Gov. Stitt appoints Tim Webster as DA for Atoka, Bryan and Coal counties

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR ATOKA, BRYAN AND COAL COUNTIES OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 30, 2020)- Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Tim Webster as District Attorney for District 19, which includes Atoka, Bryan and Coal Counties. Webster fills the seat of Emily Redman, who retired on October 1, 2020. By statute, Webster has been serving as acting District Attorney since then. "Tim Webster has spent almost four decades serving the people of Atoka, Bryan and Coal Counties," said Gov. Stitt. "His experience as a litigator and prosecutor, as well as his heart for his community, makes him the best choice to serve as the next District Attorney for District 19."  Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 30, 2020 at 09:49PM

Gov. Stitt appoints Tim Webster as DA for Atoka, Bryan and Coal counties Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Music Monday: O Come, All Ye Faithful

This week's Music Monday is an orchestral arrangement of the Christmas carol O Come, All Ye Faithful (also known by the Latin title, Adeste Fideles). A decade or so ago, I played this wonderful arrangement with the Tulsa Bible Church orchestra. Enjoy! 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 - November 30, 2020 at 09:42PM

Music Monday: O Come, All Ye Faithful Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Cong. Lucas: As COVID-19 winter approaches, Oklahoma must act

As COVID-19 winter approaches, Oklahoma must act by Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) Oklahoma set a record for COVID-19 hospitalizations last week, and the United States reached a grim milestone of more than 250,000 coronavirus deaths. After earlier surges in the spring and summer, the country is now in the midst of the feared fall coronavirus surge and we’re peering into the darkness that winter will bring. With more than 1,500 Oklahomans now hospitalized and new positive cases averaging more than 2,600 per day, it’s time for Oklahoma to act. On Nov. 17 and 18, Oklahoma reported COVID-19 daily records for hospitalizations, ICU patients and deaths. On average, 20% of Oklahoma’s hospital beds are filled with those battling COVID-19; ICU bed availability has dropped to between 5% and 7%. Increases in the number of active cases come as many hospitals and their staff, especially those in rural Oklahoma, are being pushed to their limits — physically and emotionally. While it’s true that more testing reveals more cases, the number of hospitalizations gives Oklahomans an objective measure of rampant community spread of the virus. As deaths rise this winter, Oklahoma’s leaders will need to implement steps to slow the spread of COVID. Leaders — from Congress to mayors — show no support for total lockdowns or stay-at-home orders. But science shows that there are other temporary measures available to keep our communities safe, save lives and ensure Oklahoma flattens the curve. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 28, 2020 at 03:40PM

Cong. Lucas: As COVID-19 winter approaches, Oklahoma must act Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Plenty of reasons to question state's audit of Epic Charter Schools

Reason to question state audit  By Jonathan Small   I’m a CPA with many years’ experience in government finances and I have had the opportunity to review the recent state audit of Epic Charter Schools as well as separate responses from Epic. An objective review reveals the performance of the audit has glaring flaws.   According to state law the office of the State Auditor and Inspector (SAI) is required to review all audits of public schools. When deficiencies are found by the SAI, the office is required to notify the school board of statements of deficiencies. There’s no indication that the SAI’s previous reviews ever found any deficiencies at Epic, so the SAI’s new claims of improper financial accounting at Epic are tantamount to an admission of neglect or incompetence by SAI—if those claims are true. But it appears many claims of financial abuse are unfounded.   The audit’s problems include a de facto recommendation that Epic violate state regulations on calculation of retirement contributions of teachers, even though Epic has provided documents from the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System that showed the school made the calculations correctly.   The audit went way beyond its scope to call for a ban on for-profit operation of charter schools, echoing the platforms of Socialist U.S. Bernie Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden, and the democrat party platform.   One SAI staffer significantly involved in the audit has previously admitted to lacking basic accounting knowledge, such as understanding the principle of “assets = liabilities plus equity.”   When Epic expanded its model into California, that state’s regulators asked for documentation that demonstrated Epic’s financial soundness. That documentation included a bank statement showing millions of dollars of cash on hand.  SAI declared that providing such information was the equivalent of using state funds as collateral—yet Epic entered into no such agreements. The funds shown on that bank statement never secured any loan whatsoever.  They only provided financial documentation at the request of California officials.   Neglecting best practices, the SAI didn’t include Epic’s full responses to the allegations in its report, nor thoroughly review calculations with Epic before release of the allegations. The failure to abide by such standard auditing procedures is another red flag.   The SAI has since taken more than seven weeks to produce workpapers from the “special audit” and provide full support for some of the audit’s most salacious claims, including that Epic and the State Department of Education misclassified millions in administrative salaries.   Put simply, the audit omits much relevant information and ignores documents that undermine its most headline-grabbing claims, and SAI officials appear to be dragging their feet in facilitating a thorough review of their work product.   That pattern of behavior gives Oklahomans reasons to doubt the audit’s veracity.   An honest review of the state audit of Epic Charter Schools raises many questions. But those questions are centered around the validity and seriousness of the audit process, not on Epic.   Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. by Jamison Faught - November 28, 2020 at 11:13AM

Small: Plenty of reasons to question state's audit of Epic Charter Schools Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

HHS Brings Free ‘Surge’ COVID-19 Testing to Oklahoma

HHS Brings Free ‘Surge’ COVID-19 Testing to Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 24, 2020) – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – in a public-private partnership with eTrueNorth and state and local officials – will bring free COVID-19 testing to Oklahoma between Nov. 28 and Dec. 19. Surge testing efforts will temporarily increase federal support in communities experiencing a major uptick in cases and hospitalizations. “We want to thank HHS for its continued support in protecting the health and safety of all Oklahomans,” Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. said. “Across the country, we are experiencing aggressive, rapid, and expanding community spread of COVID-19, including here in Oklahoma. We must do everything we can to flatten the curve, to sustain the health system for both COVID and non-COVID emergencies. Focused testing is key to interrupting the current surge, including the identification of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals. In addition to getting tested, we strongly urge Oklahomans to wear a mask at all times in public, increase physical distancing through significant reduction in capacity in public and private indoor spaces, wash your hands frequently, and get a flu shot.” Testing at the surge locations is free to the public and available to individuals age 5 and older. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing. Testing locations are drive-thru and by appointment only. Pre-register at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. On-site registration will also be accommodated. An identification card is not required to get tested. Surge testing sites use the nasal self-swab testing methodology. Test results will be received via email notification within 3-5 days. The following is a schedule for surge testing locations: Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 27, 2020 at 11:13PM

HHS Brings Free ‘Surge’ COVID-19 Testing to Oklahoma Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt appoints Carol Iski as DA for Okmulgee and McIntosh counties

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR OKMULGEE AND MCINTOSH COUNTIES   OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 24, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Carol Iski as District Attorney for District 25, which includes Okmulgee and McIntosh Counties.    "Carol Iski has spent her career making an impact within the criminal justice system in our state," said Gov. Stitt. "Iski is a proven prosecutor who has consistently advocated for justice on behalf of all Oklahomans, and I look forward to watching her continue to serve her community as District Attorney."    Carol Iski has served as acting District Attorney (DA) for District 25 since Governor Fallin selected her in November 2018 to fill the empty seat caused by the passing of District Attorney Rob Barris.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 25, 2020 at 01:00PM

Gov. Stitt appoints Carol Iski as DA for Okmulgee and McIntosh counties Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Cong.-elect Bice elected freshman GOP class president for 117th Congress

Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice Named GOP Freshman Class President for 117th Congress OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 24, 2020)  - Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice was elected by her peers to serve as Republican Freshman Class President during last week’s House orientation in Washington, DC.  It is believed that Bice is the first female Republican class president in the House. Bice said she’s looking forward to encouraging open communication between members of the freshman class.  “I came to Congress to help find solutions to some of our nation’s largest problems,” Bice said. “Working with the new representatives of the freshman class and fostering relationships among members will enable all of us to work better together to serve our constituents.”  Bice is one of 16 Republican women elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, a new record. The House will have at least 28 Republican women serving in the 117th Congress, up from 15. Currently, there are 42 Republicans in the House freshman class.  by Jamison Faught - November 25, 2020 at 10:48AM

Cong.-elect Bice elected freshman GOP class president for 117th Congress Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

1889 Institute: ban collective bargaining in government

RESTORE SOVEREIGNTY TO THE PEOPLE: BAN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN GOVERNMENT Even Franklin Roosevelt opposed collective bargaining in government employment. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (November 23, 2020) – The 1889 Institute has published a new paper titled “Liberate Oklahoma from Public Sector Union Domination.” The paper argues that allowing government to collectively bargain with public employees “robs the people of their sovereignty over government,” which happens because unions can hold the public hostage by denying essential, government-monopolized services when they strike. As demonstrated a few years ago, Oklahoma’s anti-strike law is inadequate, especially as it relates to teachers. In that case, the more subtle way that unionized public employees undermine the people’s sovereignty is in the way unions act as powerful political influences, effectively allowing government employees to hire their employers by being a key voting bloc. School boards clearly acted more as representatives of unionized employees than representatives of the people, parents, or students. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 25, 2020 at 07:46AM

1889 Institute: ban collective bargaining in government Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

'Parent Voice Oklahoma' launches at state capitol protest over school closures

'Parent Voice Oklahoma' Launches in Wake of School Closures OKLAHOMA CITY – Parents from across the state today held a rally to protest school closures and a lack of parent involvement in education decisions. Now, many of those parents have organized to launch a new group: Parent Voice Oklahoma. The group exists to elevate the role of parents in regard to educational decisions at the school, district and state level. Parent Voice Oklahoma starts with chapters in Owasso, Deer Creek, and Stillwater. Parents from Heritage Academy, a new Epic Charter School program that emphasizes bilingual learning and Hispanic culture and heritage, have also launched a chapter. Dana Walsh, who attended today’s rally at the State Capitol, said she got involved with Parent Voice Oklahoma because she feels parents are being ignored by local school districts. “We are tired of not being listened to,” said Walsh, an Owasso parent. “Our school boards are making decisions that impact the health and wellbeing of our kids as well as our ability as parents to work. It is clear they are listening to unions, to politicians, and to the media, but they aren’t listening to parents. Enough is enough.” One of the initiatives being pushed by Parent Voice Oklahoma is a petition to create a recall process for school board members who fail in their duty to represent the interests of students and parents. “I signed the petition because the bars are open in my town, the restaurants are open, but the schools are closed,” said Derek Lereviere from Deer Creek. “What does that say about our priorities? We have to put kids and families first."    Robert Ruiz is the executive director of ChoiceMatters, an Oklahoma City-based non-profit that helps parents organize and advocate for their interests. He said that, while school closures are a catalyst for parent action, the real problem is the top-down nature of the public school system bureaucracy. “We currently have a public school system where a few voices at the very top are making decisions about everything from curricula to personnel to school closures,” said Ruiz. “It’s very hard for parents to get inside that bubble and to impact policy. We need to turn that system on its head, so parents are the guiding force when we develop our education priorities. The system is funded with their tax dollars and exists to educate their kids. It makes no sense to exclude them from governance. That’s what Parent Voice Oklahoma is all about.” For more information on Parent Voice Oklahoma, go to parentvoiceok.org. by Jamison Faught - November 24, 2020 at 07:40AM

'Parent Voice Oklahoma' launches at state capitol protest over school closures Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

House Dems rebuke GOP legislators for "trying to overturn another state’s election"

Democrats Respond to OK Republicans Attempt to Influence AZ Election OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus members released the following statements in response to seventy Oklahoma Republican legislators attempting to persuade the Arizona Legislature to appoint electors to vote against the state’s official vote count winner.    “Oklahoma Republicans continue to support a Governor who hides behind the term ‘local control’ when refusing to protect Oklahomans during this pandemic,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman. “Now, proving that ‘local control’ is just a talking point to use only when it suits them, Oklahoma Republicans are trying to overturn another state’s election - a state 1,000 miles away. Meanwhile, they remain silent on the real issues facing our state and cannot be bothered to speak up about record-high COVID cases, deaths, and hospitalizations. Oklahomans deserve better.”   Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 23, 2020 at 07:47PM

House Dems rebuke GOP legislators for "trying to overturn another state’s election" Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Oklahoma GOP legislators ask battleground legislatures to verify legitimacy of their elections

OKLAHOMA LAWMAKERS APPEAL TO BATTLEGROUND STATES [November 21, 2020]  State Senator Rob Standridge (R-Norman) is leading a nationwide charge to maintain the integrity of Presidential elections in battleground states.  Republican members of the Oklahoma Senate and House have signed letters imploring State Legislatures to fulfill their Constitutional responsibility to verify the legitimacy of their elections.  "We are asking for a fair process to make sure there is no voting fraud,” Sen. Rob Standridge says.  “The US Constitution clearly spells out the role of State Legislatures in a Presidential election.  State lawmakers are the most direct representation of the people and, if the will of the people is not reflected in a Presidential election, legislatures have an obligation to intervene and investigate on behalf of their constituents.  We are not making accusations.  We are asking for an impartial investigation to ensure their results are accurate." Oklahoma House members, led by Rep. Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City), sent a similar letter to the same battleground states:  Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 23, 2020 at 07:38PM

Oklahoma GOP legislators ask battleground legislatures to verify legitimacy of their elections Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OK State Department of Education hides memo warning of illegal activity

Agency hides memo warning of illegal activity by Ray Carter -- Director, Center for Independent Journalism The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has stripped its website of a memo issued by the state attorney general, which warns that the agency has acted illegally in its administration of a state program for children with special needs. An OSDE spokesperson said the document is shielded from public view by attorney-client privilege. The Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarships for Students with Disabilities program provides scholarships to students with special needs and foster children, allowing them to attend private schools. The LNH law requires that participating private schools comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of a section of federal law that bars discrimination “on the ground of race, color, or national origin.” Those are the only three categories listed. However, under the leadership of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, the OSDE drafted new regulations in 2019 that expanded that list to cover nine categories, including “religion” and “sexual orientation.” The additions were made nine years after the program was created. As a result of those additions, the State Board of Education has not approved the application of Christian Heritage Academy to serve LNH students with one board member explicitly saying a private school cannot require its staff to be “mature Christian teachers” and still participate in the LNH program under the agency’s new regulations. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 20, 2020 at 03:21PM

OK State Department of Education hides memo warning of illegal activity Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

School Closure Protest: Parents to Rally on Monday at State Capitol

Monday, 11/23: Parents to Rally at the Capitol to Protest School Closures   Concerned Oklahoma parents of public-school students will be rallying at the State Capitol on Monday, November 23, to demand a greater voice and role in education, especially as it relates to decisions involving school closures and virtual learning. The rally will begin on the South steps of the Capitol at 11AM and include several speakers. Parents will then meet with legislators as well as representatives from the governor’s office.   Oklahoma teachers’ unions and many education officials have been pushing for indefinite, perhaps year-long school closures and a shift to virtual learning. Many parents say they feel left out of these decisions and placed in an impossible position. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 20, 2020 at 11:15AM

School Closure Protest: Parents to Rally on Monday at State Capitol Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

1889 Institute: Americans have right to assume risk, even in pandemic

THINK TANK SAYS AMERICANS HAVE RIGHT TO ASSUME RISK, EVEN IN A PANDEMIC Progress requires risk-taking, and Americans knowledgeable of risk can choose to take it. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (November 18, 2020) – The 1889 Institute’s Research Fellow, Mike Davis, who is also an attorney, has written “America’s Legal Tradition of Allowing Risk-Taking, Even in a Pandemic,” which argues that American common law allows informed risk taking. As long as people are well-informed, they should therefore have the dignity for themselves to decide how much risk to take. In the case of the current COVID-19 pandemic, individuals in a free society like America’s should have the freedom to choose whether to wear masks and/or isolate themselves as part of social distancing. “Masks, actually N95 respirators, are truly most effective for individuals who are at high risk from COVID-19 and have not contracted the disease. These include the aged, and others who have other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity,” said Davis. “The young and healthy, who are at less risk from COVID-19 than the seasonal flu, should have the same freedom from masks and social distancing as we give them from flu shots. We do not force anyone to take flu shots every year,” he said. Davis’s paper explains the long legal tradition of assumed risk. He argues that sound information surrounding COVID-19 is readily available and that people can be just as trusted to evaluate and assume risk surrounding social distancing and mask wearing as they can be with deciding whether to ride in a car. “If nothing else, unless someone has been living under a rock, we all know about COVID-19 and that it’s dangerous. Speaking as someone who’s had the disease, if anything, the danger posed by COVID-19 for most people is exaggerated,” said Davis. Davis’s paper concludes that many local governments in Oklahoma have over-reacted with social distancing and mask mandates that have bankrupted businesses and disrupted everybody’s lives for the sake of the very most risk-averse among us. “It’s as if those most fearful of flying forced the grounding of all aircraft,” he said. About the 1889 Institute The 1889 Institute is an Oklahoma think tank committed to independent, principled state policy fostering limited and responsible government, free enterprise and a robust civil society. The publication, “America’s Legal Tradition of Allowing Risk-Taking, Even in a Pandemic” and other reports can be found on the nonprofit’s website at www.1889institute.org.  by Jamison Faught - November 20, 2020 at 07:51AM

1889 Institute: Americans have right to assume risk, even in pandemic Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Pfeiffer to revive bill directing law enforcement to work with ICE

Pfeiffer to Revive Legislation on ICE OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, today said he intends to refile legislation that would require Oklahoma law enforcement to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests. During the 2020 legislative session, Pfeiffer authored House Bill 3195, which directed all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration retainer request provided by the federal government, and would have required the person identified in the detainer to be informed they were being held pursuant to the request. Compliance would not be required if the person has provided proof of American citizenship. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 17, 2020 at 11:01PM

State Rep. Pfeiffer to revive bill directing law enforcement to work with ICE Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State House and Senate to observe Gov. Stitt's mask policy

House will observe governor's mask policy for state government, resumes virtual work schedule OKLAHOMA CITY – Starting Tuesday, House of Representatives space in the Capitol will have a mask policy consistent with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order concerning masks for state buildings and employees. “Because executive orders do not apply to the legislative branch, the House will observe the same mask policy the governor set for the rest of government. It’s a reasonable precaution with case counts rising in Oklahoma County and statewide,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. In partnership with the State Department of Health, the House has been developing multiple health and safety protocols for the upcoming legislative session, which begins with Organizational Day on Jan. 5, followed by the beginning of session Feb. 1. “The House has worked for weeks on plans to remain functional in session by putting proper precautions in place for everyone’s safety. Strong protocols that are based on the guidance of health professionals and scalable should pandemic conditions change will be announced before session,” McCall said. Prior to the governor’s announcement Monday, the House had already planned on testing one of its contingency plans by resuming a rotating in-office and virtual work schedule for House staff. Starting Tuesday, each House department will have half its staff in the office and half working virtually on a rotating basis to ensure that should the need arise, the House will have full functionality. “The House functioned quite well virtually, without closing, for seven weeks during the spring shelter at home period. The rotating schedule for staff is one protocol we are testing now in the event virtual work becomes necessary again next session,” McCall said. “As we did successfully in the spring, we will continue to partner closely with health professionals on all pandemic protocols.” Since March, the House has had a testing and quarantine policy in place that has been regularly updated based on the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and State Department of Health. Generally, the policy requires testing, remote work and quarantine for symptomatic employees, asymptomatic employees contacted by official state contact tracers, and asymptomatic employees who believe they had close contact with people who have tested positive. Further plans under development for session will address legislative proceedings, room access and capacity, social distancing and personal protective equipment guidelines, virtual protocols, and other items as determined by health professionals. “The protocols we enact should also involve everyone having realistic expectations, given the nature of this pandemic. Because strong protocols will minimize but not entirely eliminate the risk, we all must demonstrate flexibility and responsibility in order to continue conducting the people’s business safely,” McCall said. Senate will observe Governor's mask executive order OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement regarding Governor Stitt's executive order concerning masks in state buildings and for state employees: “Masks are an effective way to slow the transmission of COVID-19, and each of us should wear one when appropriate. I appreciate Governor Stitt for taking measures to protect public health. This is a serious disease. We should all take it seriously and take the necessary steps to protect our neighbors and ourselves. The Senate will observe the governor’s executive order in an effort to protect the health and safety of those who work in the Capitol and those who may visit the People’s House.” by Jamison Faught - November 17, 2020 at 01:20PM

State House and Senate to observe Gov. Stitt's mask policy Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

1889 Institute: end social distancing mandates, focus on vulnerable

END SOCIAL DISTANCING MANDATES Form policy according to rational risk assessment, says 1889 Institute.   OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (November 16, 2020) – In a paper published by the 1889 Institute, Steve Trost, Associate Director, Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise at Oklahoma State University, argues for an end to social distancing mandates amid the COVID-19 epidemic. He says that “The time has come for state and local government officials and governmental institution leaders to apply solid risk management principles to their policymaking.”   Trost’s proposal strikes a balance between liberty and safety and is similar to what the 1889 Institute has recommended since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. If adopted, this policy would aggressively shield the vulnerable. Meanwhile, most of the population, which is far less vulnerable, would interact almost normally, socially and economically. Those that need, or merely want, protection would get it. Those that would like to get back to life as usual would be free to do so. Specifically, state, local and governmental-institution policy-makers should create a framework for focused protection by taking the following actions: Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 17, 2020 at 10:47AM

1889 Institute: end social distancing mandates, focus on vulnerable Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Stitt issues new COVID-19 order for restaurants, state employees and agency buildings

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER, IMPLEMENTS ACTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19     OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 16, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt today joined Commissioner of Health Lance Frye to announce Seventh Amended Executive Order 2020-20, which increases safety measures for restaurants, bars and state employees in Oklahoma to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.    "Throughout the entire battle against COVID-19, my first priority has been to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans," said Gov. Stitt. "Two other things are also very important to me. We’re going to keep businesses open safely and we're going to work to get all kids back in school safely by the end of Christmas Break. However, it’s going to take everyone working together to meet these goals."       The new action items under Seventh Amended EO 2020-20 include:     Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 17, 2020 at 07:18AM

Stitt issues new COVID-19 order for restaurants, state employees and agency buildings Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Hofmeister, State Board of Education discriminating against Christians

Anti-Christian discrimination reaches Oklahoma By Jonathan Small It’s no secret government officials often target traditional Christians for harassment, but Oklahomans often view that as a problem that happens in other states, not here. Sadly, that’s not true. In 2010, lawmakers passed and the governor signed into law the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarships for Students with Disabilities program. It provides state scholarships for certain students—those with special needs like autism, or foster children—to attend private schools. A few things are required for schools to participate. The LNH law requires that participating private schools comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of a section of federal law that bars discrimination “on the ground of race, color, or national origin.” Those are the only three categories listed. Yet, under the leadership of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, the OSDE drafted new regulations that added “religion” and “sexual orientation” to that list. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 14, 2020 at 09:07PM

Small: Hofmeister, State Board of Education discriminating against Christians Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

AG Hunter reminds State Boards, Commissions about Open Meetings exemptions expiration

Attorney General Hunter Reminds State Boards and Commissions Open Meetings Exemptions Expire Sunday OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today, in coordination with the Oklahoma Press Association (OPA), announced the relaxed rules for open meetings created through Senate Bill 661 will expire Sunday. Any permanent changes to the Open Meetings Act or the Open Records Act must be changed in statute and cannot be modified through an executive order by the governor. Attorney General Hunter said beginning Sunday, boards and commissions need to begin meeting as they did before the Coronavirus pandemic. “When this legislation was authored, no one could have predicted how long the pandemic would last,” Attorney General Hunter said. “More is now known about how we can safely meet and conduct business in accordance with proper social distancing and other safety protocols. How ever boards and commissions decide to meet, they need to do it under the Open Meetings Act pre-SB 661 beginning Sunday.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 13, 2020 at 03:33PM

AG Hunter reminds State Boards, Commissions about Open Meetings exemptions expiration Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA: OK Dep't of Education must stop discriminating against Christians

OCPA: OK Dept. of Education must stop discriminating against Christians OKLAHOMA CITY (November 11, 2020)— Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today regarding apparently illegal action taken by the Oklahoma State Department of Education to restrict student opportunity and bar Christian schools from participating in the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarships for Students with Disabilities program. “By unilaterally rewriting state law, the Oklahoma State Department of Education is restricting educational opportunity for some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children, including students with special needs and foster children, while also engaging in anti-Christian discrimination that is likely to prompt successful lawsuits. Rather than double-down on illegal and unconstitutional discrimination, OSDE and the State Board of Education should immediately repeal their illegal and discriminatory rule that harms children, and approve the applications of Altus Christian Academy and Christian Heritage Academy, as they have approved the applications of numerous other private Christian schools over the last decade. That will not only avoid embarrassment for the state, but also ensure Oklahoma students and schools are treated with the respect they deserve.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 13, 2020 at 11:40AM

OCPA: OK Dep't of Education must stop discriminating against Christians Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State House GOP picks leadership for upcoming session

House Republicans Elect Leadership for 58th Legislature O’Donnell Named Speaker Pro-Tem-Elect; Dills Named Caucus Chair OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Republican Caucus this week elected its leadership for the 58th Legislature. The legislative session convenes Feb. 1, 2021. Elected by the Caucus to serve as speaker pro-tempore-elect was State Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa. He replaces State Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, who was term-limited this year. “I’m grateful to have been selected to fill this leadership role in the House,” O’Donnell said. “I look forward to working closely with the caucus and the speaker’s office to advance meaningful legislation that will make Oklahoma the best place to live and do business, and to help ensure members follow House rules and appropriate decorum.” O’Donnell has served the House as majority whip since the 56th Legislature and served as the chair of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee the past two years. He also is a member of the House Appropriations & Budget and the Judiciary Committees as well as a member of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget. State Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is speaker-elect as no one else filed for that position. This would be his third term as speaker. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 13, 2020 at 08:26AM

State House GOP picks leadership for upcoming session Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislators: Oklahoma’s election demonstrates accurate and timely results

Oklahoma’s Election Demonstrates Accurate and Timely Results OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are encouraging their colleagues from other states to model their systems after Oklahoma election laws. “For years Oklahoma's election system has provided Oklahoma voters with rapid and undisputed results. Through a mix of common sense quality controls, including numbered ballot pads, election night reporting, a mix of scanning technology and traditional, verifiable paper ballots, voter identification and precinct-level officials who are appointed by both of the major political parties, Oklahoma leads the nation in election policy. We appreciated the federal court earlier this year upholding Oklahoma’s strong election laws, particularly the reasonable absentee ballot requirements the Legislature enacted through SB 210 last session. By all accounts, the Legislature's actions proved successful and Oklahoma concluded election night with yet another fair, timely outcome that has not been disputed: This included the Congressional District 5 race, which was decided by less than 13,000 votes. We are witnessing firsthand how weak election policies of other states impact the entire nation, including Oklahoma. As demonstrated by Oklahoma, there is no reason we should have to wait days for the outcome of any election. We call on the other states to immediately pass meaningful and common sense reforms to their election processes. The integrity of the voting process is vital to our republic. There should be no doubt as to the results if we can secure the process at the outset. Mail-in ballots that do not require proof of identity is a recipe for fraud. We have gone through this process three times at the national level in recent years with the 2000, 2016 and now 2020 elections. As members of the Oklahoma Legislature, we ask other state legislatures across America to demand reform and pass legislation similar to SB 210 on absentee ballot integrity and SB 1779 outlawing absentee ballot harvesting in our state.” Legislators issuing the statement include: Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang Rep. Justin Humphrey , R-Lane Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada Rep.-elect Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay Rep. David Smith, R-Arepelar Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston Rep. Josh West, R-Grove Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore Rep.-elect Rick West, R-Heavener Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton Sen. Michael Bergstrom, R-Adair Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Tulsa Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore by Jamison Faught - November 11, 2020 at 09:50AM

Legislators: Oklahoma’s election demonstrates accurate and timely results Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Rejected by voters, House Dems renew call for Special Session, Mask Mandate

The party that was overwhelmingly rejected by Oklahoma voters, including the elimination of their last rural seats, continues to demand that Governor Stitt and/or the Legislature issue a mask mandate for the entire state. Virgin, House Democrats Call for Special Session, Mask Mandate OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, today called for the Oklahoma Legislature to convene a special session to extend an exemption that allows public bodies to meet virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  In addition to the call for a special session, House Democrats reiterated their call for Governor Kevin Stitt to implement a statewide mask mandate. “In March, in the name of public safety, we passed legislation to protect Oklahoman’s lives and the ability for public bodies to function without the risk of spreading COVID,” Virgin said. “These aren’t my words. These are the words of the Republican leaders who supported this legislation.” The legislation passed in March was Senate Bill 661. Oklahoma’s average daily cases when the legislation passed were in the 20s. Today, Oklahoma’s case numbers are more than than 2,000 per day. Likewise, COVID deaths have gone from zero in March to more than 1,400 now.   “The COVID situation in Oklahoma has gotten worse, not better, since the Legislature saw it fit to enact this provision,” Virgin said. “To allow this accommodation to expire would be entirely irresponsible. If we all agreed that the situation was dangerous enough in March to allow public bodies to meet this way, then logic dictates we would renew this provision.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 10, 2020 at 11:07PM

Rejected by voters, House Dems renew call for Special Session, Mask Mandate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico