OCPA column: Putting parents in charge of education

Putting parents in charge of education By Jonathan Small Today in Oklahoma, parents fall into two camps. One camp has the financial resources to move to another school district or independently pay for private school if a local district isn’t working out for their child. The other camp must endure problems and hope things somehow improve because those families don’t have the finances to get their children out of a geographically assigned school. But Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat wants to level the playing field and provide all Oklahoma parents—from all walks of life and all parts of the state—the ability to send their child to any school of their choice, including private schools. Senate Bill 1647, by Treat, would create the Oklahoma Empowerment Account (OEA) Program and provide all Oklahoma families with a state account that could be used to pay for a range of education services, including private-school tuition. The money in the account would be based on the per-pupil state-funding allotment already dedicated for a child. That’s revolutionary. For the first time, Oklahoma would fund students, not buildings, when it comes to education. Under Treat’s bill, every dime now allotted for K-12 education will continue to go to education. Not one penny will be cut. But instead of giving bureaucrats control, Treat would put parents in charge. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2022 at 04:30PM

OCPA column: Putting parents in charge of education Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

FBC Edmond hosting Abolition Now Conference, Wednesday through Saturday

EDMOND'S FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HOSTS ABOLITION CONFERENCE, FEB. 5-8 (from the Baptist Messenger by FBC Edmond Pastor Blake Gideon) First Baptist Church of Edmond is hosting the 2022 Abolition Now Conference, Feb. 5-8. This four-day conference combines teaching, training and application. Abolition is a grassroots movement among churches to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. The tenets of abolition are built upon the following five principles. First, abolition is biblical. Rather than leaving the Bible out of engagements, abolitionists ground God’s Word as the foundation for everything that they do. The concept of abolitionism (the removal of evils) is derived from the Word of God. It follows from the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Second, abolition is providential. Abolitionists rely on the providence of God, a not pragmatism in their efforts to abolish abortion. Abolitionists trust in the ordained means and methods God has given in His Word. Third, abolition is Gospel-centered. Abolitionists recognize that the chief weapon they possess in the fight against abortion is the Good News of Jesus Christ. Abortion is sin, and the only answer for sin is repentance and a saving faith in the finished work of Christ. The Gospel alone brings redemption from destruction; it is the wellspring of love, hope and joy, and the answer to abortion. The Gospel truly and permanently mobilizes human action, motivates moral behavior and mandates consistent, compassionate justice. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2022 at 12:00PM

FBC Edmond hosting Abolition Now Conference, Wednesday through Saturday Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Health Department giving free N95 masks to public through local pharmacies

OSDH to Distribute N95 Masks to Local Pharmacies Across the State from state supply OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is working to make sure Oklahomans have widely available access to N95 masks in the state. In partnership with the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association and pharmacy partners around the state, the OSDH will be distributing N95 masks around the state to local pharmacies through a distribution system that will provide Oklahomans the opportunity to go to their local pharmacies to receive N95 masks, free of charge. Through the OSDH and Federal Government distributions, local, independent pharmacies and pharmacies that are a part of the Federal Retail Providers program will have N95 masks available to Oklahomans throughout the state. “With the highly transmissible omicron variant we know that the quality of the mask someone chooses to wear matters,” said Michael DeRemer, director of emergency preparedness and response service for the OSDH. “We want to make sure all Oklahomans have access to the best mask possible to protect themselves and others from this virus, no matter where they live and at no-cost.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2022 at 07:47AM

Health Department giving free N95 masks to public through local pharmacies Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

8 years later, Dahm recalls viral showdown with Piers Morgan

Sen. Dahm celebrates eighth anniversary of debate with fake news Piers Morgan OKLAHOMA CITY – Thursday, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, issued the following statement: “Eight years ago, Piers Morgan was headlining CNN nightly and using his platform to rail against our Second Amendment rights. He apparently never saw the irony of a Brit trying to take away our guns or never learned the history of our response to King George III when he tried the same thing.  “When I filed my ‘Piers Morgan Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms Without Infringement Act,’ he quickly took the bait and challenged me to come on his show to debate the bill. In a bittersweet moment, Piers was fired by CNN just a few weeks after our debate. It was bittersweet because I had enough material to go back on his show at least another half dozen times to demolish his arguments again. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 28, 2022 at 05:30PM

8 years later, Dahm recalls viral showdown with Piers Morgan Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Health Dep't moving away from contact tracing, offers update on treatments

OSDH, THD and OCCHD Transitioning Away from Universal Case Investigation and Contact Tracing for COVID-19 Joint statement on national efforts moving forward through the pandemic OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Tulsa County Health Department (THD) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) are moving away from universal case investigation and contact tracing to focus on a more strategic approach of outbreak investigations and targeted case investigations. Transitioning away from these is something Oklahoma has been moving toward in many ways, as evident in the implementation of OSDHCI which is allowing our case investigators and epidemiologist to prioritize following-up on outbreaks or clusters, as well as individuals in high-risk settings after a positive COVID-19 result. “Tools such as at-home testing kits, updated isolation and quarantine guidance, and the self-serve case investigation portal has provided Oklahomans the opportunity to be the driver of their own personal health and the health of their family and community,” said leaders from all three agencies. “Empowering Oklahomans with the most up to date recommendations and mitigation strategies has paved the way for autonomy and a more sustained public health system that is not reliant on universal case investigation and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The community has a greater understanding of public health and the necessity of public health intervention and how to navigate those tools.” This change isn’t unique to Oklahoma. Five national public health organizations issued guidance on Tuesday supporting the transition. “It is appropriate for our public health agencies to transition our resources into more effective strategies to lessen the impact of COVID-19 by focusing surveillance and prevention efforts on the most severe outcomes of COVID-19: hospitalizations and deaths,” stated the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) along with several other agencies. You can read the full, joint statement from national public health organizations here. OSDH Releases Updates on Treatments for COVID-19 After recent updates from the FDA OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to sharing the most up to date and timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic.  Monday, the FDA removed the authorization for the use of two monoclonal antibody treatments that have been on the market, REGEN-COV and Bam/Ete, due to their ineffectiveness against the omicron variant, taking into consideration the prevalence of omicron in the country.  Right now, in Oklahoma, our sequencing surveillance shows us 98% of cases are attributable to the omicron variant.   Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 28, 2022 at 01:35PM

Health Dep't moving away from contact tracing, offers update on treatments Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Roe files bill allowing COVID patients to designate visitor

Roe Files Bill Allowing COVID Patients to Designate Visitor OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to require medical entities to allow visitation to COVID-19 patients, even when the patient is in isolation from the public and other patients.  House Bill 3313 allows a patient with COVID-19 to designate an individual with full visitation rights. The individual may be required by the hospital to comply with certain requirements, including signing an acknowledgment-of-risks document, receiving a health screening from staff or wearing personal protective equipment.  “Many Oklahomans have had to endure the horrible heartbreak of not being with a loved one while they were hospitalized with COVID-19,” Roe said. “This adds stress and trauma onto an already fraught situation.” Roe said she has heard from constituents who were either not allowed to visit a loved one or were not allowed to receive a guest while hospitalized for COVID-19. “Hospitalized Oklahomans have the right to visitation regardless of their health issues,” Roe said. “Not seeing anybody besides their nurses and doctors takes a severe toll on a patient’s mental health.” Roe added, "I firmly believe that human touch is essential to the healing process."​ Roe has been a registered nurse for 39 years and a nurse practitioner for 22 years. She currently chairs the House Public Health Committee. ​ The hospital may revoke visitation rights to individuals if they fail to follow safety protocols or visitation policies. If an individual’s right is revoked, the patient may designate a new individual. Individuals who have been suspended from visitation shall be reviewed every 30 days for reinstatement. Last year, the Legislature approved the No Patient Left Alone Act to allow patients to designate a visitor to have unrestricted visitation, but Roe said facilities have not been complying. The legislation, House Bill 2687, did not include any kind of enforcement mechanism.​ HB3313 also allows any person to bring a civil action against anybody who isolates a COVID-19 patient without visitation rights, knowingly aids in the isolation of a patient or intends to isolate or aid in the isolation.  The bill has an emergency clause allowing it to take effect immediately upon becoming law.  HB3313 is available for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins Monday, Feb. 7. Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, serves House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Garvin and McClain counties.  by Jamison Faught - January 28, 2022 at 11:09AM

State Rep. Roe files bill allowing COVID patients to designate visitor Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Phillips files bill to create Oklahoma trade office in Taiwan

Phillips to Run Legislation Creating the Southeast Asia Economic Trade Office OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, has filed legislation for the upcoming session that would establish the Southeast Asia Economic Trade Office. The office would be housed in Taiwan to advance Oklahoma's interests in the country and region.    According to Phillips, this legislation is necessary to strengthen Oklahoma's already strong relationship with Taiwan and open up the state to new economic investment opportunities. “This trade office would help open new markets for our state and provide increased economic opportunities for our citizens both here and around the world," Phillips said. “We have a 40 year history of partnership with Taiwan, having sister cities in both Kaohsiung City and Taipei. That partnership has benefited our state culturally for years, and now we have the opportunity to expand the economic impact it can have as well. By establishing the Southeast Asia Economic Trade Office, we can attract new investors and new industries and create new jobs for Oklahomans." Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 28, 2022 at 08:18AM

Phillips files bill to create Oklahoma trade office in Taiwan Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford cries foul over Defense Department granting nearly ZERO religious liberty accomodations for C-19 vax

Lankford Outraged That Defense Department Has Granted Nearly ZERO Religious Accommodations for COVID-19 Vaccine OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (January 25th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding to know why, despite 19,979 known requests for religious accommodations from the COVID-19 vaccine, the Department has granted nearly zero requests for religious accommodations among the service branches. The US Marines reportedly have two religious accommodations—out of 3,367 requests. In his letter, Lankford wrote that according to information his office obtained: the US Army has received 2,128 requests for religious accommodations, the US Navy has received 3,791 requests for religious accommodations; and the US Air Force has received 10,693 requests for religious accommodations. None have been granted. “It is alarming that the Department is so blatantly disregarding the free exercise of religion that is guaranteed to our military service members, both through the First Amendment and through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) (42 U.S.C. Sec 2000bb-1). Congress chose to apply RFRA to the military, and the military remains accountable to Congress for adhering to this law,” wrote Lankford in the letter. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 27, 2022 at 07:39AM

Lankford cries foul over Defense Department granting nearly ZERO religious liberty accomodations for C-19 vax Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm files bill to make Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine available over the counter

Sen. Dahm files bill to make Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine available over the counter OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed Senate Bill 1525 to make Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin available over the counter. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 26, 2022 at 11:10AM

Dahm files bill to make Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine available over the counter Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Sen. Pederson files bill to improve ag tax exemption renewal process

Sen. Pederson files bill to improve ag tax exemption renewal process OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Roland Pederson has filed legislation aimed at cutting through red tape for farmers and ranchers renewing their agricultural sales tax exemption.  Pederson, R- Burlington, said Senate Bill 1655 would simplify the renewal process for those who have already met the initial requirements to qualify for the exemption. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 26, 2022 at 08:19AM

State Sen. Pederson files bill to improve ag tax exemption renewal process Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Democrat State Rep resigns after allegedly sexually assaulting lobbyist

State Rep. Jose Cruz (D-OKC) resigned from office on Friday in the wake of an alleged sexual assault on a female lobbyist at a New Years' Eve party. In his resignation letter, Cruz said the following: Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 25, 2022 at 11:00PM

Democrat State Rep resigns after allegedly sexually assaulting lobbyist Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep files bill to make unopposed incumbents subject to retention vote

Well, this is certainly an interesting proposal... It's an intriguing idea, though I doubt it will receive a hearing.  Bill Allows Voters Opportunity to Vote Out Unopposed Incumbents OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, has filed legislation aimed at giving Oklahomans a voice regardless of whether an incumbent legislator has an opponent. House Bill 3059 creates a vehicle that allows voters to decide whether to retain an incumbent who is not facing a challenger during their reelection bid. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 25, 2022 at 12:33PM

State Rep files bill to make unopposed incumbents subject to retention vote Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm: there should be absolutely no American involvement in Ukraine

US SENATE CANDIDATE NATHAN DAHM RELEASES STATEMENT ON POTENTIAL RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WAR Oklahoma (January 24, 2022) - State Senator and candidate for US Senate Nathan Dahm released a statement on the potential of a Russia and Ukraine war:  Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 25, 2022 at 08:15AM

Dahm: there should be absolutely no American involvement in Ukraine Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislature completes bill filing for 2022 session with over 2,300 new bills and resolutions

House Completes Bill Filing for 2022 Session OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thurs., Jan. 20, for the second session of the 58th Legislature. A total of 1,482 House Bills, 18 House Joint Resolutions and 2 House Concurrent 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 1,942 House Bills, 44 House Joint Resolutions and 2 House Resolutions were filed. 1,656 House Bills and 45 House Joint Resolutions, which may be filed at any point during session, remain eligible for consideration in the upcoming session. The House is comprised of 82 Republicans and 19 Democrats. The second session of the 58th Legislature will begin Mon., Feb. 7 at noon with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt in the House Chamber. Senate completes bill filing for 2022 session OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has completed filing bills for the Second Session of the 58th Legislature.  The deadline was Thursday, Jan. 20.  A total of 774 Senate Bills and 23 Senate Joint Resolutions were filed.  Additionally, 771 Senate Bills and 25 Senate Joint Resolutions were carried over from the 2021 session and are available for consideration during the 2022 session. The Thursday deadline did not apply to appropriations bills, which can be filed throughout the session.  Senate rules also allow for bills by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to be filed throughout the session. Senate Resolutions and Senate Concurrent Resolutions can be filed throughout the session as well. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 24, 2022 at 09:15AM

Legislature completes bill filing for 2022 session with over 2,300 new bills and resolutions Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA: Workers, employers win with vax-mandate ruling

Workers, employers win with vax-mandate ruling By Jonathan Small Oklahoma’s workers and their employers alike won an important victory when the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down the Biden administration’s COVID-vaccine mandate for private businesses. That mandate clearly exceeded the government’s authority, opened the door for further abuses of power, and would have had a significant negative impact on the labor supply. The case also shows what happens when one man has courage. Brandon Trosclair, a Louisiana business owner, joined with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy (a think tank similar to the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs) to lead the charge against the Biden mandate in court. Trosclair employs nearly 500 people across 15 grocery stores in Louisiana and Mississippi that conduct business under the names Ralph’s Market, Butcher Boy, and Save A Lot. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations imposed by the Biden administration, all employees of businesses with 100 or more staff members–an estimated 80 million private-sector workers–would have been required to be vaccinated or tested weekly and wear a mask as a condition of employment. Businesses that failed to comply faced fines up to $136,532. Yet Trosclair chose to stand up for his workers and oppose the mandate in court. There were sound practical reasons to oppose the mandate. Businesses already face a labor shortage that would have been exacerbated by the mandate since many workers were expected to quit jobs to avoid the vaccine. But there were also crucial philosophical reasons to oppose the mandate. Trosclair told OCPA that the decision to vaccinate (or not) is an individual employee’s decision, not their employer’s decision “and it’s not the federal government’s decision.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 24, 2022 at 07:50AM

OCPA: Workers, employers win with vax-mandate ruling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Senate Pro Tem files landmark education measure, school choice groups praise

State Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has filed a major education reform measure, Senate Bill 1647 (the Oklahoma Empowerment Act). Below his press release I'm including comments from supporting groups and organizations. As a homeschool graduate and homeschool parent, I am quite hesitant when it comes to even "friendly" efforts to provide some sort of funds for homeschool students. Oklahoma is the most free state in the union when it comes to home education freedoms, and as such those of us in the homeschool community have jealously guarded against the government nose coming under the tent.  I'll be curious to see just how this measure would apply to homeschoolers. From first appearances, I would be greatly concerned about government education regulators finally getting their grubby paws on the liberties that home education has enjoyed here in Oklahoma. Pro Tem Treat bill empowers all parents to pursue best educational opportunity for their student OKLAHOMA CITY – All parents of Oklahoma students would be empowered to pursue the best educational setting that fits the individual needs of their child under legislation filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. “Every child deserves the chance for a quality education that fits their unique needs, regardless of their zip code. We’ve already empowered the parents of children with disabilities with this opportunity through the very successful Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program. It’s time we give all parents and all student in Oklahoma that same opportunity for success,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. Treat said Senate Bill 1647, also known as the Oklahoma Empowerment Act, creates Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts which allow parents to use their child’s state education dollars to pursue a variety of educational opportunities, all to secure the best education possible for their children. “A quality education is essential to each child’s success, and the overall success and growth of our state. No child should be trapped in a failing school or a school that cannot meet their unique educational needs simply because of where his or her home is located. Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts will bring generational change to families across Oklahoma by giving all parents the freedom to do what’s best for their child,” Treat said. OCPA applauds Oklahoma Empowerment Account legislation OKLAHOMA CITY (January 21, 2022)— Larry Parman, chairman of the board of trustees for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in response to Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat filing Senate Bill 1647, which creates Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts (OEAs). Under Treat’s OEA bill, parents can use taxpayer funds to choose any education option, including private schools, that best serve their child’s needs. “For Oklahoma to become a state of true opportunity for all, we must provide a quality education to every child. But that can only happen when parents are able to choose from a range of options based on their child’s unique needs. In contrast, the one-size-fits-all approach of the current education system in Oklahoma leaves too many children behind. Those of us on the OCPA board are civic leaders, business owners, and most of all parents and grandparents. We know there is no issue more important to families and Oklahoma’s future progress than improving our state’s education outcomes. By fighting to maximize educational opportunity for all Oklahoma families, Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat has taken a bold stand for families that deserves applause from all Oklahomans.” The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is a free-market think tank that works to advance principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, individual initiative and personal responsibility. ChoiceMatters, Parent Voice Oklahoma, Praise Legislation Creating “Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts” Proposal Gives Parents Control Over Their Education Tax Dollars OKLAHOMA CITY – ChoiceMatters, an Oklahoma non-profit dedicated to increasing education options for parents, today praised Oklahoma State Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat for filing SB 1647, the Oklahoma Empowerment Act. The bill proposes giving parents control over a portion of their children’s education tax dollars, in the form of Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts. The accounts would be eligible to fund private school tuition or to supplement home schooling with approved technology expenses, enrichment materials or other educational services.   “The biggest barrier to education freedom is income,” said ChoiceMatters Executive Director Robert Ruiz. “High income parents can choose the school that is right for their children, either by moving to the zip codes with the best public schools, by sending their children to private school, or by supplementing their children’s education with tutoring and other resources. We believe that parents of every income level in every zip code should be able to make these same choices and offer their children these same opportunities. “Pro Tem Treat has put forward a bold vision to give every Oklahoma parent the freedom and the ability to find the best education possible for their children,” continued Ruiz. “We encourage his colleagues in both the Senate and the House to stand with parents and support this proposal.” Jennifer Johnson, a Skiatook mother who helped start Parent Voice Oklahoma, an advocacy organization supporting efforts that include parent empowerment, school choice and educational freedom, also praised the proposed legislation. “Parents have realized that the balance of power in public education has tilted towards unelected bureaucrats and top-down control,” said Johnson. “Putting parents in charge of their own education tax dollars puts them back in the driver’s seat where they belong. This is the ultimate form of local control and parent empowerment. Thank you, Senator Treat, for giving parents a voice in our kids' education. AFC-Oklahoma Issues Statement in Support of Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts OKLAHOMA CITY – American Federation for Children-Oklahoma Senior Advisor Jennifer Carter today released the following statement in support of the Oklahoma Empowerment Act (SB 1647), filed today by Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat. The bill gives every parent a portion of their education tax dollars, in the form of “Empowerment Accounts,” to support K-12 education needs.  “The COVID-era has made it obvious that our system of public education is not responsive to parental needs or input, even on matters as important as school closures, virtual learning, and curricula. All across the country, parents are fighting back and demanding more control over how their kids are being taught, who is teaching them, and what they are learning.  “The creation of Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts will ensure that all parents have real options for their children when it comes to education. That, in turn, will force schools to listen to parents and to ensure they are meeting the needs of the families they are supposed to serve, rather than simply ignoring them at the behest of unions and special interests. Our thanks go out to Pro Tem Treat for his support of parental rights and education freedom. We are excited to help make his bold vision a new reality for Oklahoma parents and families.” – Jennifer Carter, senior advisor, AFC-Oklahoma Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 23, 2022 at 04:54PM

State Senate Pro Tem files landmark education measure, school choice groups praise Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Townley files bill to name the Holy Bible as Oklahoma's State Book

Bill Would Designate the Holy Bible as Oklahoma's State Book OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, has filed House Bill 3890 to name the Holy Bible as Oklahoma's official state book. "We are people of great faith," Townley said. "The Holy Bible is an integral part of numerous faiths and is deeply important to many Oklahomans. Even when we don't always agree with each other, we always know that we have a foundation higher than politics that we can rely on to remain unshakeable when times are tough." Townley is a former owner of a Christian Bible bookstore. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 23, 2022 at 08:05AM

State Rep. Townley files bill to name the Holy Bible as Oklahoma's State Book Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford, Rubio call for 2022 Winter Olympics to be moved out of China over human rights abuses

Lankford, Rubio Call on Olympic Committee to Relocate 2022 Winter Games WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced a resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee to relocate the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games in response to China’s refusal to acknowledge and stop their egregious human rights abuses. These abuses include genocide, forced labor, and crimes against humanity as a direct attempt to forcibly “assimilate,” or eventually eliminate, vulnerable ethnic and religious groups such as the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region of northwest China. “When our athletes are being instructed to leave their cellphones in the United States before heading to China, and we still do not know the wellbeing of tennis star Peng Shaui, we have a responsibility to question why the Olympic Committee is allowing China to host the 2022 Winter Olympic games,” said Lankford. “What’s more embarrassing is that we’re allowing the Chinese Communist Party to profit off of the games when it is responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity. Our athletes have trained, worked, and dedicated their lives to representing our nation. American Olympic athletes should not be punished or put in harm’s way while competing in this historic event. I’m calling on the Olympic Committee to relocate the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games to another host country.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 23, 2022 at 04:00PM

Lankford, Rubio call for 2022 Winter Olympics to be moved out of China over human rights abuses Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt applauds SCOTUS decision to address McGirt fallout

GOVERNOR STITT APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT DECISION TO ADDRESS MCGIRT FALLOUT  OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 21, 2022) — Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the state’s case to address the fallout of McGirt and allow Oklahoma to retain criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians in eastern Oklahoma: “I am encouraged that the Supreme Court has decided to address whether a state has authority to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes against Indians in Indian Country. The fallout of the McGirt decision has been destructive. Criminals have used this decision to commit crimes without punishment. Victims of crime, especially Native victims, have suffered by being forced to relive their worst nightmare in a second trial or having justice elude them completely.  “The reality is that the McGirt decision has hamstrung law enforcement in half of the state. Oklahoma is a law and order state, and I was elected to protect all four million Oklahomans, regardless of their race or heritage. I will not stop fighting to ensure we have one set of rules to guarantee justice and equal protection under the law for all citizens.” BACKGROUND ON OKLAHOMA’S PETITION FOR CERTIORARI: On September 17, the State of Oklahoma filed a petition for certiorari in the case of child abuser Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta, asking the Court to reconsider the McGirt decision or to permit the State to prosecute criminals like Castro-Huerta, who is a non-Indian that victimized an Indian. The criminal at issue in this case, Castro-Huerta, was convicted in state court and sentenced to 35 years imprisonment, but the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals threw out that conviction because of its interpretation of the McGirt decision. In 2015, Castro-Huerta so severely neglected his five-year-old stepdaughter, who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind, that she was rushed to the emergency room. She was admitted in critical condition, dehydrated, emaciated, and covered in lice and excrement, and she weighed only nineteen pounds. Investigators who visited Castro-Huerta’s home later discovered that her crib was filled with bedbugs and cockroaches and contained a single, dry sippy cup, the top of which was chewed through. Castro-Huerta later admitted to officers that, while he knew his step-daughter required five bottles of baby formula a day, he had provided her between only twelve and eighteen bottles the previous month. Castro-Huerta is not a Native American, but his step-daughter victim is a member of a tribe headquartered in North Carolina. by Jamison Faught - January 22, 2022 at 11:24AM

Gov. Stitt applauds SCOTUS decision to address McGirt fallout Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Reps file bill to exempt vets from taxes on retirement benefits

McDugle, Townley, Manger File Bill to Exempt Veterans from Taxes on Retirement Benefits OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, and Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, have filed legislation to grant Oklahoma veterans a full tax exemption on retirement benefits they receive as a result of their service. House Bill 3693 would maintain the current exemption through Dec. 31, 2022. Under the legislation, veterans would receive a 100% tax exemption on their retirement benefits, beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Currently, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive tax exemptions for up to 75% or $10,000 of the retirement benefits they receive from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces. "As someone who proudly served in our nation's armed forces, I understand just how much this bill could help my brothers and sisters-in-arms," McDugle said. "We need to take every opportunity we can to give back to those who have given so much for our country." Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 21, 2022 at 07:51AM

State Reps file bill to exempt vets from taxes on retirement benefits Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep files bill for statewide vote on abolishing the death penalty

Turner Files Bill to Give Power to People on Death Penalty OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mauree Turner, D-OKC, has filed legislation for the 2022 Legislative Session that would create a state question on whether the death penalty should exist in Oklahoma. While Oklahomans have previously supported the death penalty in ballot initiatives, the inhumane conditions of death row, botched executions, and exposure of the racism and error rate in guilty verdicts have given many reasons to grapple with what it means for a small number of state actors to have the power to decide who lives and who dies an often torturous death, especially in the face of exclusionary evidence.  “What I am hearing from my district, and people around the state, is an urgent need to end state-enacted murder in the name of a criminal legal system that seeks to kill people with impunity,” Turner said. “We have seen a growing movement, in the last year especially, of people calling for Oklahoma to abolish the death penalty. And I want to give people a chance to express that on the ballot.” A national poll of police chiefs by the Death Penalty Information Center showed that the nation’s police chiefs rank the death penalty last for effective crime reduction.  “The officers do not believe the death penalty acts as a deterrent to murder, and they rate it as one of most inefficient uses of taxpayer dollars in fighting crime,” the Death Penalty Information Center report read. “Criminologists concur that the death penalty does not effectively reduce the number of murders.” FBI statistics, which show states with the death penalty have a higher murder rate than those without capital punishment, support these expert opinions. Oklahoma’s murder rate is the 11th highest in the nation, according to the most recent CDC data.  Turner opposes capital punishment and knows that Oklahomans have a broad range of views and experiences, which is why [she]* want[s] to give the people another opportunity to use their voice.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 20, 2022 at 12:20PM

State Rep files bill for statewide vote on abolishing the death penalty Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Russ files bill to give Counties more say in Marijuana Applications

Russ Files Bill to Give Counties More Say in Marijuana Applications OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, has filed legislation for the upcoming session that will give county voters the say over who is licensed to grow marijuana within their counties. House Bill 2989 would require applications to grow marijuana to be filed by June 30 each year in the county where the grow facility is to be located. County Commissioners would then set a date for a vote to be held every other year for applications to be approved or denied. If denied, an applicant would not be able to reapply for five years within that county. If growers operate in multiple counties, they would have to apply and be approved by voters in each county where they do business. "Many of our rural voters did not approve the state question that resulted in the legalization of medical marijuana in our state," Russ said. "Yet they are saddled with the ill consequences. And they are facing the possibility that petitioners will place a question on a future state ballot to legalize recreational marijuana." Since Oklahomans approved medical marijuana in 2018 with very loose regulations the number of licensed cannabis growers in the state has ballooned to more than 7,000. This far exceeds the number of licenses issued in other states such as Colorado, California or Oregon. It has taxed rural water supplies and electricity usage as well as local law enforcement, county tax assessors and others, Russ said. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 20, 2022 at 08:57AM

State Rep. Russ files bill to give Counties more say in Marijuana Applications Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Hefner announces endorsements from multiple conservative groups in OKC mayoral race

MULTIPLE CONSERVATIVE GROUPS ENDORSE CAROL HEFNER FOR OKC MAYOR Oklahoma City, OK-- Today, community leader and candidate for Mayor of Oklahoma City Carol Hefner announced she has been endorsed by multiple Conservative groups and organizations, including Oklahomans For Health & Parental Rights, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC), Veterans of Foreign Wars Oklahoma County, Ignite Liberty, and the Oklahoma County GOP. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 19, 2022 at 08:15AM

Hefner announces endorsements from multiple conservative groups in OKC mayoral race Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico