Author
AG launches task force, tip line to combat illegal Oklahoma marijuana grows
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s attorney general is asking citizens to report suspected illegal marijuana grow operations to a new anonymous tip line as part of efforts to crack down on illicit drug activity. The tipline goes hand-in-hand with a new task force Attorney General Gentner Drummond created to combat illegal marijuana grows across the state. […]
State board recommends 17% pay increase for Oklahoma judges
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma judges could receive a 17% pay hike next year. The Oklahoma Board on Judicial Compensation on Tuesday voted 5-0 to recommend the pay hike for all state judges at an estimated $8.5 million cost to the state. The Oklahoma Legislature can adopt, reject or modify the recommendation next year. The proposed […]
Democratic lawmaker seeks to reform Oklahoma’s initiative petition process
OKLAHOMA CITY — Saying some people are seeking to undermine Oklahoma’s initiative petition process by making it harder for proposals to qualify for the ballot or come up for a vote in a major election, a Democratic state lawmaker is seeking “common sense” changes. Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, said during a Monday interim study […]
Oklahoma religious private schools look to expand in light of new tax credits
OKLAHOMA CITY — New private school tax credits have some Oklahoma religious officials looking at expanding the number of parochial schools and increasing enrollment options to accommodate more students. The new tax credits for families who send their children to private school has the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City considering […]
‘Long overdue’: House speaker says Oklahoma can afford tax cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s House speaker on Thursday said the state is long overdue for personal income tax cuts. House Speaker Charles McCall’s attitude toward cutting taxes could spur friction between his chamber and the state Senate during an upcoming special legislative session on tax issues and budget transparency. When Gov. Kevin Stitt called the […]
Ranked choice voting could be costly in Oklahoma, state elections chief says
OKLAHOMA CITY — Implementing ranked choice voting in Oklahoma could cost tens of millions of dollars because state elections equipment and software are not compatible with the voting method, the head of the State Election Board told lawmakers. Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax advised lawmakers on Tuesday to be judicious when making election changes as […]
Oklahoma Senate leader demands details from Stitt on ‘intensely vague’ special session
OKLAHOMA CITY — The head of the Oklahoma Senate wants lawmakers to grill Gov. Kevin Stitt on what he hopes to gain from a special legislative session next month. Calling the governor’s special session agenda “intensely vague,” Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, requested Stitt appear before a legislative panel to provide details […]
After being denied life-saving abortion, Oklahoma woman files hospital complaint
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma woman who says she was turned away from a local hospital system when seeking an abortion due to life-threatening pregnancy complications has filed a federal complaint against OU Health. Just a few months into her pregnancy, Jaci Statton, of Meeker, found herself suffering from vaginal bleeding and nearly fainting due […]
USDA awards grants to help Oklahoma businesses lower energy costs
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma State University will receive federal grant money for a program that helps businesses reduce their energy costs. OSU will receive a grant of just under $100,000 to revive a Rural Energy Assessment Center on its Stillwater campus. The center will conduct energy audits to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers […]
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt calls special session on tax issues, budget transparency
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday called a special session on tax cuts, budget transparency and issues related to ongoing litigation over whether tribal citizens are exempt from paying state income taxes in certain situations. Stitt called the Oklahoma Legislature back to the Capitol on Oct. 3 to put the state “on the […]
Thousands of health care providers have joined Oklahoma’s health information exchange
OKLAHOMA CITY — Thousands of Oklahoma health care providers have joined a statewide health exchange that allows a patient’s digital medical records to follow them to most doctor’s offices. And, thousands of Oklahomans now have their information stored inside that health information exchange that’s been in the works for more than a decade. A law […]
Oklahoma might allow candidates to use campaign cash for childcare
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Ethics Commission might allow candidates to use campaign funds to cover babysitting, day care or other childcare costs. Sen. Jessica Garvin, who asked the commission to permit dependent care expenditures, said allowing candidates to use campaign funds to cover childcare costs incurred as a result of running for office would […]