450,000 ineligible voters removed from OK voter rolls, including dead, duplicates, out-of-state movers

Needless to say, some legislative Democrats had a negative reaction to ineligible and dead voters being removed from the rolls. And no, sadly, I'm not joking about that.

GOVERNOR STITT, STATE ELECTION OFFICIALS PROVIDE UPDATE ON ELECTION INTEGRITY EFFORTS, REMOVES INELIGIBLE VOTERS FROM ROLLS

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 18, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt and state election officials provided an update on the ongoing efforts to maintain Oklahoma’s status as a national leader in election integrity. As part of Oklahoma's routine voter list maintenance as required by law, officials announced over 453,000 voter registrations have been removed, including ineligible voters such as convicted felons and deceased voters, since 2021.

“Voting is our most sacred duty as Americans— and every Oklahoman wants to know their vote is securely cast and properly counted,” said Governor Stitt. “The State Election Board and the Secretary of State’s office continue to go above and beyond in their responsibility to ensure only eligible Oklahomans can vote in our elections. Their progress reassures me we will continue to lead the nation in election integrity efforts.”

Cockroft announces he will not seek re-election

Rep. Cockroft Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Josh Cockroft announced this week that this will be his last legislative session. He is not seeking re-election.

“I want to thank the great people of House District 27 for putting their trust in me over the last eight years; it has been the honor of a lifetime to be your representative,” said Cockroft, R-Wanette. “I have spent a great deal of time praying about this decision, and after conversations with many friends, mentors, and my family I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election as your state representative.”

“Public service has given me so many opportunities to learn, serve and fight to place our state on a better path. I have poured everything into this job since I was first elected, and I am ready to focus on my beautiful family who have sacrificed even more than I have during my tenure,” Cockroft said. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a voice of common-sense and straightforward governing through integrity, accessibility and a positive vision for our great state. It has truly been an honor to serve the people of District 27.”

Cockroft was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010 at the age of 21. He has served as a member of House leadership under two speakers, as a presiding officer in the House, as the chairman of the House Rules Committee, and as the chairman of the House Special Investigative Committee.

He also serves as a member of the Appropriations & Budget Committee, Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget, Appropriations Sub-Committee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services, and the Transportation Committee.

His House district covers mid and southern Pottawatomie County and Northern Cleveland County.

Rep. Cockroft comes from a background in ministry and small business and is a devout man of faith. Rep. Cockroft lives on a ranch in Wanette with his wife Jessica, and their daughters Kylie, Cassidy, and Caedence.

Did Fallin botch her veto?

During yesterday's meeting of the House Special Investigative Committee, looking into the Oklahoma Department of Health scandal, State Rep. Josh Cockroft (R-Wanette) turned up an interesting question: did Governor Fallin botch her veto of the special session budget bill to the point that no agency is currently operating with a legal budget?

Fallin's veto of the measure left off a crucial word that Cockroft, chairman of the committee, is concerned might have had the effect of vetoing the entire budget, which would create a massive legal crisis if it's the case.

More on this from OKC's FOX25 (if the video fails to work here, visit the link):



 Here's a tweet from FOX25's Phil Cross on the issue (more tweets here):

Not to alarm anyone...but there’s a slight chance no state agency has a legal budget right now.

That’s what Rep Cockroft was getting at. Because the governor failed to write “Veto” next to Section 170 she might have accidentally repealed entire budget.

— Phil Cross (@philsnews) December 12, 2017

14 Oklahoma legislators endorse Rubio for President

Marco Rubio Oklahoma Chairman David Holt Announces 13 Legislative Endorsements

The Marco Rubio for President Oklahoma State Chairman, Senator David Holt, has announced the names of 13 other Republican legislators who are endorsing U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s candidacy to become the next President of the United States.  

“Marco’s candidacy is resonating with Oklahomans, as evidenced by this strong list of supporters from the Oklahoma Legislature,” said Senator David Holt.   “These folks come from across the state and from all walks of life, but like me, they all believe in Marco’s message.   I believe Marco will perform very strongly in Oklahoma’s Republican presidential primary, and then I know Marco will win Oklahoma next November on his way to becoming the next President of the United States."

The additional legislators endorsing Marco Rubio are:

Senator Kim David (R - Porter)
Senator Eddie Fields (R - Wynona)
Senator Jack Fry (R - Midwest City)
Senator A.J. Griffin (R - Guthrie)
Senator Wayne Shaw (R - Grove)
Senator Jason Smalley (R - Stroud)
Senator Roger Thompson (R - Okemah)
Rep. Josh Cockroft (R - Wanette)
Rep. Randy Grau (R - Edmond)
Rep. Katie Henke (R - Tulsa)
Rep. Terry O’Donnell (R - Tulsa)
Rep. Leslie Osborn (R - Mustang)
Rep. Harold Wright (R - Weatherford)

With today’s announcement, Senator Rubio has more publicly announced endorsements from Oklahoma legislators (14) than any other candidate for President.

Senator Rubio will be a candidate in the March 1st, 2016 Oklahoma Republican presidential primary.  Senator Rubio most recently visited the state last month, when he paid his respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and delivered a speech outlining his energy plan.  Oklahoma supporters of Senator Rubio’s campaign can receive updates from Senator Rubio's campaign in Oklahoma by following @TeamMarcoOK on Twitter. 

Cockroft files bill to phase out state income tax

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 8, 2011) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Josh Cockroft would further lower the state income tax to 5 percent in 2011 and phase it out by 2016.

House Bill 1543 would reduce the income tax by 1 percent each year, down to 0 percent in 2016.

“I think that Oklahomans no longer support the state income tax and would like lawmakers to come up with a new way to fund state government,” Cockroft, R-McLoud, said. “Texas gets by without a state income tax and I think that Oklahoma can as well.”

Cockroft said that in addition to changing the source of revenue, the Legislature would focus on reducing state spending.

“The state needs to eliminate wasteful spending and join the 21st century as an affordable and efficient form of government,” Cockroft said. “I think that there are many places where reform and common sense will result in effective government services for less.”

Josh Cockroft, R-McLoud, is the state representative for House District 27, which covers portions of Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties. He can be reached by calling 405-557-7349 (Capitol), or by emailing josh.cockroft@okhouse.gov. He also maintains a blog for legislative purposes, located here.