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic, a trusted provider of small animal veterinary care in Muskogee, Oklahoma since 1986, is excited to announce its official rebranding to CareVet of Honor Heights. This new chapter marks a significant milestone for the hospital and the local pet community—bringing expanded resources, enhanced services, and a renewed dedication to delivering top-tier care.

OK House Education chair: Walters' school lunch mandate is "empty threat"

Education Chair Dismisses SDE Mandate as "Empty Threat"

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 9th) – Oklahoma House Education Committee Chair Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, reacted to the Monday announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he would require all school districts in the state to provide free lunches to all students at the cost of employee salaries. The Superintendent does not have the Constitutional or legal authority to direct how individual school districts allocate their budgets.

"This attempt to overstep the authority of Walters' office is a threat to the independent decision-making power of Oklahoma's school districts. Regardless, it is nothing more than an empty threat," said Lowe, a former ag teacher. 

Echols announces $900k raised for Attorney General campaign

Attorney General candidate Jon Echols is touting his hefty campaign warchest (a former 6-term state representative, that figure includes just over $160,000 transferred from his old State House campaign account). The only other Republican candidate so far is Jeff Starling.

Ironically, I did notice in his 1st Quarter ethics report that Echols misstates his own occupation and employer, information which campaigns are required to record from donors. Echols' personal contributions to his campaign list "Representative" and "Oklahoma House of Representatives" as his occupation and employer, even though Echols termed out as a state legislator in November of last year. Probably something a prospective Attorney General should pay attention to and correct...

Echols Campaign Passes 900k Raised in Race for Attorney General

Oklahoma City, OK (July 7th) - Today, the campaign for Oklahoma Attorney General candidate Jon Echols announced that it has surpassed $900,000 raised.

Small: Work requirements a win for taxpayers

Work requirements a win for taxpayers

By Jonathan Small

“Work” may be a four-letter word, but it’s not an obscenity. You wouldn’t know that based on the reaction of many liberals to the new work requirements for Medicaid.

To stay on Medicaid, the new law requires able-bodied adults with no children to spend only 80 hours per month either working, going to school, participating in a work program, or doing community service.

If you’re thinking, “That’s doesn’t seem too hard,” you’re right. To suggest these extremely lenient work requirements are draconian is nonsense.

State Sup't Walters: schools must fully fund student meals with existing state/fed dollars

Walters Demands End to Bureaucratic Bloat

Oklahoma Schools Must Fully Fund Student Meals

Oklahoma City, OK – Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will mandate that every school district fully funds student meals using existing state and federal operational dollars. For too long, Oklahoma’s students and taxpayers have been fleeced by gross mismanagement and bloated bureaucracies that prioritize administrative paychecks over kids’ basic needs. This stops now.

Senate Pro Tem Paxton approves Interim Study requests for 2025 Legislative interim

Pro Tem Paxton Approves Interim Study Requests for 2025 Legislative Interim

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2nd) – Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has approved a series of interim study requests that will be considered during the Oklahoma Senate’s interim period.

Interim studies have been assigned to relevant Senate committees and will be scheduled at the discretion of each committee chair. All approved studies must be completed by October 31.

These studies allow lawmakers to take a deeper dive into important issues facing the state ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Oklahoma congressmembers vote for, comment on 'One Big Beautiful Bill'

All five of Oklahoma's members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined both U.S. Senators in voting for the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' this week, with the House passing the mega-measure by a vote of 218-214.

Comments from each of the Representatives below:

ICYMI: Who is the real Gentner Drummond?

As the 2026 gubernatorial campaign heats up, I thought I would bring back an old post with some background on current Attorney General Gentner Drummond, one of the leading candidates for governor (probably in the front of the pack due to name recognition and his campaign's deep pockets).

Who is the real Gentner Drummond? Fellow 2026 gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall has been pointing out Drummond's past record, such as contributions to the state legislator who is now the Oklahoma Democratic Party's new state chair. 

You may be startled to discover Drummond's past proclivity in donating to Democratic candidates, including Democrats who ran against U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, and don't forget that infamous $1,000 donation to Joe Biden in 2020 in his name that he claims was from his wife during a marital spat. 

