OK Attorney General launches new resource to combat unemployment fraud

Attorney General Hunter Launches New Effort to Assist Victims of Unemployment Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced his office has developed a new resource to help process unemployment fraud claims.

Individuals or businesses that receive bogus claims are asked to fill out a new form on the attorney general’s website, where the claim will then be directed to the proper law enforcement agency.

Attorney General Hunter said during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increased number of fraudulent filings to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC).
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

Lucas welcomes $160M in federal relief for OK's K-12 schools

Lucas Welcomes $160 Million in Relief for Oklahoma’s K-12 Educational Institutions

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education announced last week that it would distribute more than $160 million to the state of Oklahoma’s K-12 educational institutions from the Education Stabilization Fund as authorized by the CARES Act:

“Oklahoma educators have faced an unprecedented challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education leaders across the state have been asked to continue the essential task of instructing their students from a distance. I am immensely proud of our Oklahoma school districts who have risen to the occasion by thinking outside of the box and reimagining what school services look like during the time of Coronavirus. The Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) authorized by the CARES Act will deliver critical financial assistance to local school districts across Oklahoma. This law was written with individual school districts in mind by granting much-needed flexibility for the use of existing federal funds and allowing local educational leaders to decided how ESF money is spent. As this school year draws to a close it is crucial that we stop to recognize the work done every day by our school administrators, educators, and staff.”

Education leaders will have the flexibility to use funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) for immediate needs, such as tools and resources for distance education, ensuring student health and safety, and developing and implementing plans for the next school year.
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

State Reps call on State Dep't of Education to protect rural schools, revisit four-day school week limits

Conley calls on SDE to protect rural schools and revisit four-day school week rules

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, is calling on the State Department of Education to cancel and resubmit its proposed rules on waivers from new school year calendar requirements limiting four-day school weeks that are favored by many rural districts.

Last year, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 441, which requires school districts to use school years with a minimum of 165 days and at least 1,080 hours, beginning in the 2021-22 school year. The change essentially prevents four-day school weeks unless a waiver is obtained. Many rural districts are relying on the waiver to continue school weeks that work best for their communities.

The waiver rules required by SB 441 that were produced by the State Department of Education and Board of Education have not been finalized by the Legislature.
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

OK Cattlemen release list of producers selling beef direct to consumer

From the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association:

Selling Beef Direct to the Consumer . . .

is not a new idea, but it has definitely gained popularity during the recent disruption in the meat supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ve compiled a list of our members who are selling beef direct in an effort to connect consumers with beef cattle ranchers. We hope this list will be a win for consumers and producers. Beef producers take pride in the delicious, nutritious protein that they produce. The opportunity to market direct connects beef cattle ranchers and consumers on a more intimate level.

This list includes members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association that raise cattle and sell beef direct to consumers. We encourage consumers to reach out to the member of your choice.
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Oklahoma now ranks 3rd nationwide in Pre-K access for 4 year-olds

Oklahoma rises to top 3 for Pre-K access

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 29, 2020) – Oklahoma climbs to third in the country for Pre-K access for 4-year-olds, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). In the same report last year, Oklahoma scored among the top eight states in the nation.

Oklahoma serves 86.5% of eligible 4-year-old children when public pre-kindergarten enrollment (76.3%) is combined with Head Start enrollment, the annual report states. Only the District of Columbia (87.3%) and Vermont (86.8%) serve more students. 
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

40 pastors and religious leaders endorse David Hill for Congress

40 Faith Leaders Announce Support for David Hill

OKLAHOMA CITY — A growing list of faith leaders announced their support for conservative Republican David Hill in his race for Congress. Already numbering 40, these faith leaders span the entire district.

"We are excited to have a candidate of the quality of David Hill in the race," stated Paul Abner, an Oklahoma minister for 40 years, who helped organize the group. "Far too often the faith community is either ignored or taken for granted in politics. David Hill has taken the time to visit with us and knows how important faith issues like the right-to-life and religious liberty are to those he intends to represent," Abner continued.

"David Hill has a deep understanding of the importance of both faith and the faith community," stated Dr. Ted Kersh, one of the pastors on the list. "David’s personal faith and the value he places upon issues important to us is evident from the first moment you visit with him," Kersh continued.

Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby and Board Chairman for Museum of the Bible is among those listed. Green also serves as a co-chair for the Hill campaign.

"I am excited to have this grassroots support," stated candidate David Hill. "Faith and family have always been paramount to me. Kendra Horn can have her Nancy Pelosi or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez support, but I prefer the endorsements of these folks who serve so many families in Oklahoma’s 5th District," Hill stated.

"We encourage ministers, pastors, and other faith leaders to join us in supporting a champion for us, David Hill," Abner concluded. "You can view the growing list of faith leaders and even join our coalition on the website."

David Hill is a devout Christian who, along with his wife Shannon, co-founded Providence Hall Classical Christian School, which is now The Academy of Classical Christian Studies. Married for 26 years, they have six children. In addition to serving as the CEO of Mar-K manufacturing, the nation’s leader in manufacturing parts for classic cars, Hill also developed the successful iPray app for smartphones.

Those currently on the list of Faith Leaders for David Hill are:

Steve Green, Oklahoma City*
Paul Abner, Oklahoma City
Blake Gideon, Edmond
David Jarvis, Edmond
Ted Kersh, Edmond
Bill Hulse, Oklahoma City
Craig Dacus, Oklahoma City
Vicki Dacus, Oklahoma City
David Brooks, Oklahoma City
Mike Keahbone, Oklahoma City
Bob Rutherford, Midwest City
Bryan Gilbert, Oklahoma City
Tobin Jackson, Oklahoma City
Doug Melton, Oklahoma City
Eddy Brewer, Oklahoma City
Walter Mullican, Oklahoma City
John Frawley, Oklahoma City
Nick Atayia, Seminole
Marquise Miller, Oklahoma City
Paul Kersh, Oklahoma City
Isaac Tucker, Midwest City
Kelley Tucker, Midwest City
Ernie Wright, Midwest City
Gene Allen, Nicoma Park
Chris Holder, Oklahoma City
Greg Garvie, Oklahoma City
Harry Black, Oklahoma City
Heath Sapp, Seminole
John Johnson, Bethany
Mark Walters, Nicoma Park
Jay Hawpe, Oklahoma City
Jeff Patterson, Oklahoma City
Ryan Redwine, Oklahoma City
Dan Maxwell, Edmond
Chad Bernard, Edmond
Donnie Knight, Shawnee
Claude Bryant, Choctaw
Craig Eidson, Piedmont
Brian Hill, Edmond
Don Jonker, Tecumseh
*Campaign Co-Chair

from MuskogeePolitico.com

[MuskogeePolitico.com] State begins to reopen; COVID-19 progress; direct beef sales; fiery candidate in SD7, and more

The latest news on MuskogeePolitico.com

Advertise with MuskogeePolitico.com! View this email in your browser The latest news on MuskogeePolitico.com: OK Cattlemen's Association compiling list of members selling beef direct-to-consumer Gov. Stitt, task force provide COVID-19 update; Nat'l Guard assists long-term care facilities Rep. Hern calls on Congress to get back to work Pinnell: The case for the great American road trip Hamilton introduces candidacy to SD7 voters with fiery video, statement Governor rebuts Legislative leaders on his legal authority to enter state into new gaming compacts OCPA column: Don't flatten THIS curve 1889 Institute on OK's COVID-19 Shutdown: "Not Worth the Cost" OSDH Releases New Weekly Epidemiology and Surveillance Report for COVID-19 Gov. Stitt amends executive order to open Oklahoma's economy If you are interested in advertising on MuskogeePolitico.com, or have news tips, send an email to JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com. Copyright © 2020 Muskogee Politico, All rights reserved. You are receiving these emails because you opted in at MuskogeePolitico.com or through social media. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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OK Cattlemen's Association compiling list of members selling beef direct-to-consumer

Consumers are Looking to Buy Beef Direct. OCA is working to Compose a List of Producers that are Selling Beef Direct

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. April 28, 2020 – The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is working to compile a list of OCA members who sell beef direct to the consumer.

“With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the meat supply chain being disrupted by sickness of employees at packing plants, the demand to buy beef direct is at an all-time high!” said Mike Weeks, President of the OCA. “After several inquiries, we have decided to compose a list of OCA members  who sell beef direct.”
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Gov. Stitt, task force provide COVID-19 update; Nat'l Guard assists long-term care facilities

GOVERNOR STITT AND GOVERNOR’S SOLUTION TASK FORCE PROVIDES COVID-19 UPDATE

Announces new saliva based testing and highlights focus on long-term care facilities

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt today joined Deputy Secretary of Science and Innovation Elizabeth Pollard, Deputy Secretary of Health and Mental Health Carter Kimble and Secretary of Health and Mental Health Jerome Loughridge to provide an update on the State’s response to COVID-19, announce new saliva based testing, and discuss efforts to protect Oklahomans in long term care facilities.
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Rep. Hern calls on Congress to get back to work

(Yes, cheesy graphic by yours truly. Low-budget graphics department with limited talent, okay?)

Hern calls on Congress to get back to work

TULSA, OK – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer canceled the House’s return to work on May 4, 2020.
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Pinnell: The case for the great American road trip

The case for the great American road trip

By Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell

(From the Apr 24, 2020 Tulsa World Opinion Page)

“I want to get into my car and drive until I find what I’m looking for. Maybe it’s purpose or maybe it’s a new start or maybe it’s just a sky with unclouded stars.”
—Author unknown

Thanks to the hard work of our health care professionals and the sacrifices made by our people to be responsible and stay at home, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

As we emerge from the immediacy of the health crisis, many questions will be asked. What did we learn? How did we innovate? When will we be OK again?

I would argue that big, important questions like these demand the clarity and reflection that can come from a great American road trip.

After the reasonable limitations on nonessential travel are lifted, a road trip with friends or family to explore new places is exactly what Americans need.

With plenty of space to social distance, a road trip gives us time to breathe, laugh and support small businesses along our authentic Main Streets. A time to re-center and fuel the economy — that’s what I call a win-win.

We are blessed to live in Oklahoma, a state with back roads and blue skies for days. From our indigenous founders to the pioneering history in the western prairie, from our uniquely diverse ecology to more miles of the Mother Road (Route 66) than any other state, there’s history and heritage around every curve. We definitely know a good road trip, and we know it’s food for the soul.

“I take to the open road,” said Walt Whitman. “Healthy, free, the world before me.” From mental health benefits to clearing our heads and hearts, a road trip just may be the healing you’re looking for.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been forced to simplify our lives. We are reevaluating things that seemed normal staples, realizing that the regular hustle and bustle doesn’t have to be the norm. Maybe there is more to life than the manufactured busy-ness and mundane routine many of us fall into. Perhaps doing more to see the world around us can help rebuild the sense of community and empathy for others that have long been integral to the American experience.

As we ask ourselves what is America and who are we after this unprecedented pandemic, what better exercise than to actually go see it? See its raw beauty, its diversity, its freedom, and the melting pot of people and cultures that line the pavement.

Author Michael Wallis says of the iconic Route 66 road trip that the trip invites us to experience the country before it became generic. A Route 66 journey puts us in touch with our roots and ourselves. It is a road of phantoms and dreams that has always offered promise.

While Route 66 certainly is iconic, any Oklahoma road trip will do. It could be to Black Mesa, Broken Bow, the Great Salt Plains, the Wichita Mountains or simply the Farmers Market one county over.

It will soon be time to explore the stories of Oklahoma again, time to see this country, its past, present and now uncertain future.

Whether for purpose or a new start, or just to see a sky with unclouded stars. Oklahoma, our economy will roar again, and I believe it will start with a great American road trip.

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Hamilton introduces candidacy to SD7 voters with fiery video, statement

Warren Hamilton is running for State Senate District 7. A veteran of the Iraq War (AH-1W Cobra pilot) and graduate from West Point, Hamilton is running in the GOP primary against incumbent Sen. Larry Boggs (R-Red Oak). Two Democrats and a third Republican are also running.

Hamilton has this fiery video on his campaign social media, introducing himself to voters.
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Stitt, administration officials thank frontline COVID-19 workers in new video

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT JOINS ADMINISTRATION IN THANKING HEALTH CARE WORKERS, PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, BUSINESSES AND OKLAHOMANS IN NEW VIDEO

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 27, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt, First Lady Sarah Stitt, Secretary of Health and Mental Health Jerome Loughridge, Secretary of Science and Innovation Kayse Shrum and Major General Michael Thompson joined together to thank health care professionals, public employees, businesses and Oklahomans in a new video released on Monday.

In the video, the Stitt Administration highlights the hard work and dedication of Oklahoma’s health care workers, medical professionals and public employees who are serving on the frontlines of the global pandemic. They also thank the businesses and manufacturers who have innovated in order to help meet the needs of the State and recognize the Oklahomans who have been doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“You are why the Oklahoma standard shines so bright, thank you,” concludes Gov. Stitt.

Watch the video below:


from MuskogeePolitico.com

Governor rebuts Legislative leaders on his legal authority to enter state into new gaming compacts

GOVERNOR RESPONDS TO SPEAKER, PRO TEMP ON LEGAL AUTHORITY TO ENTER THE STATE INTO NEW GAMING COMPACTS

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 25, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt responded on Friday to the recent letter from Speaker of the House Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Temp Greg Treat on the new gaming compacts concluded by the State with the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria tribe. The Governor’s letter outlined the State’s position regarding its legal authority to enter into gaming compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes.
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

OCPA column: Don't flatten THIS curve

Don’t flatten this curve

By Jonathan Small

Much effort has been put into “flattening the curve” of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Success in achieving that goal is welcome. What Oklahoma should not do is “flatten the curve” on future economic growth as we emerge from the COVID-19 shutdown, yet it is likely special interest groups will advocate for policies that indirectly achieve that result through a misguided response to state budget challenges.

Current state budget year spending was originally set at $8.13 billion and has been maintained only by drawing down $459 million from savings. That still leaves $534 million in state savings. But even if lawmakers use every dime of savings in the 2021 state budget, they will still have to reduce spending by 7.5 percent. And in the 2022 state budget year, they will have to cut spending by another 8.2 percent based on current projections.
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from MuskogeePolitico.com

1889 Institute on OK's COVID-19 Shutdown: "Not Worth the Cost"

The COVID-19 Shutdown: Not Worth the Cost

By Byron Schlomach

The costs of the economic shutdown due to COVID-19 across the nation are mounting. Record unemployment caused by a government-induced 25 percent reduction in the nation’s monthly GDP is symptomatic of bankrupted individuals and businesses. Drug use and suicides have surged. A little- noticed U.N. report has pointed out the obvious – that even a mild worldwide recession will cause hundreds of thousands of children’s deaths. So, news of state re-openings are welcome.

Governor Stitt has declared many businesses can open on Friday, April 24. By May 1, all enterprises in the state will be able to operate more or less normally. Eventually, Oklahoma will be fully operating again. But the question remains, “Was the shutdown and extreme social distancing even necessary?”

The answer is a clear and unequivocal “No.”
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

OSDH Releases New Weekly Epidemiology and Surveillance Report for COVID-19

OSDH Releases New Weekly Epidemiology and Surveillance Report for COVID-19

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) released today the first of a new weekly epidemiology and surveillance report in an effort to provide an in-depth review of data collected around COVID-19 in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma COVID-19 Weekly Report released Friday provides data collected, April 17-23, and includes a comparison to data collected the previous week along with an explanation of updated case definitions, demographics and more. OSDH Interim State Epidemiologist Aaron Wendelboe directed the project with a team of epidemiologists who collected and analyzed the data.
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

State announces progress in managing increase in unemployment claims

OESC and Digital Transformation Show Progress in Managing Increase in Unemployment Claims  

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt’s Secretary of Digital Transformation, David Ostrowe, in partnership with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and Executive Director Robin Roberson announced today the State agency has made headway in upgrading the state’s decades old system for filing unemployment claims.

“Since the first of April, the agency has processed over 160,000 claims, which is more than the agency traditionally processes in one full year,” said Secretary of Digital Transformation David Ostrowe. “The speed of processing these critical and timely benefits was made possible due to rapid and significant digital improvements made to the agency’s operations in partnership with OMES.”

Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Gov. Stitt amends executive order to open Oklahoma's economy

GOV. STITT AMENDS EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-13 TO OPEN OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today issued Fourth Amended Executive Order (EO) 2020-13, which adds the guidelines provided under the Open Up and Recover Safely (OURS) plan that was introduced earlier this week.

“From the beginning it has been my intent to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans, especially our vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact to Oklahoma’s economy,” said Gov. Stitt. “As we begin to responsibly implement this measured response to open Oklahoma’s economy back up, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our people and base all decisions on the data in our state.”

Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

Lucas, Hern comment on passage of Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act

Hern votes ‘yes’ on bill to replenish funds for small business loans

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The bill passed with a vote of 388-5.

“The Paycheck Protection Program is the lifeline our workers and business owners need right now,” said. Rep. Hern. “Our small business owners are some of the hardest hit during this pandemic. As a small business owner myself, I feel the same pain of the business leaders I’ve spoken with over the last several weeks. They’ve poured their life’s work into these businesses and are watching it all fall apart. They love their employees and are distraught over decisions to lay off or furlough staff.”

Rep. Hern continued, “Speaker Pelosi delayed these funds for two weeks while workers across the country were missing paychecks. There’s no reason we had to wait this long. Speaker Pelosi made it absolutely clear to the workers and business owners of our country what her priorities are: partisan tricks and unpopular, socialist policies at any cost. Small businesses are not pawns in Speaker Pelosi’s games, they are real people with real employees. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn the actions of the Speaker and Democrat Majority.”

Lucas Supports Paycheck Protection Program & Hospital Relief Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 266- the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act, providing additional funding to support the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and Oklahoma hospitals.

“More than a week after Oklahoma’s small businesses and workers saw the Paycheck Protection Program run dry, Congress has passed the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act- providing dire relief for Main Street businesses, their workers, and America’s hospitals,” said Congressman Lucas.

Lucas continued, “There’s no doubt about it, our small businesses are the lifeline of our local economies. In the nearly two weeks the Paycheck Protection Program was open more than 35,000 small businesses in Oklahoma received more than $4.6 billion. Because of these funds, many of our community’s family-owned businesses will be able to keep their workforce employed.

Thanks to the legislation passed today, more of Oklahoma’s small businesses will be able to stay afloat and keep their employees on payroll, providing families across Oklahoma the certainty they need in order to get through these uncertain times. The relief package also guarantees the eligibility of agricultural businesses for relief programs provided by the Small Business Administration.

As the coronavirus launched an unprecedented attack on America’s economy and health care system, Oklahomans across our great state have stepped up to fight on the front lines. Our state’s medical professionals, agriculture producers, truck drivers, grocers, and bankers have all worked to ensure that no one faces this virus alone. I thank all of these workers, especially our health care workers, as they all have become everyday heroes in our time of need. The health care funding provided in the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act will further support our efforts to combat the virus and ease the burden of our most distressed hospitals.

As I have told Oklahomans across the District, we will weather this storm together. We are all in this together.”

The Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act increases funding authorized by the CARES Act, providing $484 billion to small business relief programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and to support for hospitals to expand testing and provide aid in response efforts.

Lucas has led or joined several letters to clarify guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program and other financial assistance programs, including urging that publicly hospitals are covered and ensuring agriculture producers are eligible for such programs.

Background:
The Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act provides funding to the U.S. Small Business Administration, including:

• $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing the Trump Administration to continue providing forgivable loans to cover the cost of payroll and operating expenses for small businesses.
• $30 billion in guaranteed loans for lenders with less than $10 billion in assets
• $30 billion in guaranteed loans for lenders with $10 million to $50 billion in assets.
• $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans and grants, including:
• $50 billion for EIDLs- each loan can be up to $2 million with interest rates not to exceed 4% and long-term repayment periods of up to 30 years; and
• $10 billion for grants of up to $10,000 that do not have to be repaid.

The Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act  provides funding to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, including:

• $75 billion for reimbursement to hospitals and healthcare providers to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue.
• $25 billion for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests, specifically:
• $11 billion for states, localities, territories, and tribes to develop, purchase, administer, process, and analyze COVID-19 tests, scale-up laboratory capacity, trace contacts, and support employer testing. Funds are also made available to employers for testing. 
• $1 billion provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity expansion, contact tracing, public health data surveillance, and analytics infrastructure modernization.
• $1.8 billion provided to the National Institutes of Health to develop, validate, improve, and implement testing and associated technologies; to accelerate research, development, and implementation of point-of-care and other rapid testing; and for partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities to research, develop, and implement the activities.
• $1 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for advanced research, development, manufacturing, production, and purchase of diagnostic, serologic, or other COVID-19 tests or related supplies.
• $22 million for the Food and Drug Administration to support activities associated with diagnostic, serological, antigen, and other tests, and related administrative activities.
• $825 million for Community Health Centers and rural health clinics.
• Up to $1 billion may be used to cover the costs of testing for the uninsured.

• Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has released guidance on how states can use CARES Act funds. This information can be found here.
• The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has also announced guidance on how it plans to release more of the CARES Act funds. This information can be found here.

from MuskogeePolitico.com

1889 Institute: Put education practitioners (teachers) in charge

A PROPOSAL TO PUT EDUCATION PRACTITIONERS (TEACHERS) IN CHARGE

Other professionals control their destinies; teachers should, too.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 22, 2020) – The 1889 Institute has published “America’s War for Effective Education Reform,” a synopsis of a forthcoming book, Saving Public Education, by former Texas State Representative Kent Grusendorf. He served as chair of the House Public Education Committee for four years (2003-2007) in addition to serving all but two years of his 20-year legislative career (1987-2007) as a member of the Public Education Committee. Grusendorf also served on Texas’ State Board of Education (1982-1984).

In the synopsis of his book, Grusendorf recounts the many reform efforts since the 1980s, in addition to how much spending on public education has increased. Yet, for all these efforts and treasure, arguably little to no progress has been made.

“I finally realized the problem was top-down reform,” said Grusendorf. “Most reformers, me included, had the best of intentions, but by attempting to impose our visions of how things ought to work, we were neglecting to take account of the knowledge and skills of independent individuals actually doing the work.”
Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com

OSDH issues guidance for resuming elective surgical procedures

OSDH Issues Guidance for Resuming Elective Surgical Procedures in Oklahoma April 24

In preparation for elective surgeries resuming in Oklahoma on April 24, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) today issued the following guidelines for elective surgery centers and hospitals:

Testing guidelines:

• Elective surgery centers and hospitals must administer COVID-19 tests in partnership with private labs to test all patients prior to surgery. 
• Patients should receive a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of the scheduled procedure.
• Elective surgery centers and hospitals should not perform an operation on a patient with a medical history of COVID-19 until that patient has received two negative COVID-19 test results. 

Read more »

from MuskogeePolitico.com