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Here's the latest poll of the Oklahoma election landscape, from Amber Integrated.
Key takeaways:
 Amber Integrated Releases Survey on Upcoming Primary and General Elections OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released two surveys measuring attitudes about the current political environment and the upcoming primary and general elections in Oklahoma. The first of these surveys was conducted from March 24-27, 2022 and included a pool of 455 likely GOP primary voters in Oklahoma. It has a margin of error of 4.59% at a 95% confidence interval. The second of these surveys was also conducted from March 24-27, 2022, and included a pool of 500 likely general election voters in Oklahoma. This survey has a margin of error of 4.38% at a 95% confidence interval. Toplines and crosstabs for both surveys are available here. Some key observations from both surveys are below: Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 31, 2022 at 07:45AM |
 Poll: Lankford, Stitt, Mullin lead respective races by large margins Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Poll: Lankford, Stitt, Mullin lead respective races by large margins
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Former CA Gov Pete Wilson endorses Alex Gray's Senate bid
 ALEX GRAY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE GAINS ENDORSEMENT OF FORMER U.S. SENATOR AND GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA PETE WILSON
Oklahoma City, OK (March 29th) – Today, former Trump national security official and U.S. Senate candidate Alex Gray has received the endorsement of Governor Pete Wilson. This marks the eleventh high-profile endorsement since Gray announced his candidacy earlier this month. Wilson served the state of California as a United States Senator from 1983 until he was elected the 36th Governor of California in 1991. He has been a national leader in the fight against illegal immigration and to secure our borders for decades. A close friend of President Ronald Reagan, Wilson has been a conservative icon for decades. “No one understands better than Alex Gray that America's national security urgently depends upon strict control of our borders, and the careful vetting of immigrants to assure enforcement of our immigration laws. His four years of service to President Trump in the White House included his critically important role as Chief of Staff of the National Security Council. He knows that anything less than constant rigorous enforcement of our immigration laws threatens a clear and present danger to America’s safety. In the Senate, Alex Gray will champion the rule of law to uphold America's sovereignty and demand the safety of our citizens.” said Governor Wilson in a statement endorsing Alex Gray. “Governor Wilson has been on the frontlines of the battle to control our border and enforce our immigration laws for decades. He was a fighter for conservative values in the Senate and as Governor, with many of his policies anticipating the America First movement of President Trump. I could not be more proud to have his support in my own bid for the U.S. Senate,” Gray said in response to the endorsement. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 29, 2022 at 04:24PM |
Former CA Gov Pete Wilson endorses Alex Gray's Senate bid Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Lankford, Hern slam Biden's budget proposal
 Lankford Responds to Biden Budget Proposal WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) responded to President Biden’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2023: “A president’s budget is simply a wish list for the upcoming year. Biden’s wish list is more taxes, more spending, and no genuine proposal to solve our skyrocketing debt. The lack of focus on lowering our debt and deficit perpetuates our nation’s growing inflation rate and cost of living. Everyone in the nation sees the fiscal problem and understands this moment requires serious debate and real solutions to our economic future “It’s time to fix the broken budget process, cut unnecessary spending on earmarks, and put the needs of the American people first.” “More spending is not the answer”: Hern slams Biden’s bloated budget proposal WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28th) – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced his budget proposal to Congress for FY 23. “Inflation is the number one issue facing our country,” said Rep. Hern. “Instead of addressing this problem, Biden’s budget proposal only increases the economic pressures that are suffocating American families. More spending is not the answer; we will never spend our way out of an inflation crisis. An immediate return to fiscal responsibility is the only solution, but that’s not what we got today. “The Biden Administration began their attack on American energy on Day 1. Today’s budget announcement continues that war, ensuring prices at the pump continue to rise and further increasing our dependence on foreign oil. Biden is following through on his campaign promise to end fossil fuels, a move that will destroy jobs in Oklahoma. Biden also made the campaign promise to only raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans; however, the tax increases proposed in this budget will realistically impact ALL Americans regardless of their tax bracket.” Rep. Hern continued, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: DC doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. I’m proud to be writing a federal budget for FY 23 with fiscal conservatism at its heart. My budget balances in just a few years – something Congress hasn’t been able to do since the 90s. It’s not too late to return to fiscal responsibility.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 29, 2022 at 11:26AM |
Lankford, Hern slam Biden's budget proposal Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Rhonda Hopkins joins GOP race in 2nd Congressional District
 The Republican field for Congress in the 2nd District continues to grow. I received a video announcement from Rhonda Hopkins, who becomes the ninth declared candidate to my knowledge. Hopkins is a past candidate for office, having run for CD2 in 2020 (getting 7.4% in a three-way primary), and State House District 86 twice (GOP nominee in 2016, primary candidate in 2018). In her video announcement, posted below, she focuses in on the issue of social security, criticizing both Congressman Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Senator James Lankford (both of whom are running for Senate this year, Lankford for reelection and Mullin for the Inhofe special election). Here's her video announcement: Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 29, 2022 at 09:00AM |
Rhonda Hopkins joins GOP race in 2nd Congressional District Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Bad idea: State House votes to roll back pension reforms, return to same bad system that got into trouble
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It wasn't that long ago that the Oklahoma Legislature was faced with the reality of massive financial crisis with state employee retirement systems. We had some of the worst-funded state pension systems in the nation. Following the leadership of individuals like then-State Rep. Randy McDaniel, the Legislature took steps to remedy that situation. This past week, however, the State House approved a measure by State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) that would take a dramatic step backward into the failed policy of the past. Frix has a history of pandering to government unions on this issue, and this vote coincides with the launch of his campaign for Congress. When a previous bill of Frix's came up in 2020 which raided pension assets for a transparently political election-year state workers' retirement boost, State Sen. Marty Quinn (R-Claremore), who is also running for the same congressional seat as Frix, had this to say: Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, said he was “not going to crawl under a rock and ignore the financial mistakes that continue to be made by this body and other bodies so that people can ‘like’ me.” Short  HOUSE VOTES TO ROLL BACK OKLAHOMA PENSION REFORMS House lawmakers voted to roll back a 2014 pension reform that was projected to save taxpayers $3.8 billion over 30 years and instead provide state workers retirement benefits that are not available to the typical private-sector worker in Oklahoma. House Bill 2486, by state Rep. Avery Frix, eliminates a defined-contribution retirement plan, similar to a 401(k) plan in the private sector, and instead places most state government workers in a defined-benefit plan. In a defined-benefit plan, state government employees receive a guaranteed, specified amount in retirement payments, while in a defined-contribution plan they contribute and invest in funds over time to save for retirement. Lawmakers voted in 2014 to shift all new state government employees (aside from teachers or those working in hazardous positions, such as police and firefighters) into a 401(k)-style retirement plan. That law was authored by current Oklahoma State Treasurer Randy McDaniel, who then served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. When she signed the reform into law, then-Gov. Mary Fallin noted, “The system as it stands today is not financially sound or sustainable. Moving future hires to a 401(k)-style system helps to ensure we can pay our current retirees and employees the benefits they have already earned.” In a 2014 interview, McDaniel said the cost of defined-contribution plans is predictable for state government, and also noted that defined-benefit plans involve moral hazard that causes politicians to rapidly inflate the system’s unfunded liability by increasing benefits without covering the cost. “An issue that is overlooked in the mathematical data is the issue of political incentives to harm the system by making unsustainable financial promises,” McDaniel said. “Unfortunately, those incentives are real, and they greatly impact the situation we face today. It’s easy to make promises when someone else is going to have to pay for those promises at some point in the future.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 29, 2022 at 07:38AM |
Bad idea: State House votes to roll back pension reforms, return to same bad system that got into trouble Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Gov. Stitt appoints John Nash as Sec'y of Military and Veterans Affairs
 GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JOHN NASH AS SECRETARY OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has appointed John Nash as Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Brig. Gen. Ben T. Robinson. “John Nash’s background as a loyal member of the armed forces combined with his leadership and business skills will ensure we are serving our veterans with honor and supporting the brave Oklahomans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” said Gov. Stitt. Nash enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve at age 17 before graduating from McLoud High School. He was later commissioned as an officer through the University of Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, where he also was a member of the men’s basketball team and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Nash graduated from a variety of military schools including Airborne School and Ranger School and served in multiple leadership and command roles at various levels in the Army. He served for over a decade in a variety of special operations, national security and diplomatic roles including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and other theaters. “I am humbled by Governor Stitt’s appointment to serve Oklahoma as the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Nash. “As a member of our country’s armed forces, it is an honor to be able to support our veterans and members of the military in this new role.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 28, 2022 at 11:24PM |
Gov. Stitt appoints John Nash as Sec'y of Military and Veterans Affairs Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Monday, March 28, 2022
Trump ambassador to Israel David Friedman endorses Gray for Senate
 FORMER AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL DAVID FRIEDMAN ENDORSES ALEX GRAY FOR SENATE Oklahoma City, OK (March 28th) – Today, former Trump national security official and U.S. Senate candidate Alex Gray has received the endorsement of Ambassador David Friedman. The former ambassador to Israel is the tenth significant endorsement of frontrunner Alex Gray. Friedman served as the ambassador to Israel during President Trump’s entire tenure. He was highly influential in peace talks on the Arabian peninsula and was a key figure in negotiating the Abraham Accords. Friedman has the following to say in endorsing Gray, "From his service in the Trump White House, Alex Gray understands the need for a strong U.S.-Israel partnership and the importance of American leadership on the global stage. He played a key role in implementing President Trump's national security agenda, and will be a tireless advocate for an America First foreign policy in the U.S. Senate." “Our relationship with Israel is paramount in securing America’s interests across the world. Ambassador Friedman was on the frontlines promoting those interests and is one of the greatest promoters of the U.S.-Israel partnershipin history. His support is a huge boost for our campaign, and continues the pattern of President Trump’s closest and most loyal supporters backing this effort. I look forward to continuing the progress we made in the Middle East during President Trump’s tenure when I am elected to the Senate and serving as a leading voice for the U.S.-Israel partnership,” Gray said in response to the endorsement. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 28, 2022 at 10:59PM |
Trump ambassador to Israel David Friedman endorses Gray for Senate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sunday, March 27, 2022
OCPA column: Election integrity measures are justified
 Election integrity measures are justified
By Jonathan Small
Voter confidence is crucial to democratic stability. That’s why it is appropriate for Oklahoma state lawmakers to advance election-security measures even though Oklahoma has not suffered the election irregularities that have plagued other states. No one can seriously argue the often-slapdash changes made to voting systems nationwide in 2020 did not harm public confidence in election outcomes. An ABC/Ipsos poll, conducted December 27 to December 29, 2021, found that just 20 percent of Americans said they were “very confident” in the “integrity of the U.S. electoral system overall.” A CNN poll conducted from Jan. 10 to Feb. 6 by SSRS found that just 17 percent of respondents said they were very confident “that elections in America today reflect the will of the people?” In contrast, 33 percent said they were “not at all confident.” Those numbers show voters from all parties have a sense of unease about the validity of their state election systems. Policymakers should do all they can to remove such doubt. In Oklahoma, one notable measure that has advanced is House Bill 3046, by Rep. Mark Lepak, which creates the “Prohibit the Private Funding of Elections Act.” The bill makes it illegal for election officials to solicit or accept private funding for election purposes. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 27, 2022 at 02:46PM |
OCPA column: Election integrity measures are justified Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Saturday, March 26, 2022
House passes bill that protects firearm entities in gov't contracts
 Rep. Kevin West Bill Protects Firearm Entities in Government Contracts
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Wednesday passed a bill out of the House that would disallow the state of Oklahoma to contract with any company that discriminates against the firearms industry. "This is a constitutionally protected industry, and the majority of Oklahomans are very much in favor of protecting Second Amendment rights," West said. "Yet there are those in the firearms business being discriminated against based solely on the nature of their product. Therefore, I think it's very appropriate that we add language surrounding state contracts, which use taxpayer dollars, to protect these entities and one of our fundamental rights." West pointed to a 2013 program codenamed Operation Chokepoint under the Obama Administration that intended to deny “disfavored” industries essential services such as banking, payment processing, and insurance – something he called a terrible abuse of government power. The firearm industry was a primary target of this operation. The program was ended by the Trump Administration in 2016, but West said many of America’s largest companies have since privatized it for all intents and purposes. This threatens an industry that is necessary for citizens to be able to exercise their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights. House Bill 3144 is a request from the firearm industry trade association the National Shooting Sports Foundation and is supported by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. West said this was one of the pieces of legislation that came out of an interim study he held over the summer that examined ways to attract firearms manufacturers to locate in the state. The measure provides that a governmental entity may not enter into a contract with a company for the purchase of goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association based solely on firearms. The bill further specifies that the company will not discriminate during the term of the contract. This requirement does not apply to governmental entity contracts with sole-source providers or to a governmental entity that does not receive a bid from a company that is able to provide written verification. West said he allowed the title on the bill to be struck, which will allow him to adjust the language as needed to address concerns as the measure continues through the legislative process. If the bill becomes law, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services would be charged with ensuring government contracts comply with this new language. HB3144 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Casey Murdock, R-Felt. Kevin West serves District 54 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Moore in Cleveland and Oklahoma counties. by Jamison Faught - March 25, 2022 at 11:45PM |
House passes bill that protects firearm entities in gov't contracts Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, March 25, 2022
State Rep. Avery Frix announces congressional campaign, becomes 8th GOP candidate for 2nd District
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State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) becomes the eighth Republican to launch a campaign for the 2nd Congressional District, and the third from the city of Muskogee. The last time the seat was open - in 2012 - it drew six candidates. He joins State Sen. Marty Quinn, State Rep. Dustin Roberts, former State Rep. and current OKGOP chairman John Bennett, police chief Johnny Teehee and pharmacist Chris Schiller (both of Muskogee), and military vets Erick Wyatt and Clint Johnson. Below is Frix's campaign announcement:  Frix in the Fight Vows to be a ‘force’ in Congress, takes aim at Biden
(Muskogee, Okla) Businessman, builder and state Rep. Avery Carl Frix announced today that he is officially a candidate for the 2nd Congressional district. “In the Frix family, we build stuff,” said Frix. “Like President Trump, I’m ready to rebuild America with our values and our way of doing things. It’s time to take back Congress and our country from Biden, Harris and the rest of the leftist whackos intent on making everything in their image instead of God’s.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 25, 2022 at 08:51PM |
State Rep. Avery Frix announces congressional campaign, becomes 8th GOP candidate for 2nd District Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, March 24, 2022
American Quarter Horse on track to become Oklahoma's State Horse
 American Quarter Horse on Track to Become Oklahoma's State Horse OKLAHOMA CITY – The American Quarter Horse could become Oklahoma's official state horse after legislation advanced through the House. House Bill 3261, authored by Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, names the American Quarter Horse as the state horse of Oklahoma in recognition of the value of the breed to Oklahomans. "The American Quarter Horse has had a significant role in our state's history and has been a huge economic driver as well," Randleman said. "I'm pleased that this bill passed the House with such wide support." For nearly 50 years, the American Quarter Horse Association has held its world championship show in Oklahoma City with competitors from around the world. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 08:02PM |
American Quarter Horse on track to become Oklahoma's State Horse Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
State Senate passes measure for voters to consider judicial nomination reform
 JUDICIAL-NOMINATION REFORM WINS OKLAHOMA SENATE APPROVAL Legislation that would reform the state’s judicial nominating process has won easy approval in the Oklahoma Senate. “This is an extremely important reform that I think most Oklahomans will support,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. Senate Joint Resolution 43, by Treat, would give voters the opportunity to amend the Oklahoma Constitution so that many judicial nominees would be selected by the governor with Senate confirmation required for appointment, duplicating the process used to make federal judicial appointments. The governor would nominate the chief justice and associate justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the chief judge and associate judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the judges of all intermediate appellate courts. Following gubernatorial nomination and Senate approval, those judges would then be subject to periodic retention-ballot elections. District court judges would be chosen by election in a process that identifies the partisan affiliation of a judicial candidate. The system created by SJR 43 would replace Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). The JNC is a 15-member group that screens applicants for some of Oklahoma’s highest courts. In the case of Oklahoma Supreme Court vacancies, the JNC recommends only three nominees. The governor is not allowed to consider appointing anyone else, regardless of other potential jurists’ records. However, under SJR 43, the governor would be allowed to consider a much wider range of potential judicial nominees. The JNC system has long been criticized for its secrecy and the perception that the group is overly controlled by the Oklahoma Bar Association, which appoints many of its members. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 04:00PM |
State Senate passes measure for voters to consider judicial nomination reform Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Canadian County Commissioner Jack Stewart to run for SD18
 Canadian County Commissioner, Republican Jack Stewart to Run for New State Senate District 18 Jack Stewart, who is currently finishing his third term as Canadian County Commissioner for District 3, announced today that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for the newly created Oklahoma State Senate District 18. Jack has dedicated more than a decade of his life serving the people of Canadian County as Commissioner – overseeing the design, construction, and maintenance of over 300 road miles in his local community. After much prayer and discussion with leaders in the community, Jack is committed to serve his neighbors in a new way – defending constitutional freedoms and expanding economic opportunities for the region at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Jack received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University before joining the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, where he worked for 31 years. Jack then took his talents to the private sector, working as a transportation unit manager for Carter and Burgess Engineering Company, subsequently Jacobs Engineering. He also served on the Yukon Traffic Commission before serving as Canadian County Commissioner. Jack Stewart is inviting the community to his Campaign Kickoff Reception, which will be held on Monday, March 28, from 6-8pm at the Express Clydesdales Barn, 12701 W. Wilshire Blvd in Yukon. RSVP on Facebook at Jack Stewart for State Senate, text or call 405-620-4769 or via email to Jack@stewartforoksenate.com. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 01:46PM |
Canadian County Commissioner Jack Stewart to run for SD18 Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Senate passes Jech measures to modify vehicle sales tax and registrations
 Senate passes Jech measures to modify vehicle sales tax and registrations OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans may soon have a little extra money in their pockets after buying a new car or truck. The Senate approved a pair of measures authored by Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, on Monday that would change how the state collects sales tax on vehicle purchases and how long citizens have to register that new purchase. Senate Bill 1486 would modify the formula used to calculate how much sales tax is owed on the purchase of a vehicle. Under current law, sales tax is calculated on the initial cost of the vehicle, even if a trade-in allowance is used to lower the cost of the total purchase. Jech’s legislation would modify this calculation and base sales tax only on the difference of the price of the new vehicle and the value of the trade-in. SB 1318 would extend the amount of time a buyer of a vehicle has to register the new purchase with the state by doubling the time frame from 30 to 60 days. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 11:22AM |
Senate passes Jech measures to modify vehicle sales tax and registrations Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Treat's school choice bill fails in late night Senate vote
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 I'll have more on this later, but State Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat's school choice bill (SB 1647) failed in a vote on the Senate floor late last night. Here is a link to a text version of the roll call vote pictured above. The measure received one Democrat vote in favor (Brooks) and twenty one Republican votes. In opposition were seven Democrats and seventeen Republicans (mostly rural). I've published several posts voicing concerns that the homeschool community had with SB 1647; Treat removed home educators from the bill in committee. However, rural schools also weighed in heavily against the measure, and it shows on the roll call vote. The vote was held open for a lengthy amount of time (around two hours), and was 24-22 in favor at one point. GOP Senators Jake Merrick and David Bullard switched to 'nay' before the conclusion of the vote. Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) was in Washington, D.C., at a fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign, and missed the vote. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 09:33AM |
Treat's school choice bill fails in late night Senate vote Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Sen. Boren, Cleveland County residents voice outrage over proposed turnpike expansion
OKLAHOMA CITY – At a press conference Wednesday, Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, was joined by other Cleveland County residents in sharing their outrage over the planned expansion of Oklahoma’s turnpike system that threatens the home and property of hundreds, the only location of a rare rock and a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife. Boren pointed out the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s (OTA) concern for local residents seems to decrease with every major project. With the Kilpatrick Turnpike, OTA chose a path that took one house per mile, but with the Kickapoo Turnpike, the route took three houses per mile. The planned Cleveland County project would require the destruction of 16 houses per mile. “The Turnpike ACCESS Plan threatens hundreds of homeowners, landowners, and thousands of residents in my district. It’s my duty to amplify their voices at this critical time so that all Oklahomans can join us in persuading the governor and his appointees to the Turnpike Authority to change course and stop this lunacy,” Boren said. “Yesterday, it was homeowners and landowners in the Luther area who tragically lost their homes and businesses when the Kickapoo Turnpike was built. Today, the people of Cleveland County are in the crosshairs of the OTA. Tomorrow, it will be another community, unless the governor, state Legislature or the courts stops this proposed project.” OU professor Dr. Amy Cerato explained that the proposed highway also runs through the only place Rose Rocks can be found in the world. “Barite roses are distinctly Oklahoma. Our state rock since 1967, these exquisite natural wonders are found only one place on earth – in a thin band between Lake Stanley Draper and Noble. They are cherished by Oklahomans and mineral and rock enthusiasts from around the world,” Cerato said. “The citizens of Oklahoma, together with our elected officials, must hold the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority accountable in preserving this rare geological formation.” The turnpike expansion would not only be devastating for area residents, but would also be catastrophic for WildCare, the state’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center and one of the largest in the nation, along with many endangered and threatened species in the area, according to Director Inger Giuffrida. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 09:15AM |
Sen. Boren, Cleveland County residents voice outrage over proposed turnpike expansion Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Senate passes bill to help fill teacher shortage
 Measure to help fill teacher void heads to House OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave approval Wednesday to legislation to allow schools to utilize highly-qualified professionals in their classrooms as long as needed. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, authored Senate Bill 1119 to remove the 270-hour cap for adjunct teachers per semester as the state continues to struggle with the teacher shortage. According to the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), the number of adjunct teachers in Oklahoma schools has increased annually from around 175 during the 2015-2016 school year to more than 400 last school year. The State Board of Education has also approved more than 3,800 emergency certifications so far this school year, pointing to districts’ ongoing need for classroom teachers. “Until we no longer have a need for emergency certified or adjunct teachers, we must remove any barriers keeping districts from being able to have these highly qualified individuals in the classroom,” Garvin said. “Not only are these professionals helping fill a teaching void, but they’re also helping expose students to their professions, industries and perspective career fields, which is so important as students make decisions about their futures.” Adjunct teachers are professionals with distinguished qualifications in their field, such as scientists or accountants. Because of their professional background, they do not have to meet the standard certification requirements but can be authorized by the local school board to teach a subject related to their field of expertise. Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, is the principal House author of the measure that now moves across the rotunda for further consideration.  LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO HELP FILL TEACHER VOID OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell commends the Oklahoma Senate for passing Senate Bill 1119, authored by Senator Jessica Garvin. The bill removes the 270-hour cap per semester for adjunct teachers in order to help combat Oklahoma’s teacher shortage. “In a time where many Oklahoma school districts are struggling to fill teaching positions, we need to explore different avenues to get great instructors in the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Oklahoma has many professionals who are highly qualified to teach courses within their fields. We should not be limiting them with arbitrary caps when they are ready and willing to provide quality education to Oklahoma students.” Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 24, 2022 at 08:13AM |
Senate passes bill to help fill teacher shortage Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Community schools pilot program approved by State House
 Community Schools Pilot Program Approved by House OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that would institute a pilot program for the community school concept advanced from the House on Monday. House Bill 3374 is authored by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City. Community Schools make use of up to $100,000 per school district of federal funds to allow schools to hire a resource coordinator who becomes familiar with individual student and family needs and pulls together resources available in the local community help meet those needs. "Students in different schools have very different needs," West said. "These can range from needing extra reading support, to after- and before-school programs, mental health services and more. The community school concept allows us to use federal funds to put these resources into the hands of our students and families to improve their lives." West, who is a parent of three children educated in public schools and who previously served on the Putnam City School Board, said the community schools concept prioritizes local control by connecting parents and students with local community partners. It encourages efficiency by combining existing school resources with community resources rather than duplicating services. All of this is done with no added costs to school districts. Instead, schools would use federal funds made available through grants. HB3374 would authorize the State Board of Education to help local school boards create pilot projects to align such resources to ensure students' needs are met. The measure also directs the board to award federal grants so districts could employ a resource coordinator. Statute is necessary to draw down the federal funds for the program. The legislation specifies that schools would complete a comprehensive student needs assessment involving stakeholders to see what students, families and the schools actually need. Schools also would involve site-based collaborative leadership and include an ongoing stakeholder engagement process. An amendment to the bill directs that the resource coordinator will complete Hope Leadership training, which is part of First Lady Sarah Stitt’s Hope Rising Initiative proposed during Gov. Stitt's State of the State address this year. West said Sarah Stitt has shown support for this initiative and has tentatively offered resources from her Hope Foundation to help it succeed. Community schools are based on six principals: Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 23, 2022 at 11:43AM |
Community schools pilot program approved by State House Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
State Rep. Rick West's "Right to Garden" bill passes House
 Right to Garden Passes House OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, this week won passage of a bill that will grant people the right to grow personal gardens regardless of where they live or any potential future government action that might seek to restrict such freedom. House Bill 2979 creates the Oklahoma Right to Garden Act and prohibits local governments from regulating gardens on residential properties. The measure does not preclude local governments from regulating water use, fertilizer use or invasive species. "The right to grow food for yourself or your family regardless of where you live is a primal right that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden, and it should not be prohibited by esthetics, discrimination or governments," West said. "This has never been more important as people are experiencing very real food shortages with major supply chain issues, and the price of fuel and inflation are driving up prices at the grocery store." Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 23, 2022 at 08:00AM |
State Rep. Rick West's "Right to Garden" bill passes House Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
State House passes bill to send end of Daylight Savings Time to vote of the people
 Daylight Savings Change Clears House OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, today convinced enough of his House colleagues to send to a vote of the people a proposal that could permanently end Daylight Savings Time in Oklahoma. House Bill 3146 would ask Oklahomans to vote on a statutory amendment that if approved would lock the clock on Central Standard Time in Oklahoma and do away with the twice-yearly clock changes. The change would take effect Nov. 8 – the next time clocks are scheduled to fall back an hour. "Regardless of how we manipulate the clock, we still have the same number of daylight hours available to us each day," West said. "This gives the people of Oklahoma the right to decide the time on the clock during which they are observed." Daylight Savings Time, which states can currently opt in or out of, requires setting clocks forward an hour each spring and backward an hour each fall in an attempt to increase daylight during evening hours. Other states, including nearby Arizona, have passed or are passing similar legislation. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 22, 2022 at 09:13PM |
State House passes bill to send end of Daylight Savings Time to vote of the people Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Mullin: my term limits pledge didn't matter because "my life experience changed"
 Congressman Markwayne Mullin, now running for U.S. Senate after Jim Inhofe announced his retirement, famously made - and broke - a term limits pledge in 2018 when he ran for his fourth term in the U.S. House (he's now finishing up his fifth). Reporter Reese Gorman of The Frontier caught up with Mullin at a recent event, and asked a good question:
Mullin has had four years to come up with an answer for why he broke his word. "My life experience changed" is apparently the best he's got. How reassuring. Some of the reactions to this clip were spot on:
Remember this answer any time you hear Mullin give his word, or pledge, or say he'll do any thing. His life experience might change afterwards, so don't count on him keeping with it.Read more » by Jamison Faught - March 22, 2022 at 04:00PM |
Mullin: my term limits pledge didn't matter because "my life experience changed" Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Muskogee GOP sets annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner for May 19th, Gov. Stitt as keynote speaker
 The Muskogee County Republican Party has scheduled their annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner for Thursday May 19 at 7pm at the Muskogee Civic Center. Governor Kevin Stitt will be this year's keynote speaker. This event is the main fundraiser for the county party’s support of local and state Republican candidates. For something like a dozen years, the Muskogee GOP has awarded over 60 college scholarships to public, private, and home school graduates in Muskogee County. The 2022 Scholarship winners will be awarded during the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner. Sponsorships will include the VIP Reception and a picture with Governor Kevin Stitt. Read more »by Jamison Faught - March 22, 2022 at 01:50PM |
Muskogee GOP sets annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner for May 19th, Gov. Stitt as keynote speaker Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |