Dahm files legislation to protect Oklahomans on roadways

Sen. Dahm files legislation to protect Oklahomans on roadways OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 29th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed three pieces of legislation to protect Oklahoma drivers from unnecessary headaches on the road. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 31, 2022 at 04:32PM

Dahm files legislation to protect Oklahomans on roadways Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm files legislation to protect teachers’ First Amendment rights

Sen. Dahm files legislation to protect teachers’ First Amendment rights OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 28, 2022) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation requiring school districts to inform teachers of their First Amendment rights and obtain reauthorization every year before deducting union dues from teachers’ paychecks. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 29, 2022 at 02:43PM

Dahm files legislation to protect teachers’ First Amendment rights Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Left-wing and right-wing OK think tanks unite on expanding sales tax to services?

It's not often that the main left-wing and right-wing think tanks in Oklahoma agree on tax policy, but we've entered something like the Twilight Zone. Both the Oklahoma Policy Institute (left-wing) and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (right-wing) have now promoted expanding Oklahoma's sales tax to cover most services, which are currently not included under the current taxation system. As some of you may recall, Governor Mary Fallin made a similar, very controversial proposal in 2017 (it never received legislative consideration). Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 29, 2022 at 09:19AM

Left-wing and right-wing OK think tanks unite on expanding sales tax to services? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Merry CHRISTmas!

Have a very merry Christmas! The account of the birth of Jesus Christ, from Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. I hope that you have a very happy and safe holiday!  Here's some important stuff you should know about, though, before the year goes out: Here's the deal. God made you. God made everything. Just as the electronic device you are reading this on had a designer, the building you are in had an architect, the vehicle you drive had a manufacturer, this entire universe - infinitely more complex - had a Creator. He orchestrated the atoms and molecules that make up everything. As Creator, He has the right and prerogative for placing laws and rules for His creation to follow. You, and I, and every human being, have fallen short of those laws.  The Ten Commandments sum up God's Law. We have broken every single one. We have lied. We have stolen. We have had inappropriate sexual thoughts (Jesus called this adultery of the heart). We have been angry without just cause (Jesus called this murder of the heart). We have coveted. We have blasphemed. We are all guilty. Punishment for offenses increase as the party against which the crime was perpetrated increase in stature. Disobedience to parents require one level of correction/punishment. Crimes against a human government require a higher degree of punishment. Crimes against an infinite God require a greater punishment, namely an infinite punishment.  Heaven is real, but so is Hell. Hell is a real place, where the full righteous wrath of God Almighty is unendingly poured out on those who rebelled against the most loving and gracious Being in the Universe. You have sinned against God and earned for yourself Hell. I sinned against God and earned for myself Hell. But, Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, God in flesh, came to earth and fulfilled God's Law on our behalf and paid our punishment with His sacrificial death, wiping away our sin-debt, our criminal fine, and giving us His righteousness.  We must, by faith, believe and repent. Believe that Jesus is who He said He was, that He died for us and rose again, and repent - turn away from our sin in disgust that we would offend God in such ways, and dedicate our lives to following Him, not in order to earn salvation but in recognition that we cannot save ourselves and in response and gratefulness to the kindness shown to us by God in providing a way of forgiveness. This salvation is a free (and permanent, ever-lasting) gift of God, and is fully of Him. We contribute nothing to it except the sin that made it necessary. We can do nothing to earn it or maintain it. No amount of good deeds or prayers or pilgrimages or sacraments is sufficient -- only Christ is. I cannot convince you of the Gospel. Only God can. My responsibility is to share it with you.  You must determine whether you will believe it to be true or not. But know this: if all this is true, you will one day stand before your Maker and be held to account for the works you did and did not do during your life. And, you will be held to account for how you respond(ed) to the free offer of the Gospel that was presented to you, for better or for worse.    Life is short, and Man is not guaranteed tomorrow. Eternity is forever. God offers salvation freely to those who will believe. Receive it while you have opportunity to do so and do not tarry. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 25, 2022 at 07:45AM

Merry CHRISTmas! Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Dahm files bill to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays

Sen. Dahm files Nativity Protection Act OKLAHOMA CITY (December 22nd) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation on Thursday to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 24, 2022 at 10:06AM

Sen. Dahm files bill to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

His last hurrah: Inhofe stuffs omnibus bill with $498M in earmarks

Earmarks: political self-bribery. Vote and influence buying. "The gateway drug to runaway spending," as the late Dr. Tom Coburn used to say. Earlier, I posted that U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe was the only Oklahoman to vote for the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill passed by Congress. Why was he in favor of the mega-spending bill? That's easy. Inhofe stuffed almost half a billion dollars worth of earmarks in the bill -- second most of all senators and representatives). If anything was made evident by his time in Washington, it's that Jim Inhofe loved him some earmarks and pork spending.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 23, 2022 at 04:30PM

His last hurrah: Inhofe stuffs omnibus bill with $498M in earmarks Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford receives commitment on Military Religious Accommodation Requests for C-19 vax mandate

Lankford Receives Commitment on Military Religious Accommodation Requests for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate from DOD Secretary, Lifts Holds on DOD Noms OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Dec. 23rd) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced a huge victory he secured to protect the right of religious liberty for our heroes in the Armed Forces. After receiving a commitment from the Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin that all members who had requested a religious accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccine who have been waiting on a response, will now get the answers they have been waiting for and be allowed to return to their duties.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 23, 2022 at 03:45PM

Lankford receives commitment on Military Religious Accommodation Requests for C-19 vax mandate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Dahm files bill to keep Oklahoma on ‘Central Daylight Time’ year-round

Sen. Dahm files legislation to keep Oklahoma on ‘Central Daylight Time’ year-round OKLAHOMA CITY –Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation on Wednesday to end the unnecessary and potentially harmful practice of setting clocks forward and back every year. “As we pass through the shortest day of the year, let’s not forget the feds steal an hour from us each year with their daylight saving Ponzi scheme only to give it back later,” Dahm said. “It’s time we end this archaic practice in our state.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 22, 2022 at 07:57AM

Sen. Dahm files bill to keep Oklahoma on ‘Central Daylight Time’ year-round Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Brecheen spearheads letter to McConnell opposing $1.7T omnibus spending bill

Oklahoma's 2nd District Congressman-elect Josh Brecheen has hit the ground running. One of his top priorities on the campaign trail was returning fiscal responsibility to the forefront of congressional action, and he's making good on his word. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 21, 2022 at 10:36AM

Brecheen spearheads letter to McConnell opposing $1.7T omnibus spending bill Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm files bills to support border states, prohibit anchor baby citizenship in OK

Sen. Dahm files bills to support border states, prohibit anchor baby citizenship in Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed multiple bills aimed at preventing and disincentivizing illegal immigration. “Just because this invasion of illegal aliens isn’t on the news anymore doesn’t mean it has been solved,” Dahm said. “Quite the contrary, it is as bad as it has ever been. These bills will not only provide support – both financially and physically – to border states, but also remove one of the biggest incentives for illegals invading.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 19, 2022 at 09:31PM

Dahm files bills to support border states, prohibit anchor baby citizenship in OK Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Teacher-law critics are wrong; the sky is not falling

Teacher-law critics are wrong; the sky is not falling By Jonathan Small The problem with having an “all or nothing” attitude in policy debates is you usually end up with nothing. Yet some critics appear ready to sacrifice educational opportunity for some children when it comes to a new law designed to mitigate, in admittedly limited fashion, the reported teacher shortage facing some schools. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 18, 2022 at 02:29PM

Small: Teacher-law critics are wrong; the sky is not falling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm files 'Defend the Guard Act' calling for deployment only by constitutional means

Sen. Dahm files Defend the Guard Act OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 13th) – Today, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed the Defend the Guard Act to ensure men and women serving in the Oklahoma National Guard are deployed only in the manner directly specified by the United States Constitution. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 15, 2022 at 08:23AM

Dahm files 'Defend the Guard Act' calling for deployment only by constitutional means Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Dahm files bills to constrain intrusive federal government

Sen. Dahm files bills to constrain intrusive federal government OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 12th) – In response to the growing concerns over federal violations of constitutionally-protected rights, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed numerous bills to push back and constrain the federal government within its constitutional limits. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 14, 2022 at 04:10PM

Sen. Dahm files bills to constrain intrusive federal government Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Rep. Rick West refiles 4-H excused absence bill

Rep. Rick West Refiles 4-H Excused Absence Bill OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 13th) – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, has refiled a bill that would grant students attending 4-H programs an excused absence from school so their grades will not be adversely affected.  House Bill 1006 would prohibit schools from marking students with an unexcused absence if they are participating in 4-H activities approved by the county 4-H educator. The student would be required to provide documented proof of their participation and must be given the opportunity to make up any missed work.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 14, 2022 at 08:33AM

Rep. Rick West refiles 4-H excused absence bill Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Rogers pushes to protect parent-child discussions re: orientation, gender identity

Sen. Rogers pushes to protect parent-child discussions regarding orientation and gender identity OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 9th) – Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is planning to file legislation that ensures parents remain in control of conversations and actions regarding their children’s gender identity and sexual orientation. The measure requires that district school boards put procedures in place notifying parents of any changes or issues their student is having related to their mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 13, 2022 at 06:59PM

Sen. Rogers pushes to protect parent-child discussions re: orientation, gender identity Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Reading instruction crucial for Oklahoma children

Reading instruction crucial for Oklahoma children by Jonathan Small As the old expression goes, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again while hoping for a different outcome. Unfortunately, many of our public schools have taken that approach to reading instruction by clinging to a scientifically discredited method of instruction known as “whole language.” It’s time policymakers address this longstanding problem. Nationwide learning loss occurred during COVID, and Oklahoma ranked among the worst-performing states according to the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 10, 2022 at 10:01AM

Small: Reading instruction crucial for Oklahoma children Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Jackson Lahmeyer launches 'Pastors for Trump' 2024 group

Remember Jackson Lahmeyer, the Tulsa pastor who got trounced running against Sen. James Lankford earlier this year? He's back in the news, having kicked off a new organization to promote Donald Trump's 2024 candidacy: Pastors For Trump Launches, Backed by Faith Leaders With 200k Congregants TULSA, Okla., Dec. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Counting a chapter in each state and the backing of dozens of Christian pastors with over 200,000 congregants, Pastors for Trump (PFT) is aiming to galvanize support in the evangelical community for President Trump as he seeks to return to the White House as Commander-in-Chief in 2024.  Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer created the coalition to help recognize the efforts of millions of Christians across the United States in the political process and to provide a way to advocate for issues central to the faithful including the importance of life, marriage, freedom of speech, and personal responsibility.  Pastor Lahmeyer is currently the Lead Pastor for Sheridan Church in Tulsa. Lahmeyer attended Oral Roberts University (ORU) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. & M.A. in Theological & Historical Studies. Lahmeyer was Crusade Director for Christ for All Nations, which is the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke, a ministry that has helped lead 74 million people to Christ since 1974. Lahmeyer also served as the Oklahoma State Coordinator for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association leading more than 300 churches across Oklahoma to get engaged and fight for conservative values. In 2021-2022, Lahmeyer was a candidate for the United States Senate in Oklahoma and received endorsements from many America First Patriots including Roger Stone, Rudy Giuliani, John Paul Mac Isaac and Sebastian Gorka. "President Trump made it clear during his 2016 campaign for President of the United States that he was committed to bringing Christian leaders into the fold. During his historic first term, he proved that he would deliver on the promises he made. Heading into 2024, it is more important now than ever to reaffirm the strength of the Christian faith and our willingness to support President Trump in his fight to return to the Oval Office," explained Lahmeyer.  Lahmeyer is joined by Pastor Craig Hagan, who is co-Pastor of Rhema Bible Church and Chief Operating Officer For Keith Hagin Ministries and Pastor Mark Burns, Co-Founder & CEO of The NOW Television Network, a Christian television network based out of South Carolina reaches 11 Million Homes named by Time Magazine as "Trump Pastor."  Hagin and Burns will serve on the Board of Directors for Pastors for Trump.  PFT has a monthly prayer call, daily prayer requests, and allows all Americans to voice the issues most important to their Christian faith that they want to see influence public policy in the coming months. Pastors looking to join PFT can visit pastors4trump.com to fill out an application and receive regular updates.  by Jamison Faught - December 08, 2022 at 03:15PM

Jackson Lahmeyer launches 'Pastors for Trump' 2024 group Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford secures end to C19-Vax mandate for military, funding for Tulsa VA in Defense Bill

Lankford Secures an End to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Military Members, Funding for Tulsa VA Construction in Defense Bill WASHINGTON, DC – Among many priorities secured for Oklahoma’s military installations, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today highlighted two major overall wins for Oklahoma service members and veterans and for the nation in the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (FY23 NDAA), otherwise known as the “defense bill.” Lankford secured language to roll back the existing COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military service members in all branches of service.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 08, 2022 at 11:05AM

Lankford secures end to C19-Vax mandate for military, funding for Tulsa VA in Defense Bill Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

House page program for high school students opens applications

This is a great opportunity for students across Oklahoma to avail themselves of: House Page Program Opens Applications OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program is now accepting applications for the First Regular Session of the 59th Legislature, announced Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang. 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. Through the program, students have a chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government. Pages are assigned for one week, Monday through Thursday, during the legislative session, which constitutionally runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 08, 2022 at 08:03AM

House page program for high school students opens applications Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: An important first step at OU on free speech

An important first step at OU By Jonathan Small In recent years, too many colleges have allowed the “heckler’s veto” to prevail. Rather than engage in respectful debate, activists have been allowed to shout down speakers or prevent speeches with threats of violence. And there have been reasons to worry about free speech at the University of Oklahoma. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 07, 2022 at 08:24AM

Small: An important first step at OU on free speech Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Sen. Stephens files legislation to stop time change

Stephens files legislation to stop time change OKLAHOMA CITY (November 28th) – Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens has officially filed Senate Bill 7 ahead of the 2023 session, which calls for Oklahoma to remain in Daylight Saving Time (DST) year-round. The measure will be a “trigger law” that would go into effect following the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by Congress, which would give states the option to end the time change. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 02, 2022 at 01:11PM

State Sen. Stephens files legislation to stop time change Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

COMMON SENSE: Bill filed banning "gender transition" procedures for young people

Common sense. The only question is, will the lobbyist-owned, media/corporate-pressured, weak-kneed GOP legislative leadership allow it to be heard? Bill Filed Prohibiting Gender Transition Procedures for Young People OKLAHOMA CITY (December 1st) – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, filed legislation to prohibit health care professionals from providing gender transition services to people under the age of 21. House Bill 1011 prohibits health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for healthy people under the age of 21. Read more » by Jamison Faught - December 02, 2022 at 09:08AM

COMMON SENSE: Bill filed banning "gender transition" procedures for young people Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Humphrey asks Ethics Commission to investigate potential Hofmeister misuse of public funds

Humphrey Asks Ethics Commission to Investigate Potential Misuse of Public Funds by Gubernatorial Candidate OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, sent a letter Monday requesting that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission investigate whether state resources were used to further a gubernatorial candidate's campaign during the 2022 election cycle. Humphrey pointed to an investigation by the Washington Examiner which found that the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education's website included links to Superintendent Joy Hofmeister's social media pages promoting her campaign for governor. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 19, 2022 at 08:36AM

Humphrey asks Ethics Commission to investigate potential Hofmeister misuse of public funds Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Elon frees the Babylon Bee from Twitter jail

He did it. We're back. Let that sink in. — The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) November 18, 2022 Elon Musk is a nonreligious pagan with somewhat libertarian politics who appreciates and is a fan of the Christian-based satire published by the Babylon Bee. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 18, 2022 at 02:58PM

Elon frees the Babylon Bee from Twitter jail Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Stephens pushes for black vulture take limit increase

Stephens pushes for black vulture take limit increase OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 15th) – Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, is urging farmers and ranchers to report the number of black vultures killed on their property. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects black vultures, meaning Oklahomans can only take up to five birds a year with a sub-permit, but Stephens said this is a growing problem, and the current limits are no match for the rapidly expanding black vulture population. Read more » by Jamison Faught - November 17, 2022 at 03:00PM

Stephens pushes for black vulture take limit increase Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico