Small: Standing still is a poor strategy in state competition

Standing still is a poor strategy in state competition

By Jonathan Small

In politics, there is an unfortunate tendency among lawmakers to pass significant policy reforms … and then rest on their laurels.

Unfortunately, one year’s progress does not translate into permanent victory, as can be seen in the latest edition of the “Rich States, Poor States” report authored by economists Arthur Laffer, Stephen Moore, and Jonathan Williams.

The report ranks states in a variety of categories, including tax rates, workers’ compensation costs, and the number of public employees, among other policy variables.

In the latest edition, Oklahoma fell out of the top 10 states.

OSDE to offer free training for school board members

Equipping School Boards to Lead: OSDE Offers Free Statewide Training

New initiative offers high-quality, no-cost governance support for school districts.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), under the leadership of Superintendent Ryan Walters is proud to announce a major step toward strengthening local school governance by providing high-quality training for school board members at no cost to districts across the state.

This new initiative will deliver training that is practical, locally relevant, and grounded in the real-world challenges of school board governance. OSDE is committed to helping districts and boards build stronger partnerships through more streamlined communication, clearer expectations, and more effective support.

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.”

Legislature passes bill to improve law enforcement coordination ahead of 2028 Olympics

Bill Expanding Law Enforcement Authority for Counties Ahead of Olympics Heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1st) — A bill carried by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, aimed at improving law enforcement coordination ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 523 authorizes sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and reserve deputy sheriffs to exercise the same powers and duties in counties outside their home jurisdiction when officially assigned. Under the measure, liability for any conduct remains with the county of original jurisdiction.

OKGOP convention censures 4 GOP senators who killed bill to abolish abortion

Oklahoma Republican Party activists gathered this past weekend to elect new leadership and advance new party business at the biennial state convention. Among the items passed by convention delegates was a censure of four Republican state senators for voting in the Senate judiciary committee to against a bill to end abortion in Oklahoma.

Yes, after decades of pro-life pledges and bills, it's Republicans (allegedly 'conservative' and '100% pro-life', to boot) that are standing in the way of abolishing abortion in our state and ending the continued post-Dobbs slaughter of preborn human beings.

CPAC overlooks tax hike record to give early endorsement to Echols for Attorney General

Echols is the only public candidate for Attorney General at this very early stage, which makes this endorsement from CPAC somewhat risky. One only needs to look at past Oklahoma elections like the 2004 U.S. Senate or 2022 2nd Congressional District races to see wisdom in keeping one's powder dry until the field develops.

Furthermore, while Echols touts helping (as one of 149 legislators) pass the 'largest tax cut in state history', Echols was one of 44 House Republicans to vote in 2018 to gut taxpayer protections and make it easier to raise taxes on every Oklahoman (HJR 1050). Echols went a step further in supporting an amendment that would have lowered those taxpayer protections even further, from a 75% vote threshold for legislative approval of tax hikes (put in place by SQ640) all the way down to a mere 60% -- which would have meant a minority of Republicans could have partnered with the Democrats to pass tax increases. Additionally, it should be mentioned that Echols voted for most of the 2017-2018 tax hike proposals, including HB1010XX, the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history (plus an even larger tax hike that failed a month earlier).

Something to keep in mind: candidates running for office in 2026 will give you the rosiest picture of their record, without disclosing facts like these. Just sayin'...

Jon Echols Receives Endorsement from Leading Conservative Group, CPAC

Oklahoma City, OK - Today, Jon Echols, candidate for Attorney General, received the endorsement of CPAC, the nation’s oldest conservative grassroots organization.

New OKC Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

State leaders and Ronald McDonald House Charities staff shovel dirt at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the second RMHC location. (Photo by Maddy Remington, OMES Outreach.)

New Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2025) – A brighter future is on the horizon for families with hospitalized children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and key state partners. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is proud to recognize this exciting milestone as construction begins on a second Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City.

The new facility, located in the heart of the city’s medical district, will offer a home away from home for up to 28 families each night, providing comfort, care and critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

On April 3, a crowd of community leaders, RMHC staff, families, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking. This expansion will significantly increase RMHC-OKC’s capacity to serve families whose children are battling serious illnesses or injuries, reinforcing a vital support network that spans the state.

The new location is made possible in part by a $4 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF), granted by the state Legislature to OSDH. Combined with generous contributions from private donors, this funding will ensure more Oklahoma families can stay close to their loved ones while accessing top-tier pediatric care.

“When a child faces a critical health challenge, the entire family carries the weight,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who serves in the state Legislature’s Health and Human Services Working Group for the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “As a veteran, father and grandfather, I know the strength families draw from being together in times of crisis. This expansion will offer that strength to even more Oklahoma families by providing a sense of home when it’s needed most.”

“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort, stability and support to families facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, who attended the groundbreaking and serves on the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “I’m proud to see this investment help expand access to compassionate care for families throughout Oklahoma.”

More than just a place to stay

When a child is in the hospital, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers more than free housing – it provides a place of refuge. Families staying at the facility will have access to a full kitchen, laundry services, technology and play areas, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: their children’s recovery.

Perhaps the most powerful component of the Ronald McDonald House experience is the community. Staff, volunteers and fellow families provide vital emotional support and connection, turning a stressful, isolating experience into one of shared strength.

In 2023 alone, RMHC-OKC served 778 families across 76 Oklahoma counties, delivering 12,161 nights of stay. The upcoming location – nestled on West Memorial Road between North Meridian Avenue and North MacArthur Boulevard – will support families receiving care at Mercy Hospital, the Love Family Women’s Center, INTEGRIS Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center, and will serve as overflow for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.

Renderings of the proposed location provided by the architect, Bockus Payne.

The three-story facility is expected to open in summer 2026.

OMES applauds the unwavering dedication of OSDH and RMHC in bringing this project to life and for their continued efforts to promote healing and remove barriers to essential health care support for families across Oklahoma.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since its founding in 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families around the world stay close to their hospitalized children. The first Oklahoma City House opened in 1984 with just 10 bedrooms. Today, the need continues to grow – and so does RMHC’s impact. To learn more or get involved, visit rmhc-okc.org.

Left: An attendee holds the shovel from the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Right: Attendees gather for photos with the golden shovels previously used to break ground.

Small: Oklahoma needs regulatory reform

Oklahoma needs regulatory reform

By Jonathan Small

A major focus of this year’s legislative session centers on reducing excessive government regulation.

House Bill 2728, by state Rep. Gerrid Kendrix and state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, would create the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025.

Under the bill, any state agency rule with an economic impact of $1 million or more over a five-year period would face extra scrutiny and oversight from the Legislature.

Yet some question why Oklahoma needs this reform. The answer is simple: Because Oklahoma state agencies are as prone to overreach as government agencies in other parts of the country.

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. 

Ban on obscene adult performances in public passed, heads to Governor to sign

Good bill:

Bill Banning Obscene Adult Performances in Public Goes to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1st) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, successfully secured final passage of a bill that bans obscene adult performances on public property or anywhere children may be present. 

On Thursday, the full Senate passed House Bill 1217, prohibiting individuals from performing sexually explicit or obscene acts in public places or areas where minors are present. It also prevents political subdivisions of the state from authorizing or hosting such performances on public property or in spaces that are open to children.

Violators of HB 1217 could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

State law defines obscene material as any representation, performance, depiction or description of sexual conduct that the average person would find patently offensive.

“This bill is about protecting children and ensuring that our public spaces remain safe and family-friendly for all,” Bullard said. “There is no justification for exposing children to obscene, sexual performances, and it defies logic that some cities allow such offensive acts in public places. These inappropriate and obscene performances have no place in our society.”

Gann warns on unprecedented 'bonus' vote taken by House, dangers of setting new policy

Rep.-Tom Gann Issues Statement on Bonus Vote of SB224 and Warns of the Dangers of Setting New Policy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2nd) – Representative Tom Gann (R-Inola) released the following statement on the unprecedented bonus vote taken by the House on Thursday on Senate Bill 224. 

"On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Representative Kyle Hilbert, Speaker of the House, took actions regarding SB224 that did not align with the House Rules of the 60th Legislature. House rules dictate that once a bill is defeated it is not eligible for additional consideration. The House vote to defeat SB224 was considered final action under the rules."

"However, Hilbert, while presiding over the house allowed an additional bonus vote to occur by which the bill was approved. This breaks with years of clearly established House precedent that prevents never ending bonus votes on failed legislation and opens up a Pandoras box of potential abuse. 

What other bills will be allowed a bonus vote?

Jake Merrick joins GOP race for Governor

The 2026 GOP race for Governor continues to grow, this time with conservative former state senator Jake Merrick joining this race this week:

Jake Merrick Announces Campaign for Governor of Oklahoma

Yukon, OK (April 29th) — Jake Merrick, former Oklahoma State Senator, current host of The Jake Merrick Show on Freedom 96.9, local business owner, devoted husband, and father, is letting the state of Oklahoma know that he will officially be entering the race for Governor of Oklahoma in April of 2026. With unwavering resolve to chart a visionary new course and determination to run a race free from any appearance of corruption, Merrick has boldly chosen not to accept campaign donations at this time, and he will not be accepting funds from political action committees (PACs) or organizations at all. This decision reflects his dedication to maintaining his platform as a radio host while also ensuring his campaign remains free from special interest influence.