AFP-OK lauds passage of REINS bill as transformative regulatory reform

AFP-OK Applauds Senate Passage of REINS Bill

Transformative regulatory reform now heads to Gov. Stitt for signature

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 1st) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) celebrated the Senate passage of REINS (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) legislation today that will create a crucial check on the administrative state once signed into law. 

AFP-OK has been a steadfast advocate for HB2728, which will ensure that burdensome regulations from state agencies will have legislative approval before taking effect to protect taxpayers from the unchecked growth of government. 

AFP-OK applauds House vote to end 6% mandatory gas and grocery markup

AFP-OK Cheers House Vote to End Mandatory Gas & Grocery Markup

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 22nd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) thanked members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee today for their unanimous vote in favor of legislation to remove a long-hidden price markup on gas, groceries, and other essentials that make everyday life more expensive for Oklahomans. 

AFP-Oklahoma touts 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" legislative agenda, backs Gov. Stitt's priorities

AFP-Oklahoma Releases 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" Legislative Agenda, Backing Gov. Stitt's Priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) released its 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" legislative agenda today at the start of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. Many of AFP-OK's priorities align with Governor Kevin Stitt's as stated in today's State of the State Address. 

This year, AFP-OK will work closely with the governor and the state legislature to remove barriers to success and promote policies that will help all Oklahomans to thrive and chase their American Dream, starting with eliminating the state income tax.

Americans for Prosperity launches $20M nationwide effort supporting Trump tax cuts

Americans for Prosperity Launches $20 Million Nationwide Campaign Supporting the Trump Tax Cuts to Protect Oklahoma Families From Tax Hikes

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [On January 13th], Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched a $20 million nationwide campaign calling on Congress to protect prosperity and renew President Trump’s highly successful Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) – a cornerstone of AFP and the Trump Administration’s shared economic agenda this year. The campaign, the largest effort by a conservative organization to support President Trump’s second-term legislative agenda, launches this week with an ad blitz across all 50 states urging Americans to unite in telling Washington that now is not the time for higher taxes.

AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell said:

AFP-Oklahoma congratulates successful endorsed State Senate runoff candidates

AFP-Oklahoma Congratulates Endorsed State Senate Candidates Winning Primary Runoffs

Oklahoma's premier grassroots organization propelled both candidates to victory

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Tuesday, August 27th) - Tonight, Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) celebrated its two endorsed non-incumbent candidates who won their primary runoff races for the Oklahoma Senate: Dr. Julie McIntosh (SD-03) and Kelly Hines (SD-47).

In the month leading up to the race, AFP-OK knocked on nearly 14,000 doors across its endorsed candidates' districts to make sure Oklahomans got the absolute best representation in the state legislature next year, and over 30,000 throughout the primary season to date. 

Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma announces State Legislative endorsements

Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma Announces State Legislative Endorsements 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (June 10th) - Americans for Prosperity - Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today announced its endorsement of four candidates for the state Senate and House of Representatives. 

The following candidates earned the support of AFP-OK for their integrity and steadfast commitment to expanding the opportunity for all Oklahomans to achieve their version of the American Dream. 

AFP-OK applauds grocery sales tax cut, calls for income tax relief next

Americans for Prosperity - Oklahoma Praises Grocery Tax Cut, Calls for Income Tax Relief Next

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Feb. 27th) - Today, Americans for Prosperity - Oklahoma (AFP-OK) celebrates the elimination of Oklahoma's state grocery tax - a landmark achievement that will ease the burden on families across the state struggling to make ends meet under the record high inflation caused by the Biden administration. 

While the grocery tax cut will help residents all across the state, AFP-OK urges lawmakers to take up reforms that will work to grow the whole state's economy. With a governor who has said he will sign any tax cut that crosses his desk and a large majority of Oklahomans in support of eliminating the income tax altogether, there's no reason for the legislature to stop here. 

AFP grassroots training event set for Oct. 26th in Tulsa

Americans for Prosperity is holding a grassroots training event on Thursday, October 26th, in Tulsa. See below for more details:

AFP comments on OK Tax Commission's proposed rules for Parent Choice Tax Credit Act

With the passage of HB 1934 and signing by Gov. Stitt, landmark 'school choice' legislation is now law in Oklahoma, providing tax credits of $5,000-$7,500 for private school students (depending on household income) and $1,000 tax credits for homeschool students (with a cap of $5,000,000, or 5,000 students for now, though estimates put the Oklahoma homeschool student population from a low of 25,000 to 120,000 on the high end). 

A relatively little-known aspect of law and government is that state and federal agencies must develop and publish rules to put most legislation into effect. Typically, there is a public comment period for citizens to have some input on the impact of proposed rules before the rules are finalized (and in some cases sent to the legislative branch for approval).

John Tidwell, State Director for Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma (which advocated very heavily for the bill), submitted the following letter during public comment on the proposed rules put forth by the Oklahoma Tax Commission:

Poll finds 65% support cutting or eliminating Oklahoma's income tax

Poll: Oklahomans support income-tax repeal

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 28, 2023) — A new poll shows Oklahomans overwhelmingly support cutting the state income tax and gradually eliminating the tax entirely.

According to the survey, conducted by WPA Intelligence (WPAi) on behalf of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) and Americans for Prosperity (AFP), 65% of Oklahoma voters support cutting the state income tax, while only 22% oppose income-tax cuts. The survey also found that 67% of voters support elimination of Oklahoma’s income tax.

AFP-OK celebrates historic education tax credit

Oklahoma Celebrates Historic Education Tax Credit

Oklahoma City, OK (May 19th) – Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma released the following statement following the final passage and procedural motions which sends HB 1934, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act to Governor Kevin Stitt. 

AFP State Director John Tidwell commented:

“Simply put, kids win. This truly historic education tax credit will change the lives of generations of Oklahoma kids. Families finally have real choice in the school that best meets their needs. 

AFP-Oklahoma endorses four state legislative candidates

Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma Endorses Candidates for State Legislature

Oklahoma City, OK – Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today announced its endorsement of the following candidates seeking election to the Oklahoma state legislature:

Perspective: Here's Why the Budget Bill is Bad for Oklahoma

Budget Bill is Bad for Oklahoma

By Adam Maxey 

I can’t give you the exact reason why so many in the Beltway have a vendetta against our way of life in the heartland, but I can unequivocally say that the freedom and opportunity offered in the Sooner State is worth fighting for. Among many portions of the forthcoming $3.5 trillion federal budget bill, two pieces stand out to me as a slap in the face to Oklahoma. 

A carbon border tax is just a ruse, a la regional haze, when the U.S. EPA attempted to impose their top-down energy preferences on Oklahoma for imperceptible visibility improvements. It’s an attempt to tax American companies to such an extent that they make drastic changes to their global supply chains. That the coastal elites have the audacity to believe they can force other countries to comply with their environmental wishes by destroying U.S. business is mind-boggling. Shuffling supply chains to this extent will put U.S. companies at a severe disadvantage against global competition through massive uncertainty and increased costs. This is a recipe for lost jobs and further increases in the price of goods and services we use every day. 

Second, the proposed “methane reduction fee” is a direct attack on one of Oklahoma’s top exports: natural gas. The technologies that Oklahomans have pioneered to power the U.S. Shale Revolution and create our own energy independence. According to the U.S. Department of Energy “a world without hydraulic fracturing, in 2025, the U.S. economy would have 7.7 million fewer jobs, $1.1 trillion less in gross domestic product (GDP), and $950 billion less in labor income.” This is a natural gas tax, by terming this a fee, Democrats in Congress are hiding behind semantics in order to rush these bad ideas into law.  This all begs the question, why does the Biden Administration want Americans to lose their jobs or earn less money at the jobs they are lucky enough to keep?

AFP-OK applauds Governor, Legislature for new law to reduce red tape

Yeah, I know, I'm not a graphic designer...

Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma Commends Governor Stitt For Signing Bill to Reduce Burdensome Red Tape

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Today, Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma commended Governor Kevin Stitt for signing into law S.B. 913, a transformative bill that will provide for a more expedited review of state regulations and give the Legislature additional oversight of agency rules. AFP-OK continues to work closely with Governor Stitt to reduce regulations and foster a culture of a “customer-focused” state government

AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell issued the following statement:

Americans for Prosperity applauds monumental steps in educational opportunity

Americans for Prosperity Applauds Monumental Steps in Educational Opportunity

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Mar 31, 2021) —Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today released a statement applauding the historic steps taken by the Legislature to ensure more students and their families can receive an education that fits their unique needs.

Another provision aims to make Oklahoma the most military family-friendly education system in the U.S. by allowing the children of active duty military the opportunity to enroll in any school district that meets their needs.

Earlier this month, the grassroots group launched a media blitz to thank House members for their leadership in passing these pivotal reforms and encouraged others their colleagues to swiftly pass these priority bills before the end of the 2021 legislative session. The campaign included targeted direct mail and digital advertisements in districts of key policymakers. Following today’s votes, AFP-OK will continue their thank you efforts and drop additional mail and digital advertisements for key members of the Senate who showed principled leadership on these issues.

VIEW DIRECT MAIL HERE (pdf)

AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell issued the following statement:

“Today’s votes are truly historic reforms.  The improvements that Oklahoma students and families will realize from SB783 and HB2078 are the most important education reforms we’ve seen in a decade.

Gov. Stitt: "I'm voting NO on SQ802"

Governor Kevin Stitt went on camera with AFP-OK's John Tidwell to discuss State Question 802 and why he is voting against it:

AFP Challenges Congress to End the "Corporate Welfare Horror Show"

Rated “O” for Outrageous Waste of Money

AFP Challenges Congress to End the "Corporate Welfare Horror Show" 

October 29th, 2019 -- Americans for Prosperity today will deliver each member of Congress with a Halloween treat, a horror movie poster urging them to oppose the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and the renewal of the so-called “tax extenders.” As part of the multimillion-dollar effort to Unrig the Economy and level the playing field for every American to succeed, the group is also launching a digital video and ads in Washington, DC and across targeted states.

As part of their on-the-ground advocacy efforts, AFP delivered a letter to Congress today, urging them to oppose the EX-IM Bank and tax extenders.

AFP's Corporate Welfare Horror Show movie trailer:


AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell issued the following statement:

“Corporate welfare is a practice that truly scares Oklahomans. With the Export-Import Bank and ‘zombie’ tax-extenders up for reauthorization, we’re encouraging our congressional delegation to lead and reject these crony, unfair programs.”

Coburn headlining 'Growth and Opportunity Summit' in Tulsa Saturday

AFP Co-Hosts 2018 Growth and Opportunity Summit in Tulsa Saturday

Dr. Tom Coburn to headline conference

TULSA, Okla.—The 2018 Growth and Opportunity (GO) Summit is coming to Tulsa this Saturday, Feb. 24 at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Tulsa. The event will be headlined by a keynote address from former U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Coburn address this year’s Growth and Opportunity Summit,” said. AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell. “Things are moving quickly at the State Capitol and the GO Summit provides an opportunity for citizens and voters to learn more about what the state legislature is up to and how they can impact lawmakers when they engage on issues.”

Among other learning opportunities available at the GO Summit, Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs Executive Vice President Trent England will give a lunch presentation on the Oklahoma Constitution, the longest state constitution in the country, and how the state can follow the law and best serve taxpayers. Rounding out the day will be a legislative roundtable with current members of the state legislature on the state budget “crisis” and what comes next for our state budget after the failure of the Step Up plan.

In between speakers will be breakout sessions that will provide a more detailed picture of issues that are being talked about at our State Capitol. These breakout sessions include:

• Hollywood Handouts: Even in Oklahoma Hollywood is gobbling up tax credits. Where is the money going and what to we do about it?
• Fact or Fiction: The Oklahoma Budget
• Occupational Licensing 101: I need a license to do that?
• Impacting your legislator: How to cut through the clutter and best communicate with your legislator.
• Healthcare and Medicaid Reforms: How we can audit and right size our system through common sense reforms.
• Inside the Oklahoma Education Funding Formula: What goes into the formula, what comes out and all the nonsense in-between.

The 2018 Growth and Opportunity Summit is presented by Americans For Prosperity-OK, Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs and Tulsa 912. For more information or to register for the conference please visit okgrowthsummit.com. Registration will also be available the day of the event.

For further information or an interview, reach John Tidwell at jtidwell@afphq.org or (918) 606-1182. 

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org

AFP-OK: Contact Your Legislators to stop Tax Hikes!

AFP Implores Citizens to Contact Their Local Representatives on Tax Hikes

Americans for Prosperity has long advocated for and sought meaningful reforms at the state Capitol. From issues such as pension improvements to transparency in the state budget process, we continue to see great potential for meaningful reforms. But until we have an honest conversation about what the state spends our money on, we shouldn’t try to fill a budget gap with permanent tax increases that equal three or four times the gap. Yet, that was voted on in a House committee Friday and is expected to be voted on the House floor Monday.

Legislators must hear from their constituents on the tax and spend issue now to once and for all tell them that more taxes are not the answer. Legislators need to stop listening to lobbyist at the Capitol and instead listen to the people back home that elected them. People that are working hard to earn a living, who expect their elected officials to do their job and make government better, not bigger. People who expect that government will shrink before their wallet does.

If those who are genuinely interested in seeing our revenue “crisis” solved would simply shift their energy to addressing the root causes of the problem, we could truly fill the budget shortfall, bring fiscal responsibility to Oklahoma City and better serve Oklahomans of all walks.

As Ronald Reagan so aptly put it, “The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.”

To make your voice heard among your elected officials, 

please click here: WeCanDoBetterOK.com.

Hot Seat: AFP's Tidwell and Rep. Wright on repealing SQ640

John Tidwell, Oklahoma Director for Americans For Prosperity, recently went on News9's Hot Seat with Scott Mitchell to discuss moves in the Legislature to repeal SQ640 and lower the threshold for raising taxes, and why and what AFP-OK will do to oppose those efforts:

(if the Tidwell interview does not play, you can view it here)

Last week, State Rep. Harold Wright, the author of the measure to reduce taxpayer protections, also appeared on Hot Seat to discuss the topic:

(if the Wright interview does not play, you can view it here)