 GOVERNOR STITT, SEC. BROWN, EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS ANNOUNCE PPE ASSISTANCE FOR OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS
Joined by Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Justin Brown and education stakeholders from across the state, Gov. Stitt stressed the importance of the health and safety of students and teachers while highlighting the need for schools to resume. “Schools are an essential part of our society,” said Gov. Stitt. “It is critically important that they operate safely and effectively for all students. I am committed to providing our schools with the resources and support they need in order to welcome students back to the classroom while also prioritizing their health.” Based on personnel data and requests from the State Department of Education, the State will be providing the following PPE to Oklahoma schools: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 30, 2020 at 09:32PM |
 Gov. Stitt announces $10M in funding to supply OK schools with PPE Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Gov. Stitt announces $10M in funding to supply OK schools with PPE
Hern votes for WRDA bill, includes funds for Tulsa, Arkansas River Navigation System projects
 Hern votes for WRDA, includes funds for Tulsa projects
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement in support of HR 7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the House by unanimous consent this afternoon. “There’s a lot to be happy about in the WRDA that passed today,” said Rep. Hern. “Included in the bill were funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make upgrades on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System. Last year, a flood decimated parts of Tulsa. Had the aging levees failed, the devastation would have been much worse. It’s been 12 years since the levees were rated ‘unacceptable’ and at ‘very high risk’ of failure. Updates are long overdue, but it’s great to see those funds included in this bill. Also included in the WRDA are funds to clear the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) from silt deposits as a result of the 2019 floods and other updates and security measures for MKARNS. Our waterways are important in Oklahoma, and I’m glad to see much-needed funding allocated to Oklahoma projects with the WRDA.” Background Information Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 30, 2020 at 08:45PM |
Hern votes for WRDA bill, includes funds for Tulsa, Arkansas River Navigation System projects Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OK Dep't of Agriculture warns about unsolicited seeds from China
 Unsolicited Seeds from Foreign Countries Impacting Oklahomans
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has received numerous reports from Oklahoman’s stating they have received unsolicited seeds from foreign countries. These seeds are sent in packages usually stating the contents are jewelry. This act is known as agriculture smuggling. Although these items appear to be harmless, there is a potential of hidden threats in these seeds that could seriously threaten U.S. agriculture and our natural resources. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. If you receive a package of these seeds that you did not order, please carefully follow the following instructions: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 30, 2020 at 08:02PM |
OK Dep't of Agriculture warns about unsolicited seeds from China Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
OCPA decries gaming compact ruling
 Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in response to a judge’s declaration that a little-known, unelected state agency triggered auto-renewal of casino gaming compacts for another 15 years. OCPA comment on compact ruling
The judge’s ruling demonstrates what a horrible deal previous Oklahoma politicians schemed about 15 years ago with casino operators in Oklahoma. As things stand now, a working family in Oklahoma will pay a significantly higher state-local sales tax rate on the purchase of groceries than what the operators of the world’s largest casino share in fees on slot machine revenue. The extremely low rates imposed on casino gambling are indirectly responsible for the levying of far higher tax rates on Oklahoma’s working families to fund state government. Oklahoma is at a crossroads. Within in a month two federal courts have issued rulings that allow two sets of rules for Oklahomans, depending on their race and where they live. Oklahoma cannot survive if one group of citizens has to follow a different set of rules than other Oklahomans, especially as it relates to taxation, regulation, public safety, the environment, the economy and commerce. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 05:26PM |
OCPA decries gaming compact ruling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Stitt: court rulings show Oklahoma faces "a question of constitutional proportions" for future
 STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR STITT REGARDING U.S. DISTRICT COURT RULING
“I am deeply disappointed by the federal court’s ruling. It confirms my fears, and the fears of many fellow Oklahomans, that the State entered into a poorly negotiated deal and now we must bear the cost of this mistake. The federal court determined that the 2004 Gaming Compact autorenewed for 15 years because of an action taken by an agency’s unelected board to reissue licenses for gaming at horse racing tracks. This decision, coupled with the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on McGirt, means Oklahomans have important questions to face regarding our future. Among other things, we will need to explore the challenges of who will pay taxes and who won’t, of how we will guarantee a competitive marketplace, and of how the State will fund core public services into the next generation. In short, we face a question of constitutional proportions about what it means to be the state of Oklahoma and how we regulate and oversee all business in our state. “When I came into office, I inherited letters from tribes saying the compacts were set to expire on January 1, 2020. In my first six months, I traveled across the state listening to tribal leaders and to leaders from many sectors of Oklahoma’s economy about these compacts. What I heard and what I learned is that only a few tribes were receiving most of the benefit from gaming; the one-size-fits-all approach to the Model Gaming Compact was clearly broken. As your Governor, I was driven by a conviction that we could look to the future and generate new, sustainable opportunities for the next generation of Oklahomans. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 02:30PM |
