 House Outlines COVID-19 Precautions for Page Program OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today outlined COVID-19 precautions for the High School Page Program. Every year, hundreds of students from across the state have the opportunity to take part in the House High School Page Program at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Students participating in the program have the chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government. “The House Page Program provides a valuable opportunity for our state’s future leaders to participate in the legislative process and learn more about the intricacies of state government,” House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said. “Such expanded education programs help our youth become more well-rounded. I’m grateful we were able to create guidelines to allow our high school seniors the chance to participate in the program even in the midst of a pandemic.” State Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, serves as director of the High School Page Program for the 58th Legislature. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2021 at 08:10PM |
 State House outlines COVID-19 precautions for Page Program Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, January 31, 2021
State House outlines COVID-19 precautions for Page Program
Op-Ed: Will Abortion be Abolished?
 Will Abortion be Abolished?
by Brice Chaffin (Stillwater, OK)
Abolition Day will take place on the State Capitol Steps on Tuesday, February 9th at 09:30 am. I would like to invite you to come with me to the Capitol to demand the abolition of abortion in our state. I believe it is very important for us Okies to be there, let me explain why. In 1835 Andrew Reed and James Matheson, two British ministers who visited sister churches in the United States said, "America will be great if America is good. If not, her greatness will vanish away like a morning cloud." All will agree that America is more divided than it has been since the Civil War, our "greatness" is in a precarious position. I believe the only way to resolve the problems we are currently having is for a return to God. You may have heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted frequently in recent times. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." There have been quite a few national and state days of prayer lately. On September 26th of last year, we saw Jonathan Cahn and Franklin Graham lead a national day of prayer and repentance. Governor Stitt declared December 3rd as a statewide day of prayer and fasting. One of the key phrases in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is, "turn from their wicked ways". We as a state HAVE been praying, but what are we missing? In the Old Testament, God continued to be patient with the people who had turned their backs on Him until they started practicing child sacrifice; that was the last straw. According to the Oklahoma Health Department, there were 4,995 abortions in Oklahoma in 2019. Can we expect revival without repentance? How do we repent of killing five thousand of our children every year in Oklahoma? James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Well, what does it say? Proverbs 24:11-12 says: "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don't excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn't know.' For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve." We have had 48 years to be made aware of what is going on around us, and God has tasked us to rescue those unjustly sentenced to die. Proverbs 31:8 says: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." Next week I will submit another letter to the editor addressing concerns about abolition bills, and what I learned about abolition on the campaign trail for State House. God is gracious to forgive and restore us if we repent and turn to Him for forgiveness. If you would like to do a little speaking up, I implore you to come with me to the State Capitol for Abolition Day on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:30 am to speak up, repent, and pray for revival and restoration. by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2021 at 03:00PM |
Op-Ed: Will Abortion be Abolished? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Saturday, January 30, 2021
OK House Minority Leader wants future stimulus monies directed to supplement salaries for 'essential workers'
 Workforce Stimulus Bill Filed in OK House Bill Ties Relief for Essential Workers to Federal Stimulus
OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to direct a portion of future stimulus money to frontline workers has been filed for the 58th Legislative Session. House Bill 2455, authored by House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, requires that a portion of future dollars from any stimulus be paid to employees of businesses deemed essential during the pandemic. “If there has been a constant during this pandemic, it has been that Oklahoma’s government has consistently let down frontline workers and their families,” Virgin said. “This legislation rewards these Oklahomans who have continued to show up and keep our state alive.” HB2455 requires that assistance to these essential workers should be no less than an additional $3 an hour for hourly employees and $1200 for salaried. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 30, 2021 at 10:36AM |
OK House Minority Leader wants future stimulus monies directed to supplement salaries for 'essential workers' Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, January 29, 2021
Gov. Stitt calls for Tribes, State to negotiate 'McGirt' impacts
 GOVERNOR STITT CALLS FOR TRIBES TO ENTER INTO FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH STATE OF OKLAHOMA REGARDING MCGIRT RULING OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 22, 2021) – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on July 9, 2020, in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which recognized the continued existence of the Creek reservation for purposes of the Major Crimes Act, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt today has welcomed the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes to enter into formal negotiations with the state to address and resolve the potential issues that have arisen because of the watershed McGirt ruling. “As the commonly-elected Governor for all 4 million Oklahomans, it is critically important that the State of Oklahoma and the leaders of Oklahoma’s tribes impacted by the McGirt decision begin negotiations, in earnest, to resolve the potential ramifications of this ruling,” said Gov. Stitt. “Under Oklahoma law, which is consistent with Oklahoma’s Constitution, the Governor of Oklahoma has the authority to negotiate and enter into cooperative agreements on behalf of the state with Oklahoma’s Native American tribes. Oklahoma law also allows me to designate a lead negotiator for the state, and for this role I am designating Ryan Leonard, Special Counsel for Native American Affairs.” The governor continued, “As all who have read the Supreme Court’s opinion know, the McGirt decision was limited to matters of criminal jurisdiction. In that regard, ensuring the public safety of all Oklahomans and providing certainty and adequate resources for the men and women in law enforcement in eastern Oklahoma is of paramount importance. As things stand today, crimes are going unpunished, and convicted criminals are seeking to be set free. We can’t allow this to happen.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 29, 2021 at 06:34PM |
Gov. Stitt calls for Tribes, State to negotiate 'McGirt' impacts Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Dahm files bill to protect children and prohibit sex-change treament on minors
 Sen. Nathan Dahm files bill to prohibit minors from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment State Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed a measure that would prohibit any person under the age of 18 from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment in the state. “In one of his recent executive orders, Joe Biden directed changes to allow biological men to compete in women’s sports,” Dahm said. “Competing in sports is one thing, but allowing the permanent alteration of a child from their biological sex and DNA has lasting effects. Senate Bill 583 would prohibit any sex-change surgeries or chemicals from being used upon any minor for that purpose.” The measure states a health care professional who intentionally performs gender reassignment treatment on a person under 18 is subject to professional discipline by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, State Board of Osteopathic Examiners or the applicable health care professional licensing board. Discipline could include suspension or revocation of any license or certificate required to practice medicine in Oklahoma. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 29, 2021 at 02:31PM |
Dahm files bill to protect children and prohibit sex-change treament on minors Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sen. Hamilton files 'Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act' to abolish abortion in Oklahoma
 Sen. Warren Hamilton files Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act State Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed the Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act, which would abolish abortion in the state. Senate Bill 495 would ensure equal justice and equal protection of the laws to all unborn children from the moment of fertilization; establish that a living human unborn child, from the moment of fertilization, is entitled to the same rights, powers and privileges as any other person; and rescind all licenses to kill unborn children by repealing discriminatory provisions and making all alleged offenders equally subject to the law. The bill would also recognize that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and refuse to assent to legal fiction that the Constitution prohibits the state from exercising its reserved police powers to outlaw homicide and provide equal protection to all persons, and void all federal statutes, regulations, treaties, orders and court rulings that would deprive an unborn child of the right to life, or prohibit the equal protection of such right. “We the People must immediately end abortion, which is our American holocaust,” Hamilton said. “It’s time that we stand up for our preborn children and ensure that every life, regardless of their stage of development, is protected by our laws.” The measure would also amend the wrongful death statute to remove certain instances under which a wrongful death action in relation to abortion may be brought, applying the law to all abortions. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 29, 2021 at 08:14AM |
Sen. Hamilton files 'Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act' to abolish abortion in Oklahoma Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
GOP State Senator files bill to extend early in-person voting
 Pugh files legislation to extend early in-person voting “Oklahoma has the shortest in-person early voting period in the nation. Three days is an extremely limited amount of time for citizens to cast their early votes, especially when you consider people’s busy schedules and that they have to drive to their county election board, which can be a significant distance for many Oklahomans,” Pugh said. “Allowing one week to cast early in-person ballots will help improve voter participation and turnout to ensure more Oklahomans have their voices heard and are able to participate in our greatest freedom as Americans.” Under SB 440, voters could cast an early in-person ballot the entire week, Monday through Saturday, preceding any election at their county election board. Currently, this type of early in-person voting is only available the Thursday through Saturday before an election. According to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), early voting periods in the U.S. range in length from four days to 45 days, with the average length being 19 days. by Jamison Faught - January 29, 2021 at 12:01AM |
GOP State Senator files bill to extend early in-person voting Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Rep. Lowe files legislation to trigger statewide mask mandate
Lowe Files 'COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act' OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25th, 2021) -- State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, filed legislation Friday to save Oklahoman’s lives and reduce hospitalizations during the COVID pandemic. The COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act, House Bill 2192, triggers a statewide mask mandate within the state until the Oklahoma State Department of Health confirms that COVID-19 related hospitalizations have remained at or below 300 for 30 consecutive days. “It is time that our state takes action against COVID-19 to save lives and to successfully and safely reopen schools and our economy,” said Lowe. “Though it is great that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now being distributed throughout the state, it is still necessary that we practice social distancing and wear masks to protect our communities until enough people receive the vaccine.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 26, 2021 at 12:38PM |
Rep. Lowe files legislation to trigger statewide mask mandate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
1889 Institute: Californians relocating to Oklahoma, please do so responsibly
Be Careful What You Wish For By Brad Galbraith
The state of Oklahoma has California in its sights. Persistently bad policymaking in California has resulted in a heavy tax burden, an outrageous cost of living, and, consequently, a mass exodus. The ensuing tyranny and oppression should be a clarion call to California emigrants to execute an abrupt about-face and abandon public policies and elected officials that created this condition. To connect the dots between policy and affordability, consider one aspect of the cost of living – the price of gasoline. In the modern economy, transportation is a necessity and the price of gas is likely one of the transportation costs with which almost everyone can relate. California and Oklahoma are similarly situated in household and individual relationships to automobiles. In California, 93.1% of households had access to at least one vehicle compared to 94.4% of Oklahoma households. 83.3% of California commuters chose to drive or carpool to work, compared to 92.2% of Oklahoma commuters. According to one study, per 100 residents, California had 38.1 vehicles registered while Oklahoma had 32.8. This similarity will help paint a clear picture of the extent to which public policy has burdened Californians. At the time of this writing, the average price per gallon of gas in California was $3.17 per gallon, more than a dollar higher than the national average. This is crazy, especially for Oklahomans accustomed to an average price of $1.81. A recent publication by the American Petroleum Institute gives some insight into the dramatic difference. Spoiler – it has a lot to do with public policy. California tax policy places a high burden on drivers. State-specific taxes and fees amount to a nation-leading 81.2 cents per gallon of gasoline. By contrast, Oklahoma is a quarter of that amount, coming in at 20 cents per gallon. Additionally, California’s politicians have been antagonistic toward gasoline-fueled automobiles, such as a recent executive order demanding that all new cars sold in California have “zero-emissions.” This, along with numerous other examples, should serve as a wake-up call, a realization that public policy matters. It can either preserve freedom or impose tyranny. So, Californians who relocate businesses to Oklahoma, please do so responsibly. Take the time necessary to reflect on why you are leaving California. Contemplate how public policy has contributed to the condition from which you flee. Then observe how free enterprise policies foster an environment of freedom within which businesses and residents can thrive. As the tendencies toward paternalistic governance, aversion to free markets, and love of hyper-regulation begin to dissipate and the fresh, crisp air of freedom has filled your lungs, take action. Vote to preserve liberty for yourself and others for generations to come. by Jamison Faught - January 26, 2021 at 10:05AM |
1889 Institute: Californians relocating to Oklahoma, please do so responsibly Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Monday, January 25, 2021
Stitt appoints Trent Smith to State Board of Education
 GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS TRENT SMITH TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2021) — Governor Kevin Stitt today announced he has appointed Trent Smith to the State Board of Education, filling the vacant seat for Congressional District 3. “Trent Smith will put the future generation of Oklahomans first, which is why I nominated him to fill this seat and why I trust he will be critical in helping Oklahoma become a Top Ten state in education,” said Gov. Stitt. “Trent brings a wealth of experience as a businessman, community leader and parent and I look forward to his contributions to our state’s success by putting students first.” A graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he was a 4-year starter, team captain and national champion on the OU football team, Smith currently serves as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. He is a successful businessman and community leader who started numerous companies in Oklahoma City and is a member of the Young President's Organization in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. He and his wife live in Yukon with their two children. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 25, 2021 at 09:40PM |
Stitt appoints Trent Smith to State Board of Education Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OCPA column: Joe Biden no excuse for inaction in OK
 Joe Biden no excuse for inaction in OK By Jonathan Small Joe Biden’s inauguration means Democrats now hold narrow control of Congress and the presidency. But it does not mean advocates for freedom have no way to impact policy. Even when the far-left holds power in Washington, the states remain the place where innovative policy advances are most likely to occur. That should prompt advocates for freedom to redouble their efforts here in Oklahoma. This would be true at the start of any presidential term, but it’s especially important this year as the disruption created by COVID-19 and the gaping flaws it exposed in our state systems has created public demand for change. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 25, 2021 at 09:25PM |
OCPA column: Joe Biden no excuse for inaction in OK Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Legislature completes bill filing for 2021 session with over 3,000 bills and resolutions
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It appears that the Oklahoma Legislature has set a new record for amount of legislation filed in advance of a legislative session, with 3,049 bills and resolutions submitted.  House Completes Bill Filing Process for 2021 Session OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 21 for the first session of the 58th Legislature. A total of 1,942 House Bills, 44 House Joint Resolutions and 2 House Resolutions were filed. The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and co-authors, can be found online at www.okhouse.gov. Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,361 House Bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions and 4 House Concurrent Resolutions were filed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 session was temporarily paused and a vast majority of bills did not complete the legislative process. For the 2019 session, 1,733 House bills and 21 House Joint Resolutions were filed. For the 2018 session, 1,193 House bills and 32 House Joint Resolutions were filed. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 24, 2021 at 03:44PM |
Legislature completes bill filing for 2021 session with over 3,000 bills and resolutions Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, January 22, 2021
School threats can now be reported by text
 New technology allows school threats to be reported by text OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 21, 2021) – Students, teachers and staff can now report threats in Oklahoma schools via text message. Through a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and the Oklahoma School Security Institute (OSSI), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS), this state-of-the-art technology will enhance statewide school safety and security to an already existing telephone tip line. “Students need to feel safe and comfortable for meaningful learning to occur,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “We must do everything in our power to ensure student safety, and we are grateful for this partnership that allows for us to expand the tip line.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 22, 2021 at 08:44AM |
School threats can now be reported by text Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Legislation filed to bring equity to fuel tax by addressing electric vehicles
 Legislation Filed to Address Long-term Transportation Infrastructure Funding OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has filed House Bill 2234, The DRIVE Act, to ensure all vehicles utilizing our state highways are contributing to the cost of maintaining this system in a fair and equitable manner. Joining as co-authors of the legislation are State Reps. Brian Hill, R-Mustang; Dustin Roberts, R-Durant; Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, Todd Russ, R-Cordell, Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, Nicole Miller R-Edmond; and State Sens. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole; and James Leewright, R-Bristow. “Currently, this infrastructure is funded largely with fuel taxes that road users pay at the gas pump,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “As more Americans transition to heavier electric, battery-powered automobiles, a greater burden is placed on our state’s fuel tax revenue, which inevitably will begin to decline. “This problem is not unique to Oklahoma and is one that all fifty states must address at some point in the near future. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 21, 2021 at 08:50PM |
Legislation filed to bring equity to fuel tax by addressing electric vehicles Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Column: A Call to Action on Behalf of the Preborn
 Abortion Must Be Abolished: A Call to Action on Behalf of the Preborn
by James Silberman
“I think this is a lung, right?” “Yeah, these are lungs, ‘cause that’s the trachea in the middle there.” “So the intestines are here. Right here, see? This comes out, like I said, the organs come out really well.” “This is a great placenta right here.” “Do you ever see thymus?” Watching Planned Parenthood employees discuss human dismemberment methods as they picked through the bloody pile of flesh and bone was like something out of a horror movie. For many, seeing with our own eyes the torn up bodies of these murdered children was the wake up call we needed to get off the sidelines and into the battle. Tragically, Planned Parenthood isn’t the only opposition we face. In fact, here in Oklahoma, they’re not even the primary opposition we face. The abortion industry has little power here, with less than 20 percent of the legislature outwardly sympathetic to their Satanic cause. They don’t have the power to prevent abortion from being abolished in our state. While Planned Parenthood is deserving of all the scorn and rebuke we can level at them, the battle in a state like Oklahoma, theoretically, should be easier than convincing abortionists and abortion supporters that abortion is bad. We have a supermajority of professing conservative Christians both in the State Government and among the people. The battle here is simply about getting professing Christians to obey God. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 21, 2021 at 12:00PM |
Column: A Call to Action on Behalf of the Preborn Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OK Medical Reserve Corps seeking volunteers to help in COVID-19 vaccination effort
 Volunteers Sought for Statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Effort OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 20, 2021) – The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is seeking medical and non-medical volunteers to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts at more than 50 points of vaccine dispensing (PODs) locations statewide. “This is a huge, unprecedented effort to vaccinate the majority of our population of nearly 4 million Oklahomans. We need as much help as we can get from our community to make it possible,” said Lezlie Carter, state coordinator for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. “When you become a volunteer with the OKMRC, you join hundreds of other citizens involved in the safety, security, health, and well-being in their communities who are ready to make a difference when help is needed most.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 21, 2021 at 09:02AM |
OK Medical Reserve Corps seeking volunteers to help in COVID-19 vaccination effort Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OK congressional delegation comment on Biden/Harris inauguration
 Earlier today, former Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (D-DE) was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and former U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States. Most of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, all Republicans, issued some sort of comment on the inauguration of the new administration, which I have posted below. U.S. Representatives Kevin Hern and Tom Cole attended the inauguration, as did U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 20, 2021 at 11:47PM |
OK congressional delegation comment on Biden/Harris inauguration Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Muskogee County GOP set date for precinct meetings and county convention
 The Muskogee County Republican Party recently announced that they have selected Saturday, February 20th, as the date for their 2021 precinct meetings and county convention.  by Jamison Faught - January 20, 2021 at 09:15AM |
Muskogee County GOP set date for precinct meetings and county convention Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Oklahoma releases updated Mobile ID to support REAL ID enrollment
 OKLAHOMA RELEASES UPDATED MOBILE ID TO SUPPORT REAL ID ENROLLMENT Technology builds on existing platform to support move to REAL ID compliance
OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that the next version of the Oklahoma Mobile ID is now available. The app has been expanded to allow Oklahoma residents to quickly and easily pre-enroll for REAL ID. "The team at the Department of Public Safety has worked tirelessly to update systems and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19 in order to implement REAL ID," said Gov. Stitt. "The updated Mobile ID app will help streamline the process and ensure Oklahomans can begin the process of pre-enrolling in the critical program." The new REAL ID functionality gives Oklahomans the ability to jumpstart the enrollment process from the comfort of their home. Mobile ID users can use the app’s checklist to confirm they have the correct documents, upload them using their smartphone camera, and answer a brief questionnaire. By completing these steps in advance, applicants can expect to decrease their transaction time during their in-person visit by up to 40%. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 19, 2021 at 09:12PM |
Oklahoma releases updated Mobile ID to support REAL ID enrollment Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
State Election Board releases official 2021 voter registration statistics
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Oklahoma State Election Board Releases Annual Voter Registration Statistics
(Oklahoma City) – The Oklahoma State Election Board released annual voter registration statistics today showing 2,272,252 Oklahomans are registered to vote. Oklahoma’s official voter registration statistics are counted every year on January 15. According to Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax, the largest number of Oklahoma's voters are Republicans, who make up 50.1% of registered voters. Democrats are the second-largest party with 32.9% of registered voters. Independents, or voters not affiliated with a party, make up 16.3% of Oklahoma voters. The Libertarian Party, which gained recognition in 2016, now has 15,734 registered voters. Oklahoma’s registered voters: JANUARY 15, 2021 DEMOCRATS: 748,222 (32.9%) [35.3% in 2020] Party affiliation and address changes made within the same county can be made online using the OK Voter Portal. New Voter Registration Applications are available on the State Election Board website, at your County Election Board, most tag agencies, post offices, and libraries. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the applicant’s County Election Board no later than January 15. For more information on voter registration OR to view or compare voter registration statistics since 1960, visit our website at oklahoma.gov/elections. by Jamison Faught - January 19, 2021 at 08:43AM |
State Election Board releases official 2021 voter registration statistics Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Cong. Hern named to House Ways and Means Committee
 Hern earns spot on prestigious Ways and Means Committee WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after accepting a seat on the House Committee on Ways and Means. “I am honored to join some of Congress’ brightest minds on its most historic and powerful committee,” said Rep. Hern. “Ways and Means controls tax and trade issues, which are incredibly important to the people of Oklahoma. It’s been 20 years since an Oklahoman sat on Ways and Means; I am proud to represent our state and advocate for our people in this new role. “After building a career in business, serving several years on the McDonald’s National Leadership Team, and now serving in Congress, I’ve spent time on both sides of the issues Ways and Means deals with every day. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of federal regulations and restrictive tax codes, so I believe I can be a unique voice to provide the business owner perspective on Ways and Means.” Rep. Hern continued, “Ranking Member Brady was at the helm of the mission to update and modernize the tax code in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as negotiating a new trade deal with the USMCA in 2019. His leadership has impacted every American for the better. I look forward to serving alongside him and the many hardworking members of the Ways and Means Committee.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 17, 2021 at 03:15PM |
Cong. Hern named to House Ways and Means Committee Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Saturday, January 16, 2021
1889 Institute: Lies We Tell in Government, and Our Debts to Truth
 Lies We Tell in Government, and Our Debts to Truth By Byron Schlomach
HBO’s mini-series, Chernobyl, depicts the disastrous 1986 nuclear power plant explosion in the Soviet Union and the heroic efforts to control its meltdown. It shows Valery Alexeyvich Legasov, Deputy Director of the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, working tirelessly to ameliorate the disaster’s consequences and investigate its cause. He is portrayed making a dramatic speech at a trial about how the nuclear reactor exploded, when such an explosion should not have been possible.
The reactor had a design flaw covered up by the Soviet State and kept from reactor operators at Chernobyl and identical reactors across the Soviet Union. Legasov’s speech, though fictional, seems to fairly accurately express his point of view. He addresses the question of how an RBMK reactor like Chernobyl’s explode? After explaining the nuclear and mechanical details, Legasov gets to what he considers the true cause:
by Jamison Faught - January 16, 2021 at 04:40PM |
1889 Institute: Lies We Tell in Government, and Our Debts to Truth Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Stitt activates OK National Guard to assist OHP with State Capitol security
 GOVERNOR STITT ACTIVATES OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD AT STATE CAPITOL OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 15, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that out of an abundance of caution he is activating over 75 members of the Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG) to assist local law enforcement should any protests at the State Capitol, or other locations, turn violent. "I support the right for Oklahomans to peacefully demonstrate, but we will not tolerate violence or damage to property," said Gov. Stitt. "At the request of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the National Guard has been authorized to provide support as needed. These hardworking Oklahomans are our friends and neighbors who step up in times of need. Any violence and damage to property goes against the Oklahoma Standard and is a distraction designed to keep us from uniting together." Members of the guard will be activated from Saturday, Jan. 16 to Thursday, Jan. 21. No specific, credible threats have been identified in Oklahoma, but increased safety measures are being taken in a proactive response to intelligence shared by federal law enforcement regarding state capitol buildings across the country. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 16, 2021 at 10:54AM |
Stitt activates OK National Guard to assist OHP with State Capitol security Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
OCPA column: Paying for "ghost" students
 Paying for “ghost” students By Jonathan Small
Status-quo defenders insist waste, fraud and mismanagement in state government is overhyped. Then how do they explain Oklahoma schools being paid to educate more than 55,000 “ghost students”? Ghost-student funding has been in place for years, but COVID-19 has put it on steroids. Oklahoma law distributes state funding based on several factors, one of which is “the highest weighted average daily membership for the school district of the two (2) preceding school years. Put in plain English, that means a school can be paid for students who attended two years ago but are no longer there. Thus, even amidst a significant enrollment decline, districts receive huge sums for “teaching” nonexistent “ghost” students. This funding farce is now too big to ignore. Due to COVID-19 and several districts’ refusal to provide full-time, in-person instruction, there has been a mass exodus to alternatives, including credible online providers such as Epic, other districts, private schools, and homeschooling. Newly released enrollment figures show Oklahoma schools can now claim more than 55,000 ghost students this year via use of old enrollment numbers. If ghost students were confined to a single school district, it would be larger than any brick-and-mortar district in Oklahoma—by far. Read more »by Jamison Faught - January 16, 2021 at 08:29AM |
OCPA column: Paying for "ghost" students Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, January 15, 2021
50 State House GOP members support return to in-person learning
 House Republican Caucus Members Support Return to In-Person Learning OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the House Republican Caucus today issued a statement in support of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s call for students to return to in-person learning in schools amid updated safety protocols.
“The majority of Oklahoma parents and guardians have chosen in-person learning as the best option for their child, and many have told us they want their children back in school. A recent medical study showed that 99.96% of 90,000 students and staff studied did not catch COVID-19 at school, and there were zero cases of child-to-adult within-school transmission. This shows us that we can safely return students and educators to in-person learning with proper safety protocols in place with extremely minimal risk. Governor Stitt’s decision is the right, safe thing to do for our children, their families and our state educators.”
The governor on Tuesday announced that Oklahoma schools following safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing, will be permitted to forgo the mandatory two-week quarantine period for potential COVID-19 exposures.
The change is the result of requests from parents, teachers, and school leaders and enactment of the new guidelines is left to the discretion of each school district.
Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye also pointed out that other states such as Missouri, Utah and Ohio have put similar quarantine policies into place and haven’t seen large outbreaks occur in schools.
The governor said that refusing to offer in-person school is jeopardizing students’ education ad teachers’ careers, which in turn affects the entire state.
As part of the governor’s new policy, schools should continue to require quarantines for exposed students in situations where masking and distancing protocols were not followed. Additionally, the updated quarantine guidance does not apply if the exposure occurs during after-school activities, including sports. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must continue to isolate regardless where they contracted the virus or were wearing a mask.
The state is prioritizing vaccinations for teachers who are 65 and older this week and next and will open vaccinations up to all teachers as soon as vaccine availability allows. The state will also double the amount of rapid antigen tests provided to schools to encourage frequent testing to catch any positive cases early.
Frye also said schools have proven to be one of the safest places for most students. He said, data also shows—and the CDC recommends—that getting students safely back to in-person learning is critical for their educational success, mental health and social development.
Issuing the above statement from the House Republican Caucus are:
by Jamison Faught - January 15, 2021 at 08:32AM |
50 State House GOP members support return to in-person learning Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |