Charles McCall
Opinion: Oklahomans deserve and should expect a fully functioning state-tribal relationship
The feud involving Gov. Kevin Stitt and tribal leaders has gone on long enough. People deserve a fully functioning relationship between our 39 federally recognized tribes and the state. It’s time for someone — anyone — to step up and lead Oklahoma out of the morass. For nearly four years now, residents have watched in […]
Oklahoma tribal leaders urge collaboration, respect in crafting state compacts
OKLAHOMA CITY — Although Gov. Kevin Stitt wasn’t in attendance at a Tuesday legislative hearing, his presence loomed large as key tribal leaders spoke about the importance of compacts between the state and Oklahoma’s tribes. Four tribal leaders told lawmakers collaboration, cooperation and mutual respect are key to the state and tribes working together to […]
State’s high court punts case challenging Oklahoma lawmakers’ tribal compact extensions
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers’ decision to extend tribal compacts without the governor’s blessing withstood its first legal challenge after the state’s highest court refused to hear the case. In a 6-3 decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court announced Monday that it would not hear a case brought by a conservative nonprofit against House Speaker Charles […]
Oklahoma legislative leaders to get pay increases. Most lawmakers will not.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislative leaders will receive a pay increase next year, but most legislators will not, a state compensation board decided Tuesday. The Legislative Compensation Board voted unanimously to increase by 5% the stipends legislative leaders receive on top of their annual salaries. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg […]
Top Oklahoma lawmakers mull ways to make state budget process more transparent
OKLAHOMA CITY — Facing criticism that their state budget process is secretive, legislative leaders pledged to increase the transparency surrounding how lawmakers craft a massive spending plan appropriating billions of taxpayer dollars. In calling for a special legislative session, Gov. Kevin Stitt urged lawmakers to pass measures to make their annual budgeting more transparent, including […]
Oklahoma House speaker disappointed in Senate’s inaction on tax cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY — House Republicans will continue to push for tax cuts even though the Senate adjourned a special legislative session without taking action on the issue, Oklahoma’s House speaker said Wednesday. Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said he was disappointed the Senate abruptly adjourned the special session on Tuesday without passing any legislation and without […]
Oklahoma Senate rebuffs Stitt, abruptly ends special legislative session
OKLAHOMA CITY — Mere hours after lawmakers gaveled in Tuesday for a special legislative session on tax cuts and budget transparency, the Senate abruptly adjourned without addressing any of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s demands for income tax reductions. Just hours before, the House’s top Republican, Speaker Charles McCall, had expressed optimism that legislative leaders could come […]
‘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 […]