Stitt: court rulings show Oklahoma faces "a question of constitutional proportions" for future Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
1889 Institute op-ed: Why I am not Pro-Business
 Why I Am Not Pro-Business
By Byron Schlomach
Not me. Just because I’m not pro-business doesn’t mean I’m anti-business, though. I’m pro-free enterprise. Chambers of Commerce across the nation are pro-business, especially pro-BIG business. They are established to represent their business members, with large corporations usually the most influential amongst their numbers. Chambers of Commerce almost always favor business subsidies, special tax breaks for certain businesses that small businesses don’t get, or exempt only certain businesses from regulation. They specialize in persuading gullible politicians anxious to get their faces in the news at ribbon-cutting ceremonies to favor these policies. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 11:45AM |
1889 Institute op-ed: Why I am not Pro-Business Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process
 Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process
The moves will ensure the general public’s role in the upcoming redistricting process in the Senate, said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Redistricting will be one of the most important issues considered by the Legislature next year. The Senate has been working on redistricting for months and we are preparing for the culmination of that work by taking steps to ensure the general public’s role in the process. The Senate is committed to an open and transparent process as we conduct our constitutional duty to draw state legislative and congressional districts in Oklahoma using data from the 2020 Census,” Treat said. Senator Lonnie Paxton, chair of the Redistricting Committee, said the public will have an important role in redistricting and that the Senate redistricting process will include:
If needed, Paxton said the Senate redistricting committee would take steps such as providing remote participation to accommodate social distancing necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said the Senate will also make its resources available to local officials if they so choose to help them draw county commission districts, city council districts, and local school board districts. “The Senate is committed to transparency in the redistricting process and holding public hearings and accepting maps from the public will help us achieve that goal,” Paxton said. More details about public hearings and the process for submission of proposed maps by the public will be announced later this year, Paxton said. Treat emphasized the important role that Census data plays in redistricting. “Census data from the federal government will be used to draw the new district lines,” Treat said. “The best thing the public can do right now for redistricting is complete the Census.” To complete the 2020 U.S. Census, visit https://my2020census.gov/. by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 09:22AM |
Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority rolling out 80mph speed limit in select zones
 TURNPIKE SPEED CHANGE UPDATE:
OTA approved the proposal to raise posted speeds from 75 mph to 80 mph on rural segments of five turnpikes, and to establish an 80 mph maximum speed limit on the Kickapoo Turnpike, which is scheduled to open later this year. These locations total 104 miles and include:
Existing speed limits on rural turnpikes like the Will Rogers Turnpike, main segment of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike, Cimarron Turnpike and Chickasaw Turnpike will not be changed as part of this action, based on factors considered. With today’s approval, work can begin to manufacture and install the new 80 mph signs for each of these corridors. This process could take several months to complete. Until the new signs are in place, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it will be enforcing the current posted speed limit. Drivers will need to pay attention in the corridors before revving up or else they’ll risk a ticket.  by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 08:20AM |
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority rolling out 80mph speed limit in select zones Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Recall stormin' in Norman, plus CD5 runoff heats up
from MuskogeePolitico newsletter Archive Feed
Gloves off in CD5: Neese tears into Bice for misrepresenting VP's support
 After a fairly tame primary, the 5th District GOP runoff is heating up, in multiple ways. Terry Neese is going after Stephanie Bice for claiming an endorsement from Vice President Mike Pence... who rather unhelpfully sent a campaign donation and letter to both candidates. STEPHANIE BICE LIES TO VOTERS (AGAIN), PUSHES FAKE ENDORSEMENT FROM VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE
For the past twelve days, Stephanie Bice and top campaign surrogates have knowingly pushed this false endorsement to voters as a means to distract them from her tax-raising, dangerous record as a career politician. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 29, 2020 at 07:44AM |
Gloves off in CD5: Neese tears into Bice for misrepresenting VP's support Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
OKGOP Chairman calls out redistricting petition head on transparency hypocrisy
 GOP CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR REDISTRICTING PETITIONS HEAD TO STEP DOWN FROM FIO POST, RELEASE DONORS, EXPENSES
“The irony of Mr. Moore’s conflict of interest is beyond comprehension, and must be brought to light,” said David McLain. “On one hand, he heads an organization whose mission statement is ‘promoting open and transparent government in Oklahoma.’ On the other hand, he also has led two initiative petition campaigns which have never made public who their liberal, and likely out-of-state, donors and key supporters are. This is blatant hypocrisy, and while I seriously doubt Mr. Moore will comply, I call on him to promptly release all donors and expenses to SQ 804 and SQ 810, and resign from his position with FIO. If he fails to do either, I request FIO’s Board of Directors immediately remove him.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 28, 2020 at 11:35PM |
OKGOP Chairman calls out redistricting petition head on transparency hypocrisy Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OCPA column: One-sided negotiation?
 One-sided negotiation?
By Jonathan Small
Sounds crazy, right? Unfortunately, that appears to be occurring today as Oklahoma grapples with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that tribal reservations were not formally abolished when it comes to criminal jurisdiction (which opens the door for increased tribal authority in a wide range of areas). To reach this point, many prominent state officials weighed in and suggested reestablishment of reservations would not be a big challenge in Oklahoma—even though the court reaching that decision would also involve vacating Jimcy McGirt’s prison sentence. McGirt was convicted of molesting, raping, and forcibly sodomizing a four-year-old girl. Those filing a brief in McGirt’s case, in which McGirt’s attorneys argued he could not be tried in state court because he is Seminole and Creek reservation boundaries remain in place, included U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, former Gov. Brad Henry, former state Senate leader Glenn Coffee, former Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele, former Attorney General Mike Turpen, former state House Speaker T.W. Shannon, former U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, and others. All signed their name to a brief submitted by the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 28, 2020 at 11:15PM |
OCPA column: One-sided negotiation? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Oklahoma's COVID-19 contact tracing now includes text messages
 Oklahoma Contact Tracing now Includes Text Messages
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 24, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announces the expansion of its contact tracing outreach efforts to include text messaging. This functionality will help streamline the process for contact tracers as they reach out to individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals. “Contact tracing is an integral component of fighting COVID-19 by breaking the chain of transmission, and we are pleased to find ways to increase efficiency as we continuously develop robust contact tracing efforts across Oklahoma,” said Deputy Commissioner of Community Health Services Keith Reed. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 28, 2020 at 11:06PM |
Oklahoma's COVID-19 contact tracing now includes text messages Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
House Speaker, Senate Pro Tem announce 2020 interim studies
 Speaker Shares Approved Interim Studies
McCall approved 74 interim studies after receiving 92 study requests from members. Four study requests were combined with another study to examine similar topics. Additionally, four of the 74 studies have been approved as joint studies to be conducted in partnership with the Senate. The approved studies cover a wide range of topics, including criminal justice reform, economic development and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic within the state. Having been approved, House committees may now begin scheduling studies. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 28, 2020 at 09:07AM |
House Speaker, Senate Pro Tem announce 2020 interim studies Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Monday, July 27, 2020
Unite Norman releases videos highlighting mayor, city council members in their own radical words
 WORDS: New Series of Viral Videos Highlights Mayor, City Council Members in Their Own Radical Words
Norman – Unite Norman is launching a series of viral videos that show the mayor and the city council members — in their own words — are too radical for Norman. In some cases vulgar, profanity-laced tirades also show that some members are unfit for public office. In her own words, council member Kate Bierman states that she’s no longer a fan of the Fourth of July — a position held by far-left-wing radicals such as anarchists in places like Seattle’s CHOP/CHAZ zone; Portland, Oregon; and Washington, D.C. Source: “4 Grown-A** Women of the Apocalypse” podcast, 7/11/20 https://tinyurl.com/NotAFanofJuly4 In case you were wondering, Bierman doesn’t care what you think of her, “I don’t give a s*** what you think about me!” Source: “4 Grown-A** Women of the Apocalypse” podcast, 5/11/20 https://tinyurl.com/IDontGiveASh Council member Stephen Holman suggested that it’s not Norman Police Department’s job to check immigration status, thereby turning Norman into a de facto “Sanctuary City.” Source: City Council Meeting, 2/4/20 https://tinyurl.com/HolmanSanctuaryCitiesSupport And, as we pointed out late last week, Mayor Clark is not to be outdone in the department of radical ideas as she pushes for allowing 16-year-olds to vote in municipal elections — an issue only supported by the most radical cities in the United States including Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Source: City Council Meeting, 6/16/20 https://tinyurl.com/ClarkLet16YrOldsVote “In their own words, the mayor and the city council members are showing that their ideas and policies are far outside the mainstream of Norman,” said Russell Smith, co-founder of Unite Norman. “This is the result of seven percent voter turnout in the last election. We must do better in the next.” More videos are on the way. They will appear on Facebook and may appear on other Social Media platforms. by Jamison Faught - July 27, 2020 at 08:40PM |
Unite Norman releases videos highlighting mayor, city council members in their own radical words Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Music Monday: Down in the River to Pray
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This week's Music Monday is an old American spiritual, Down in the River to Pray, played here by the University of Texas Tuba/Euphonium Studio.
Enjoy!
As a bonus, here is a performance of the same song by the Bethel College Choir... singing inside an empty grain bin in Kansas:
See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.
Read more »by Jamison Faught - July 27, 2020 at 07:19PM |
Music Monday: Down in the River to Pray Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Lucas helps introduce bipartisan PPP Small Business Forgiveness Act
 Lucas, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined U.S. Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to expedite forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less. The Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would streamline for process for certifying compliance with PPP requirements and expedite the loan forgiveness process for small businesses. “There’s no question about it, the Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for Oklahoma’s small businesses- more than 127,000 jobs in Oklahoma’s Third District. The Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would forgive Paycheck Protection Program loans under $150,000, helping Oklahoma’s small businesses navigate the forgiveness process,” said Congressman Lucas. “These loans represent more than 90 percent of the loans in the Third District of Oklahoma, but only about 30 percent of the total dollar value. As Congress continues to provide additional relief to those hit hardest by COVID-19, I will continue to work with my fellow colleagues to help remove the shroud of uncertainty for small businesses as we weather this health crisis.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 27, 2020 at 06:49PM |
Lucas helps introduce bipartisan PPP Small Business Forgiveness Act Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
OCPA attacks OEA’s bogus math: $10M is not half of $360M
 OCPA comment on OEA’s bogus math
“The Oklahoma Education Association’s national parent, the National Education Association, is known for bizarre actions like working to give boys access to girls’ bathrooms and endorsing Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden. Recently the OEA added to the bizarre by trying to give the impression that public schools are receiving only half of Oklahoma’s education-related federal COVID funding. Any suggestion to that effect is patently false. “Oklahoma received $360 million in federal funding to cover the costs of the education response to COVID-19. Of that $360 million, $160.9 million went to the state’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which pays for COVID-related expenses at public schools, and $39.8 million went to the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which pays for a host of initiatives. The remainder primarily went to colleges. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 22, 2020 at 09:48AM |
OCPA attacks OEA’s bogus math: $10M is not half of $360M Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Stitt forms commission to advise State following McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling
 GOVERNOR STITT FORMS COMMISSION TO ADVISE STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOLLOWING U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING
“We know that there is a lot of unpredictability right now,” said Gov. Stitt. “We are committed to working with all Oklahomans, Tribal and non-Tribal, to create a practical and sustainable path forward. This commission is the first step.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 22, 2020 at 07:56AM |
Stitt forms commission to advise State following McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
House Dems complain about Stitt's use of some COVID funds for private schools
 Democrats Respond to Governor’s Use of Public Ed Money for Private Schools
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus today responded to Governor Stitt announcing his plan to give at least $10 million out of $39.9 million in the GEER funds to private schools. The Democratic lawmakers point out that private schools have additional opportunities to generate revenue, like tuition and forgivable federal small business loans, that public schools don’t have. Since the GEER fund was announced by the US Department of Education in March as an effort to help schools navigate the pandemic, Oklahoma Democrats and Oklahoma’s public education community have made it clear that these public funds should not go to private schools. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 21, 2020 at 05:07PM |
House Dems complain about Stitt's use of some COVID funds for private schools Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
State Sen. Dahm endorses Neese in CD5 runoff
 STATE SENATOR NATHAN DAHM (SD-33) ENDORSES TERRY NEESE FOR CONGRESS
Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 21, 2020 at 03:50PM |
State Sen. Dahm endorses Neese in CD5 runoff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
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