Small: What causes inflation? Government.

What causes inflation? Government.

By Jonathan Small

The financial pinch families feel from rising prices is undeniable. Yet too few understand that government is responsible for soaring prices.

Consider college costs. The massive government subsidies provided to colleges, through free-flowing student loans, billions in state and local tax dollars, government’s cultural overemphasis on a college degree, and the complicit “paper ceiling” at many businesses, make students much less price sensitive. Colleges have responded by hiking tuition.

According to JP Morgan, the cost of clothing has increased 35 percent since 1983 while gas increased 182 percent. But college tuition has soared 914 percent.

Gov. Stitt orders comprehensive review of Oklahoma's public education spending

Governor Stitt Orders Transparency of Public School Spending

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today signed an executive order requiring a comprehensive review of how Oklahoma’s public education funding is being spent.

Under the Governor’s leadership, state appropriations for Oklahoma’s public school system have increased more during the last seven years than in the past 25 years combined. Between local, state, and federal dollars, $9.6 billion is allocated to public education each year, representing the largest annual investment of taxpayer dollars.

Small: Medicaid expansion follies show need for initiative-petition reform

Medicaid expansion follies show need for initiative-petition reform

By Jonathan Small

In 2020, Medicaid expansion was approved by the narrowest of margins through a ballot measure placed before voters via the initiative-petition process. The proposal added hundreds of thousands of able-bodied adults to the welfare program and put taxpayers on the hook for paying the medical bills of numerous adults who were capable of gainful employment but not pursuing it.

The measure was strongly rejected by election-day voters and majorities in roughly 90 percent of counties. It passed only because of absentee votes. Yet today, Oklahoma faces a reported Medicaid shortfall of roughly a half-billion dollars that is due largely to the expansion. Every dollar going to expansion takes money away from schools, roads, public safety, or tax relief for working families.

The debacle of Medicaid expansion shows why initiative-petition reform is needed. Unfortunately, it has been relatively easy for out-of-state special interests to pour money into Oklahoma to promote badly designed and counterproductive measures that create serious long-term challenges for our state.

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. 

Oklahoma congressional delegation comments on SNAP funding, Be A Neighbor program

Oklahoma Delegation Statement Regarding SNAP Funding and Be a Neighbor Support Services 

Oklahoma (Oct. 30th) – On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, approximately 700,000 Oklahomans will not receive their SNAP benefits. Despite falling into the category of mandatory funding, due to the government shutdown, SNAP contingency funds are not legally available to cover SNAP costs.

We understand that this abrupt pause to SNAP funding may impact many of our constituents, and we wish to assist you during this time. To this end, we recommend that anyone struggling with food scarcity utilize the Oklahoma Human Services’ Be a Neighbor program. Be a Neighbor was started by Governor Stitt in 2018 to help Oklahomans with their food, clothing, and housing needs by providing a comprehensive database of local organizations equipped to support families. 

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.

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.

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:

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.  

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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.

Brecheen: Why I voted Yes on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'

Good commentary from Oklahoma's best member of Congress, explaining his rationale on joining all but three House Republicans in voting for President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful [mega-spending] Bill':

Why I Voted Yes on the One Big Beautiful Bill

by Congressman Josh Brecheen (R, OK-02)

Writing to Henry Knox in 1795 as he faced the intense national debate over the Jay Treaty, George Washington described his lack of perfect wisdom: “I have found no better guide hitherto than upright intentions, and close investigation.” Not claiming to be an infallible man, Washington relied upon his honest convictions and a close examination of the facts to guide him through difficult decisions. 

The cornerstone of upright intentions is truth.

Oklahomans rightly expect their representatives to embody upright intentions, be guided by the truth, and diligently represent them. That’s why, after a week of tough negotiations, I changed my vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill—in good conscience first voting “no” in committee, then “present” in committee to allow it to pass, and finally a “yes” on the floor after the bill was improved. I want you to know why.

Oklahoma Senate launches interactive budget website

A year ago, Oklahoma's legislative chambers engaged in a bit of a transparency contest, with the Senate posting a spreadsheet of their budget proposal, while the House went with a full-blown website dashboard. Now, the Senate has followed suit with their own version of a webpage. You can compare the two and see which one is more clear and user-friendly: State House, State Senate.

Oklahoma Senate launches interactive budget website

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) – Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry announced today that the Oklahoma Senate has launched an interactive budget website that gives the public an unprecedented, in-depth look at the newly proposed state budget.

Unveiled shortly after legislative leaders and the governor reached a budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year, the State Senate Budget Transparency Dashboard is designed to make the state budgeting process more accessible and transparent than ever before. The user-friendly platform allows Oklahomans to explore the full breakdown of the proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, along with historical data from previous budgets.

Governor Stitt, legislative leaders announce $12.6B state budget deal

Governor Stitt, Legislature Announce Budget Deal

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 14, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert unveiled a comprehensive agreement aimed at cutting taxes, investing in key infrastructure, and strengthening Oklahoma’s business-friendly climate.

The agreement includes a quarter-point tax cut to the state income tax, a consolidation of income tax brackets and a true path to zero income tax, ensuring that Oklahoma stays competitive with surrounding states.

Rep. Gann blasts passage of corporate welfare, anti-transparency bill

Gann Condemns Passage of SB987, Calls it Corporate Welfare Wrapped in Secrecy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 5th) – Following the final House vote on Senate Bill 987, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, issued a statement about voting no and delivering floor debate in opposition of the measure.

“Senate Bill 987 is not economic development. It is governance by nondisclosure agreement,” Gann said. “I believe this bill expands unaccountable government bureaucracy and entrenches corporate welfare practices that undermine the free-market principles we were elected to defend.”

House Speaker announces Select Committee to review Dep't of Mental Health finances

House Speaker Announces Select Committee to Review Mental Health Finances

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 15th) – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert announced today the formation of a select committee to review the finances at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).

Majority Leader Mark Lawson will chair the committee for the House and the following members have been appointed to the committee:

OK Freedom Caucus calls for income tax cuts, spending reductions

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Celebrates Passage of Path to Zero Income Tax

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 10th) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus celebrates the passage of HB1539 which sets Oklahoma on a path to fully eliminate the state income tax. 

While this is a monumental step in the right direction, we now call upon the Oklahoma House of Representatives to immediately pass HB1539 to send it to Governor Stitt’s desk for his signature.

We remain steadfast in our calls upon the legislature to prioritize passing additional bills this session that will:

• Provide an immediate cut to the income tax of 0.5% or more
• Targeted budget cuts for all agencies at 5% or more
• Eliminate ghost employee positions, freezing any new hires, voluntary buyouts, and eliminating redundant positions

Here is who voted AGAINST the bill to phase out the state income tax:

• Boren (D)
• Dossett (D)
• Goodwin (D)
• Hicks (D)
• Howard (R)
• Jech (R)
• Kirt (D)
• Mann (D)
• Nice (D)

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Sets Aim on Cuts: Income Tax Cuts and Budget Cuts

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 9th) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus doubles down on their support for the growing movement among Oklahoma citizens demanding significant cuts to the state income tax and reductions in government spending.

“Oklahomans are sending a clear message: it’s time to lighten the tax burden on hardworking families and rein in growth in government spending,” said OKFC Chairman Shane Jett. “We stand with the people who are tired of seeing their earnings siphoned off by bloated budgets and inefficient programs to be doled out to bureaucrats.”

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus calls upon the legislature to prioritize immediately passing bills this session that will:

• Provide an immediate cut to the income tax of 0.5% or more
• Put Oklahoma on a path to zero out the income tax entirely
• Targeted budget cuts for all agencies at 5% or more
• Eliminate ghost employee positions, freezing any new hires, voluntary buyouts, and eliminating redundant positions

Any proposed state budget that does not include budget cuts and both immediate and long term income tax cuts is a non-starter for the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus.

“We can’t tax and spend our way into prosperity,” Vice Chair Jim Olsen added. “Oklahoma can lead the way by embracing the same principles of limited government that are resonating across the nation. The people have spoken, and the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is ready to fight for their vision.”

Small: An agenda for all statewide candidates

An agenda for all statewide candidates

By Jonathan Small

Candidates for statewide offices such as governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor are kicking off statewide campaigns. While candidates are very important, equally if not more important is what those statewide office candidates would accomplish, and how, if elected.

Oklahoma faces great opportunities and significant challenges; to address both, it will require newly elected officials to be willing to discuss those opportunities and challenges on the campaign trail and repeatedly commit to “do hard things” and help lead the state to meet the opportunities and challenges.

State House releases updated budget transparency portal

House Releases Updated Budget Transparency Portal

Details House Position on Budget Items for Fiscal Year 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 27th)  – The Oklahoma House of Representatives released today updated budget numbers in its online transparency portal, detailing the House position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted.

The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public.

The numbers are a starting point for negotiations with the Senate and Governor over the FY26 budget.

Sen. Lankford releases latest 'Federal Fumbles: A Playbook for DOGE'

Lankford Releases Latest Federal Fumbles as Playbook for DOGE

WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 13th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the latest edition of his government waste book, Federal Fumbles: A Playbook for DOGE. Lankford reveals billions of dollars lost to wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments. The book also exposes the 30 different agencies involved in disaster relief and $2 billon that was given to the Taliban through United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Every time I talk with Oklahomans, they make it clear they want Washington to waste less and save more. My Federal Fumbles book is another edition of our playbook to cut waste and make government more efficient. This is the mandate that the American people voted to implement and we are committed to accomplish,” said Lankford. 

Click here to read the full report. Below is the Top 5 list:

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus releases 2025 policy agenda

Good stuff from the best group in the Legislature:

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus releases policy agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 17th) – Today, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus led by Chairman Shane Jett, House Vice Chair Jim Olsen, and Senate Vice Chair Dusty Deevers released the following policy agenda for 2025.

For the 60th Legislature the focus of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is to advance the Freedoms of Oklahomans in four key areas:

Deevers pulls SB1017, moves forward with plans to improve student care, transparency, and parental rights

Deevers Pulls SB1017, Moves Forward with Plans to Improve Student Care, Transparency, and Parental Rights

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, remains unwavering in his commitment to ensuring Oklahoma's special education resources serve the students who need them. After hearing from parents, speech therapists, and education advocates, Deevers has pulled SB1017 while requesting an audit to ensure that school-based services are serving kids with disabilities efficiently and effectively. He also released the following statement.

“Over the past several days, I have given extensive thought to SB1017 and engaged in discussions with countless loving and amazing teachers, therapists, parents, and concerned citizens. One thing remains clear: these students’ essential educational services must be protected. I have also heard, unequivocally, from parents who do not want to lose oversight of their children’s medical decisions as well as therapists and teachers who see the problems in the system that this bill was trying to address.