I just rediscovered this, but in the height of irony, in his first [failed] campaign for AG in 2018, Drummond accused Mike Hunter of supporting Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi (a group Hunter worked for had donated to the aforementioned Democrats, but not Hunter himself). Egg on face, much?

I originally published the following on May 27th, 2022, during the last race for Attorney General between Drummond and then-incumbent John O'Connor (an interim placeholder):

OK Ethics Commission's new campaign finance reporting system rollout pushed back to September

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission's electronic reporting system, The Guardian, is a key tool for citizen scrutiny of Oklahoma's elections and elected officials. Campaign finance reports, lobbyist registration and spending, certain elected official disclosures, all of that is found in the Guardian system, which is set to be overhauled and replaced later this year:

News about Guardian 2.0

Oklahoma City (June 26th) - The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announces today that the launch of Guardian 2.0, the state’s next-generation campaign finance and public reporting system, has been rescheduled for early September 2025. The timeline shift allows for final data conversion and system readiness following a fast-paced six-month development effort.

40,000 plants, 1,000 pounds of marijuana seized in major drug and ICE bust

With every passing day, the choice Oklahoma made to legalize marijuana yields a progressively worse harvest:

More than 40,000 marijuana plants, 1,000 lbs. of processed marijuana seized in Organized Crime Task Force sting in Mayes, Craig counties

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 26, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that a large-scale bust of an illegal marijuana grow operation in Mayes and Craig counties led by his Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) has resulted in the confiscation of 40,723 marijuana plants and more than 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana.

Qi Wei Chen, a 35-year-old Chinese national, faces charges in Craig County for aggravated manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), trafficking of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Small: Court finds discrimination is wrong

Court finds discrimination is wrong

By Jonathan Small

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that discrimination is wrong. That may surprise Ibram Kendi disciples but not any Oklahoman with an ounce of common sense.

(Kendi is the author of “How to be an Antiracist” and notoriously declared that “racial discrimination is not inherently racist” and the “only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.”)

Marlean Ames, a white woman, began working for the Ohio Department of Youth Services in 2004. In 2019, she applied for a management position that ultimately went to a lesbian woman. The agency subsequently demoted Ames from her role as a program administrator and hired a gay man to take her place. Ames sued the agency, alleging she was denied the management promotion and demoted because of her sexual orientation.

Lankford touts 'major wins' in after Senate passage of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill

Here's U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) with his take on Senate passage of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill':

Lankford Secures Major Wins for Oklahoma Families, Energy Producers, and Small Businesses in One Big Beautiful Bill

WASHINGTON, DC (July 1st) — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Senate Finance and Homeland Security Committees, released the following statement after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers the largest tax cut in history for hardworking Americans, secures the border, strengthens Medicaid program integrity, and rebuilds the military, all while cutting out-of-control spending.

“This is a big, beautiful win for Oklahoma families, workers, seniors, and small businesses,” said Lankford. “This bill halts the largest tax increase in history, secures the border, and contains the most significant entitlement reform in years. I fought to make sure Oklahoma values were reflected in this package – protecting charitable giving, supporting energy jobs, and making it easier for businesses to grow and hire American workers.”

Lankford secured key wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill to support Oklahoma families, job creators, and charitable giving.

He secured the charitable deduction for non-itemizers, allowing couples to deduct up to $2,000 in donations. This will help more Americans support local churches, charities, and non-profits.

Lankford also led the repeal of the Biden administration’s tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions. This will allow energy producers to reinvest, create jobs, and keep energy prices stable.

He also worked to make full, immediate expensing permanent so businesses can deduct the full cost of equipment and technology up front. This will drive expansion, innovation, and job creation across Oklahoma.  

5555555555555555555

Background

Lankford has been outspoken on what it would have meant for Oklahomans if the One Big Beautiful Bill hadn’t passed the Senate and if President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts expire:

• A staggering 63,000 jobs were projected to be lost.
• The average Oklahoma family faced a $2,013 tax increase.
• Nearly 449,000 households would have seen their child tax credit reduced by 50%.
• Over 233,000 small business owners would have been hit with significant tax hikes.
• More than 1.5 million families would have had their standard deduction cut in half.

To read more about how this bill helps families, seniors, the vulnerable and disabled, farmers and ranchers, small businesses, as well as strengthens our national defenses, unleashes American energy, and secures the border, see below: 

How this bill helps families

• This bill delivers the largest tax cut in history, which will result in higher wages and higher take home pay. This is also the most substantial entitlement reform in years, which will help our safety net programs stay viable for those in need.
• The average family will save about $5,000 in additional taxes next year.
• There will be no tax on tips, an increased standard deduction for seniors, no tax on overtime, and a tax break for those who buy new cars made in America.
• This bill will also give families $2,200 per child up to 16 years old every year. It will also create a savings account for every child born between 2025 and the end of 2028 – each account would start with a $1,000 deposit that parents can invest for their kids, giving kids a financial boost from birth.
• In Oklahoma, the long-run wage increase is projected to go from $4,800 to $9,100 according to the Council of Economic Advisers.
• In Oklahoma, the take-home pay increase for a family of four is projected to go from $6,500 to $10,800 according to the Council of Economic Advisers.
• This bill also expands the adoption tax credit and indexes it for inflation. It also allows for tribal governments to decide when a child qualifies as having special needs to extra help under the credit. When adoption can cause as much as $60,000, this tax credit will make it easier for families to welcome a child in need into their lives and homes.
• Police officers, firefighters, truckers, linemen, and others who work overtime will take home an average of more than $1,300 a year because of the no tax on overtime in this bill.
• Those who buy a new American-made car will be able to write off some of the interest from their car loan, which will help families and American manufacturing.

How this bill helps seniors

• Seniors who make less than $75,000 as an individual or a couple who makes less than $150,000 will see a $6,000 increase in their standard deduction regardless of whether they are receiving Social Security yet or not.

How this bill helps vulnerable and disabled patients

• This bill is good news for vulnerable and disabled patients because it protects the aged, blind, and disabled from changes to Medicaid. It also blocks Biden’s nursing home staffing mandate that threatened rural care facilities, it boosts physician payments to offset cuts that the Biden administration had implemented, and it ensures continued access to care and incentivizes innovation, especially for those with rare diseases or who need access to telehealth options. It also prohibits tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood through Medicaid.

How this bill helps farmers and ranchers

• This bill delivers wins for rural America by expanding the farm safety net, strengthening crop insurance, and supporting agricultural trade. The bill also restores accountability in nutrition programs and ensures food assistance serves Americans in need, not illegal immigrants. 
• This bill would keep two million family farms safe from the death tax by making permanent death tax exemptions from the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

How this bill incentivizes giving to charity

• Sen. Lankford was proud to lead on restoring a tax deduction for non-itemizers – up to $2,000 per couple – which will help more Americans support charities, houses of worship, and non-profits, especially those that serve the most vulnerable. 

How this bill helps energy production

• Sen. Lankford also led a repeal of the Biden administration’s unfair tax penalty on oil and gas producers by restoring key investment deductions, which will allow domestic energy producers to reinvest, create jobs, and keep energy costs stable. 

How this bill helps businesses

• Sen. Lankford worked to make full, immediate expensing permanent, so businesses can deduct investments like equipment and technology up front, which will help fuel job creation and business expansion.

How this bill cracks down on illegal immigration

• This bill devotes $160 billion to hire more Border Patrol Agents, more ICE officers, and to finish the border wall and invest in technology to secure the border.

How this bill helps our air traffic control system

• The bill invests $12.5 billion to modernize America’s air traffic control system, by replacing outdated equipment, upgrading safety infrastructure, and expanding controller training so we continue to have the safest skies in the world. 

How this bill strengthens our national defense

• This bill provides $150 billion to strengthen our military, rebuild our defense industrial base, and support border security missions. It also funds the Golden Dome initiative, boosts efforts to counter China, improves the quality of life for our servicemembers, invests in the tools needed to improve Pentagon accountability and delivers a clean audit.

Echols touts new sheriff endorsements for his Attorney General campaign

Echols Campaign Announces New Round of Sheriff Endorsements in Race for Attorney General

26 Current Sheriffs Now Backing Echols

Oklahoma City, OK (June 25th) - Today, the campaign for Oklahoma Attorney General candidate Jon Echols announced a new list of Sheriff endorsements. They mark the latest show of momentum displayed by the Echols campaign since his announcement in late February.

Early Voting times adjusted this week due to Independence Day holiday

I have been swamped lately, but for readers in the City of Muskogee, we have a sales tax election coming up on Tuesday. I hope to get a post out on the particulars of the municipal proposition, but if you're one of those who votes through in-person Early Voting, those times have been moved to Wednesday and Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday:

Early Voting Begins Tomorrow!

Oklahoma City (July 1st) - Early voting begins tomorrow for some voters in Creek, Muskogee, Osage, and Seminole County. Due to early voting for the July 8 Election coinciding with the July 4th holiday, the Secretary of the State Election Board - as authorized by 26 O.S. § 1-106 -  has moved early voting for the July 8 Election to Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) . A list of early voting locations, dates, and times is available on the State Election Board website.

Melissa Evon named 2025 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year

Melissa Evon named 2025 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year

Among 10 finalists, Evon of Elgin Public Schools will take home the award

Norman, OK (June 27th) – Tonight, OSDE is proud to announce that the 2025 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year award went to Melissa Evon of Elgin Public Schools. She was joined by an esteemed group of nine other finalists who were also up for the award.

“Melissa represents the very best Oklahoma has to offer,” said Superintendent Walters. “She has the heart of a teacher and unmatched passion for her students and we are so proud to recognize her exemplary work tonight.” Each year, the Teacher of the Year award goes to a teacher who demonstrates excellence, hard work, and commitment to their students and peers.

McCall slams Drummond for past donation to new OK Democratic Party chair

Fact check: TRUE. Drummond donated a total of $500 to Democrat John Waldron's first campaign for State House in 2017 — one of many donations Drummond made to Democratic candidates over the years, as I first chronicled in 2022.

McCall Campaign Slams Drummond for Donating to New Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair

ATOKA, OK (July 1, 2025) – Gentner Drummond may be running for governor as a Republican, but his record tells a radically different story.

Newly uncovered campaign finance reports show that Drummond has repeatedly funded radical left-wing politicians, including State Rep. John Waldron, the newly elected Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Waldron, a far-left progressive from Tulsa, has openly attacked Trump supporters and champions liberal policies that would upend Oklahoma values.

Muskogee's War Memorial Park to relocate, first step in moving USS Batfish to permanent site

MUSKOGEE’S WAR MEMORIAL PARK RELOCATES AFTER 52 YEARS, MARKS FIRST STEP TOWARD MOVING USS BATFISH TO PERMANENT SITE

Muskogee, OK (July 1, 2025) - After 52 years at its original location, Muskogee's War Memorial Park and Museum will relocate to a temporary location at Port Muskogee's Three Forks Harbor on July 1, 2025. 

This move marks the first phase of the long-anticipated relocation of the USS Batfish to its permanent home at the Oklahoma War Memorial and Museum. In the meantime, the museum exhibits will be temporarily housed inside the Robinson Gallery and Event Center—located directly adjacent to the Batfish’s future site at Three Forks Harbor.

Republican Jeff Starling launches campaign for Attorney General

Former State Rep. Jon Echols is now joined in the Republican primary to be Oklahoma's next Attorney General by Jeff Starling. Echols was a member of House GOP leadership, while Starling worked with the Senate GOP PAC; will this shape up to be a House versus Senate race when it comes to money and endorsements?

Jeff Starling Launches Campaign for Attorney General

TULSA, Ok. (July 1st) –– This morning, Jeff Starling, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, officially announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Oklahoma.

Jeff Starling is a conservative, attorney, businessman, and dedicated public servant with over twenty years of experience in law, energy, and leadership. Starling enters the race with a commitment to uphold the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and protect Oklahoma's way of life as Attorney General.