Small: Attack on State Treasurer lacks merit

Attack on state treasurer lacks merit

By Jonathan Small

In politics, particularly during election years, thinly sourced allegations of wrongdoing are not unusual. Even so, a recent attack on State Treasurer Todd Russ makes for especially thin gruel. We’re supposed to believe Russ spearheaded a conspiracy to award a state contract … to the lowest bidder.

Several years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Invest in Oklahoma program to encourage state pensions to invest up to 5 percent of their assets in Oklahoma-based companies. Eventually, lawmakers also voted to put the treasurer’s office in charge of the program but provided no extra funding to the agency to cover associated costs.

Efforts underway to save USS Batfish with proposed Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum

Count me in. The USS Batfish is a hero of WWII, and an Oklahoma treasure, and deserves saving. A big thanks to Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell for his years of support for securing the Batfish for generations to come.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO SAVE THE USS BATFISH WITH PROPOSED OKLAHOMA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Muskogee, OK (March 10, 2025) - The USS Batfish, a legendary World War II submarine and beloved Oklahoma landmark is at risk of being lost forever if not relocated to a new site. After devastating floodwaters in 2019 displaced the vessel from its foundation, the submarine suffered damage and was forced to permanently close to the public. With critical flood mitigation efforts underway and necessary controlled access measures required at the entrance to the current site, relocating the Batfish to a permanent home at Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor is essential to its preservation.

Conservative leaders, orgs push back against California-style 'jungle primary' proposal

Unable to win elections in Oklahoma the old-fashioned way, with... you know... votes, liberals are now attempting to change the game by messing with the way Oklahoma elections work.

Under the guise of "increasing voter participation", left-wingers of both parties (including one has-been and one current liberal Republican elected officials) announced an initiative petition today for a state question that would switch Oklahoma to the same sort of "top two" jungle primary system used in California that often cuts Republican candidates completely out of the general election.

New Oklahoma license plate design released

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL AND SERVICE OKLAHOMA ANNOUNCE NEW LICENSE PLATE DESIGN

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 1st) — Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Service Oklahoma today unveiled the new standard issue license plate design, called the Iconic Oklahoma Plate. The new plate will be in circulation beginning September 1, 2024.

“It’s great to finally unveil the Iconic Oklahoma Plate design, which honors and highlights our truly iconic state,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Using color and intentional symbology, this design pays tribute to Oklahoma’s culture and history, nodding to iconic landmarks, our original flag, state animals, and more. This design celebrates much of what makes Oklahoma unique, and I am excited to see it out on the road.”

Pinnell: Higher education builds tomorrow's workforce today

HIGHER EDUCATION BUILDS TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE TODAY

By Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell

Last Month, I embarked on an Oklahoma Workforce Tour, where I’m crisscrossing the state to talk all things workforce with business owners and local leaders. One topic that regularly comes up is Oklahoma’s higher education system and the integral role it plays in workforce development.  

Our public higher education system is crucial in meeting Oklahoma’s workforce goals. Data from the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development shows that by 2030, over half of Oklahoma’s 100 critical occupations will require at least an associate degree.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell hosting Oklahoma workforce tour

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL HOSTING OKLAHOMA WORKFORCE TOUR

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 12th) — Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell is kickstarting a workforce development tour later this month. He will travel to communities around the state, meeting with business and community leaders to find solutions to the workforce issues they face. For the first leg of the tour, Lt. Governor Pinnell will visit Bartlesville, Lawton, Durant, Clinton, Guymon, and McAlester.

Pinnell: CareerTech is the key to OK's workforce development success

THE KEY TO OKLAHOMA'S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS

by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell

      February is National Career and Technical Education Month, and as Secretary of Workforce and Economic Development, there’s nothing I love to brag on more than Oklahoma 

CareerTech. It’s no secret that our CareerTech system is one of the best in the country. Our 29 technology centers provide 121 unique degree programs, giving Oklahomans across all 77 counties the opportunity to turn their passions into a paycheck. Oklahoma CareerTech graduates add more than $3.5 billion to the state economy each year and are an invaluable asset to our workforce. 

State receives first made-in-Oklahoma electric vehicles from Canoo

Move out of the way, Slug Bug, the Roly-Poly is coming through:

State receives first made-in-Oklahoma electric vehicles from Canoo

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Dec. 29, 2023) – Today, the State of Oklahoma received its first three made-in-Oklahoma electric vehicles from Canoo as an innovative part of the state’s ongoing fleet modernization initiative. At a combined cost of $119,850, these three Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) are the first of their kind in the state fleet, with one each assigned to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections.

LtGov Pinnell decries OK Supreme Court's pro-abortion actions

In the below statement, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell decries the latest pro-abortion actions by Oklahoma's Supreme Court (read here and here for more detail).

My statement on the temporary injunctions placed yesterday by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/aRgPtfHfnt

— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) November 15, 2023

Bingman's Corporation Commish candidacy endorsed by LtGov Pinnell, Commissioners Hiett and David

TOP REPUBLICAN LEADERS ENDORSE BRIAN BINGMAN FOR CORPORATION COMMISSION

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 7, 2023 - Statewide leaders joined Governor Kevin Stitt in lending their support of Brian Bingman for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell said: “I’m proud to throw my endorsement behind Secretary Bingman; he’s a strong conservative leader, extremely qualified for the job, and a man of faith. I’m thrilled that he’s wanting to continue to serve the people of Oklahoma as our next Corporation Commissioner.” Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners Kim David and Todd Hiett also issued endorsements today.

Commissioner David said in a statement, “Brian and I worked together in the state Senate, where he championed conservative reforms. His leadership and prowess will be an unmatched attribute on the Commission.”

Commissioner Hiett echoed his support for Bingman saying, “With more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry, Brian is the most qualified person to be the next Corporation Commissioner. He’ll bring invaluable knowledge, common sense and maturity that will help us in our efforts to protect our oil and gas industry.”

In response, Bingman said, “I’m honored to have the support and endorsement of our state’s top conservative leaders today. It’s very humbling that they are putting their trust in me to help make Oklahoma a better place to do business and raise a family. I look forward to getting together with them on day one to start working on our vision for the State.”

Bingman is the only announced Republican candidate for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. He currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor and Secretary of State to Governor Kevin Stitt.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell: Investing in Oklahoma's workforce

INVESTING IN OKLAHOMA'S WORKFORCE 

By Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell 

As your Lieutenant Governor, I have had the privilege of visiting with countless businesses in all 77 counties. Most of the time, I’m included in celebrations – welcoming a new company coming to town or breaking ground on an expansion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate those economic development wins, and I’m particularly excited when those happen in rural Oklahoma.  

Gov. Stitt appoints Lt. Gov. Pinnell as Secretary of Workforce Development

This is for a position on the Governor's cabinet, and does not affect Pinnell's status as Lieutenant Governor:

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL AS SECRETARY OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 19, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell to serve as Secretary of Workforce Development on his cabinet. As Secretary of Workforce Development, Pinnell will work closely with the Departments of Education and Commerce to emphasize the workforce pipeline and economic development for the state.

“Lt. Governor Pinnell is a successful businessman with a talent for fostering economic growth in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “As Secretary of Tourism, his leadership saw the highest visitation levels we’ve had in state history, and I know he will bring that same level of excitement and energy into recruiting talent to Oklahoma.”

State of Emergency declared in storm-affected counties (and the drama that led to it)

After severe storms blasted through the state late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, knocking power out to hundreds of thousands of customers and causing major damage in much of the northeastern part of the state, there was widespread expectation for a quick declaration of a state of emergency by the governor. This would relax some regulations and restrictions to enable swifter response by government emergency agencies and relief organizations, as well as trigger consumer protections laws against price gouging, et cetera.

What happened next was chaos.

LtGov Pinnell announces Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission appointees

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA GOLF TRAIL COMMITTEE APPOINTEES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced today the appointees for the Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission, which is tasked with developing a list of golf courses to be designated as the Oklahoma Golf Trail. The Lt. Governor will serve on the commission along with Gary Bridwell, Lou Dechert, Sheila Dills, Jared Gallagher, Steve Gelnar, Charlie Hannema, David Jones, Michael Love, and Ken MacLeod. 

OCPA column: Stitt's inauguration sets tone

Inauguration sets tone

By Jonathan Small

Gov. Kevin Stitt set the right tone for his second term in his inauguration speech, signaling a focus on good policy. Stitt’s agenda gives Oklahomans reason for optimism.

“It’s time to keep moving forward with big ideas and to get them across the finish line for today’s children as well as the next generation,” Stitt said.

Election Results Map: Gov, LtGov, and State Superintendent races

Update: be sure to check out my follow-up post here, with U.S. Senate and other statewide races

I've finally gotten the time to update my long-running Election Results Maps series with some posts looking at the 2022 Oklahoma general election.

For now, we'll look at the race for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Superintendent. I'll work on additional races as I find the time.

Republicans must not sleep on the Governor's race

You're looking at the face of the Governor of Oklahoma from January 2023 to January 2027. If Republicans sleep on this race, it could be the one on the left (God forbid). 

"Oklahoma is the reddest of the red", an often-used phrase in GOP politics here in Oklahoma.

Well, not exactly.

While it's true that the state legislature is dominated by Republicans, all statewide office holders since 2010 have been elected as Republicans, and a majority of registered voters now are Republican, Oklahoma is not quite as red as one might think.

Pinnell: Oklahoma ranks #1 in high school teaching aviation curriculum

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA RANKS #1 IN HIGH SCHOOLS TEACHING AVIATION CURRICULUM

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 13th) – On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced that Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for high schools teaching aviation curriculum. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, 57 school districts across the state will implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)’s four-year “You Can Fly” High School Curriculum.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell announces bidding open for new state park restaurant contract

In the aftermath of ongoing scandal over a contractor's sweetheart deal to operate restaurants at multiple state parks and questionable spending (covered well by The Frontier), Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell has re-opened bidding for a new contractor to replace Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen:

LT. GOVERNOR MATT PINNELL ANNOUNCES RFP FOR NEW STATE PARK RESTAURANT CONTRACT

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 6th) – One week after accepting a larger oversight role of the agency, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, in his role as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, today provided an update on the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. He also announced a new requests for proposal (RFP) for new state park restaurant concession contract(s).

Senate passes bill to help fill teacher shortage

Measure to help fill teacher void heads to House

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave approval Wednesday to legislation to allow schools to utilize highly-qualified professionals in their classrooms as long as needed. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, authored Senate Bill 1119 to remove the 270-hour cap for adjunct teachers per semester as the state continues to struggle with the teacher shortage.

According to the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), the number of adjunct teachers in Oklahoma schools has increased annually from around 175 during the 2015-2016 school year to more than 400 last school year. The State Board of Education has also approved more than 3,800 emergency certifications so far this school year, pointing to districts’ ongoing need for classroom teachers.

“Until we no longer have a need for emergency certified or adjunct teachers, we must remove any barriers keeping districts from being able to have these highly qualified individuals in the classroom,” Garvin said. “Not only are these professionals helping fill a teaching void, but they’re also helping expose students to their professions, industries and perspective career fields, which is so important as students make decisions about their futures.”

Adjunct teachers are professionals with distinguished qualifications in their field, such as scientists or accountants. Because of their professional background, they do not have to meet the standard certification requirements but can be authorized by the local school board to teach a subject related to their field of expertise.

Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, is the principal House author of the measure that now moves across the rotunda for further consideration.       

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO HELP FILL TEACHER VOID 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell commends the Oklahoma Senate for passing Senate Bill 1119, authored by Senator Jessica Garvin.  The bill removes the 270-hour cap per semester for adjunct teachers in order to help combat Oklahoma’s teacher shortage.

“In a time where many Oklahoma school districts are struggling to fill teaching positions, we need to explore different avenues to get great instructors in the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Oklahoma has many professionals who are highly qualified to teach courses within their fields. We should not be limiting them with arbitrary caps when they are ready and willing to provide quality education to Oklahoma students.”