Final hours: Mazzei endorsed by Markwayne Mullin, OK Freedom Caucus

In the closing hours of the Republican runoff election, gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei held a "tele-rally" with President Donald Trump. During the call, Trump announced that Oklahoma's Markwayne Mullin was joining him in endorsing Mazzei for Governor.

Angry senator drops accidental truth bomb in debate tirade

This week, two state senators from different ends of the Republican caucus plainly told the truth about the stakes of this year's Republican primary election: it's about who gets to control the Oklahoma State Senate going forward. Will principled conservatives hold the reins for the first time, or will the establishment moderates continue their reign of power?

Senate Majority Whip Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City) absolutely erupted in anger at a Senate District 10 candidate forum in Ponca City this week, dropping an accidental truth bomb in the middle of a tirade against Senate conservatives.

Coleman said: "This election is about who is gonna control the Oklahoma State Senate, and I do not want it to be the Freedom Caucus."

Sen. Grellner files simplified state question bill to move Medicaid expansion from Constitution to state statute

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Issues Statement on Filing Bill to Remove Medicaid from Constitution

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus today announced the filing of SJR55 to remove Medicaid expansion from the Oklahoma Constitution and place it into state statute.

This straightforward, clean measure restores legislative oversight without unnecessary complications or triggers. It stands in stark contrast to the watered-down "compromise" version negotiated with the liberal, ObamaCare-supporting hospital association that leadership is attempting to ram through the Senate.

Brief Blogging Bullets: a news recap

It's been a busy spring for me, and I'm rather behind on my blogging. I have literally dozens of press releases in my inbox waiting for publication, and since it's just not realistic to get them all published, I'm bringing back a Brief Blogging Bullets recap to try and catch up on some of the recent political and legislative news in Oklahoma.

Some notable pieces of legislation:

• The Legislature has passed a $12.8B state budget (largest in state history) at an uncharacteristically early date: House leadership  and Senate leadership comments. Look in-depth at the appropriations: House budget portal, Senate budget dashboard. Includes another $2,000 teacher pay raise. Here's more on the other budget bills that fill in the details from the main bill.
• Conservative State Rep. Jim Shaw got national attention for a brief question that blew the cover off HB 3660, which would legalize procedures for composting of human bodies. The authors of the bill are presenting it as a cheaper funeral choice...
• Of particular interest to the Muskogee/Fort Gibson area: the Senate unanimously passed SB 1319, directing the Corporation Commission to establish a process for homeowners to receive remediation assistance if their property is contaminated by a substance under the commission’s jurisdiction. This was a local story after a family in Fort Gibson had to leave their home after it was infiltrated by a leak from an abandoned well.

OK Freedom Caucus opposes SQ836: 'Don't California My Oklahoma'

Sign me up in agreement here with the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus:

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Opposes State Question 836: Don't California My Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 15th) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus strongly opposes State Question 836, the proposed constitutional amendment that would impose California's flawed jungle primary system on Oklahoma. We encourage all Oklahomans to DECLINE TO SIGN the petition.

OK Freedom Caucus: OU’s war on Faith and Free Speech must end – or funding will

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus: OU’s War on Faith and Free Speech Must End – Or Funding Will

OKLAHOMA CITY – The University of Oklahoma has once again proven that radical woke ideology continues to control its campus. Last week, psychology junior Samantha Fulnecky received a zero on an assignment for citing the Bible while defending traditional gender roles. Her instructor branded the reference “highly offensive” and punished her for holding Christian beliefs. 

This is only the latest outrage. These events mirror prior Freedom Caucus warnings about OU's descent into radical activism. The university's leftist culture enables the destruction of conservative materials, fosters an unsafe environment for patriotic students, and prioritizes ideological conformity over education—turning campuses into echo chambers where conservative ideas are not debated but demolished. All while university leadership issues weak statements, refuses to meet with Conservative students, and imposes no serious discipline.

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus adds 5 new members

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Expands With New Members

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 22nd) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is proud to announce the addition of five new members to its ranks, further solidifying its commitment to advancing conservative principles and defending individual liberties.

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.”

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:

Stitt signs energy MOU with Denmark; OK Freedom Caucus mentions concerns

Governor Stitt Signs Energy MOU with Ambassador of Denmark

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 2, 2024) - Today, Governor Stitt joined Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Oklahoma and Denmark. The agreement focuses on increasing collaboration between the two governments in pursuit of a robust and innovative energy future. The MOU also includes areas of technology and defense.

“Thanks to pro-business policies and our 'more of everything' approach to energy, the world is taking notice of what’s happening in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “This mutually beneficial relationship will create opportunities for economic growth and job creation for both Oklahoma and Denmark. Working together on innovative energy solutions will further enhance our already strong relationship with Denmark.”

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus backs SQ834, the Citizens-only voting amendment

I'm a little late on getting this posted, but this goes into some detail on State Question 834, which is the most easily-understood state question on the ballot (SQ 833... that's a totally different matter).

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus leads the charge on only citizens voting in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 10th) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus led by Chairman Senator Shane Jett, joined with Americans for Citizens Voting in support of State Question 834 the Citizen-only voting amendment. 

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus on judges, state questions on the statewide ballot

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus has posted their voting recommendations on the Supreme Court justices, appeals court judges, and the two state questions on the statewide ballot.

A bicameral group of state senators and state representatives, the members of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus are made up from the most conservative members of their respective legislative chambers.

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus challenges Tinker Air Force Base’s “National Coming Out Day” event

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Challenges Tinker Air Force Base’s “National Coming Out Day” Event

Oklahoma City, OK (Oct. 15th) –  The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus challenges the decision to host and promote “National Coming Out Day” on Tinker Air Force Base.

Senator Shane Jett, OKFC Chairman and U.S. Navy veteran, expressed the criticism shared by thousands of military families. “Military bases have significant budgets to cultivate positive relationships in their communities. It’s incomprehensible that Tinker Air Force Base would openly promote a prurient lifestyle that would obviously affront the tenets of faith of over 75% of Oklahoma’s professing Christian population as well those practicing Jewish and Muslim faiths. It is vulgar, prurient, inappropriate, and unbecoming of our military facilities.” said Senator Jett.

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports Walters' Bibles in classroom initiative

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Supports Bibles in Classroom Initiative

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 2nd) – In support of bolstering educational excellence and understanding the formation of the United States, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus (OKFC), led by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, and Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, has thrown its support behind the Bible initiative in public schools proposed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.

The Freedom Caucus applauded Walters' initiative to ensure the availability of a Bible in public school classroom across the state. Walters announced last week he would include $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request to fund the initiative.

OK Freedom Caucus dismisses media effort to drive wedge with Gov. Stitt over task force report

OKFC Responds to Misleading Reporting on Governor Stitt and Task Force Recommendations

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 10th) – The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus (OKFC) commented on a recent report from KOCO, which, in the headline and byline, falsely suggested a rift between OKFC and Governor Kevin Stitt over the Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force. While members of OKFC, including Senator Shane Jett, Senator Dusty Deevers, and Representative Jim Olsen, raised valid concerns about the Task Force’s recommendations, their criticisms pertained to the Task Force report and any future laws based on it, not Governor Stitt.

Cong. Brecheen to speak at launch of new Oklahoma Freedom Caucus on Tuesday

Conservatives in the Oklahoma Legislature are gaining a new tool for organization and action. The State Freedom Caucus Network announced today that the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus will be holding a launch on Tuesday at the State Capitol, featuring Congressman Josh Brecheen, himself a member of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus and a former Oklahoma state senator from the stalwart conservative wing.

A similar effort took place in 2017 with the formation of the Platform Caucus. Although many of the members were controversially taken out in the 2018 primaries and runoffs by the well-monied moderate establishment, the Platform Caucus had some success in killing some tax hike proposals in 2017 and 2018.

Launch of the New Oklahoma Freedom Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY — The State Freedom Caucus Network will hold a press conference with special guest, Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02), to announce the launch of the new Oklahoma Freedom Caucus.