AFP-OK celebrates historic education tax credit

Oklahoma Celebrates Historic Education Tax Credit Oklahoma City, OK (May 19th) – Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma released the following statement following the final passage and procedural motions which sends HB 1934, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act to Governor Kevin Stitt.  AFP State Director John Tidwell commented: “Simply put, kids win. This truly historic education tax credit will change the lives of generations of Oklahoma kids. Families finally have real choice in the school that best meets their needs.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 23, 2023 at 09:48PM

AFP-OK celebrates historic education tax credit Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Rep. Olsen warns: pro-abortion bill makes late-session reappearance

Pro-Abortion Bill SB 834 transforms into Pro-Abortion SB 368 By State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) Before the reversal of Roe v Wade, virtually every Republican voted for some kind of abortion limitations, and the argument was "If it saves even one baby, it's worth it."  Now, among a few of the more liberal Republicans , the refrain has changed to "If we sacrifice a few, we can save many." In Senate Bill 834, this session has seen a strong battle on whether we need to loosen up and compromise our abortion laws and allow the brutal murder of some portion of our babies.  Ostensibly, this would give us some protection against a state question that could legalize abortion on demand, wide open.  This line of thought advocates that if we allowed the slaughter of perhaps 200 babies per year, this would save the larger number that would be killed in wide open abortion on demand.  The extermination of the approximately 200 babies would have been allowed on the basis of the mother being a victim of rape or incest. As we have argued in the past, these terrible crimes are not the fault of the baby.  The baby's essential humanity and right to life is not contingent upon the quality of her parents.  The baby is not guilty of any crime meriting the death penalty. The baby has a right to life! Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 21, 2023 at 08:18AM

Rep. Olsen warns: pro-abortion bill makes late-session reappearance Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: OETA doesn’t need state subsidies

I've enjoyed a lot of OETA/PBS content over the years; nature programs, historical documentaries, chilren's shows, classic films on the OETA Movie Club. My wife and I really enjoy the geneological show Finding Your Roots. But here's the thing. Is it really the proper role of government to fund public broadcasting? I don't think it is. OETA, and PBS, and NPR - all of them can function apart from taxpayer funding. In the wake of Gov. Stitt's veto of OETA's reauthorization, a lot of media stations and personalities have decried the move. Perhaps they could step up to the plate and fund OETA/PBS much like C-SPAN is funded by the cable industry. Here's a column by OCPA President Jonathan Small on the matter: OETA doesn’t need state subsidies By Jonathan Small Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to veto reauthorization of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), the state’s Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) entity, has critics acting as though the sky is falling and that Big Bird is on his last legs. Neither view is true. Big Bird will still be around even without Oklahoma government funding, as proven by the fact that 14 other states do not provide direct state funding to PBS stations. There are no reports of children aimless wandering the streets of those states without access to any educational programming. Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 11, 2023 at 11:53AM

Small: OETA doesn’t need state subsidies Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt signs executive orders aimed at shrinking government, improving efficiency

GOVERNOR STITT TAKES ACTION TO SHRINK GOVERNMENT, IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OKLAHOMA CITY (May 8, 2023) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed three executive orders aimed at creating a leaner, more effective state government that delivers better services to Oklahomans. "As a conservative, I believe in smaller government, so I am proud to sign these executive orders today to reduce the size of government and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Governor Stitt. Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 11, 2023 at 08:53AM

Gov. Stitt signs executive orders aimed at shrinking government, improving efficiency Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Measure aimed at cutting red tape for family home child care facilities signed into law

Measure Aimed at Cutting Red Tape for Small Business Strengthens Child Care Access For Oklahoma Families Signed into Law  Bill Author Says the New Law  is a “Common Sense” Solution to Real Problems Families Face Navigating Overburdened Child Care System OKLAHOMA CITY (May 4th) – A bill by freshman Tulsa State Representative Suzanne Schreiber, aimed at cutting red tape for family home childcare and thereby easing the burden Oklahoma families face accessing child care in order to stay in the workforce.  The measure was signed  by Governor Kevin Stitt on Tuesday and is set to become law in November.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 05, 2023 at 04:59PM

Measure aimed at cutting red tape for family home child care facilities signed into law Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bill aimed at getting to the root of catalytic converter theft set to become law in November

Bill Aimed at Getting to the Root of Catalytic Converter Theft Set to Become Law in November Bill Author Says the Measure is a “Common Sense” Solution to a Growing Crime Costing Oklahoma Families Thousands of Dollars and Creating Public Safety Risks OKLAHOMA CITY (May 3rd) – A bill authored by Tulsa freshman State Representative Suzanne Schreiber aimed at empowering law enforcement to enact forfeiture measures associated with the theft of catalytic converters and copper will become law in November after clearing all legislative hurdles. Schreiber said she was informed about the issue by her predecessor, former state representative Carol Bush, who had worked to combat catalytic converter theft during her time in office. Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 05, 2023 at 02:52PM

Bill aimed at getting to the root of catalytic converter theft set to become law in November Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Fetgatter to pursue better protection for sexual assault victims after Henryetta tragedy

Fetgatter to Initiate Protection Law after Henryetta Tragedy OKLAHOMA CITY (May 3rd) – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, in 2019 secured passage of a law to protect sexual assault victims from their predators. He's now pursuing legislation to better protect potential victims. House Bill 1881 was named Kaylee's Law after a constituent in Fetgatter's House District 16. It directs the courts to issue orders of no contact from people convicted of sexual abuse or exploitation crimes to their victims. It was named for a young woman who received a birthday card, pictures and newspaper clippings talking about how beautiful she'd grown up to be from the man accused of sexually assaulting her while he was serving time in prison. After this week's news of the horrific finding of seven bodies in Henryetta believed to be those of a convicted rapist, his wife and stepchildren and two unrelated teenage girls, Fetgatter said it is time he pursues a stronger law. This one must not only protect victims but potential victims as well, he said. "I've moved from the initial grief and overwhelming sorrow I felt on learning the news of this terrible crime," Fetgatter said. "Now I'm angry. I'm furious this man was ever let out of prison with his conviction of rape and new charges of sexually soliciting a minor while he was still in state custody." Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 04, 2023 at 09:15PM

State Rep. Fetgatter to pursue better protection for sexual assault victims after Henryetta tragedy Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Brecheen introduces the 'DRIVE Act' to protect ranchers, farmers, and truckers from Biden overreach

Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces The DRIVE Act To Protect Ranchers, Farmers, and Truckers from Biden Overreach Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, which would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed. The rule would negatively impact both the agricultural and trucking industries and include vehicles like semi-trucks, livestock trailer/truck combos, grain trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. See more examples of vehicles impacted here. Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 04, 2023 at 08:43PM

Brecheen introduces the 'DRIVE Act' to protect ranchers, farmers, and truckers from Biden overreach Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Talking points against school choice don't hold up

Talking points don’t hold up By Jonathan Small In education, two talking points are constantly touted by status-quo defenders. First, if we spend more money on the state-run public-school system, our negative education outcomes will make a turnaround. Second, most families don’t need other choices because they are already “choosing” their local public school. Neither talking point holds up—as two status-quo defenders recently acknowledged (even if unintentionally). Read more » by Jamison Faught - May 02, 2023 at 03:40PM

Small: Talking points against school choice don't hold up Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt vetoes 20 Senate bills in escalation of fight over tax cuts, education reform

Governor Kevin Stitt probably prepared with some stretches and knuckle-cracking before he set out on a veto spree for the ages last night. In an escalation of the fight at the State Capitol over passing tax cuts and education reform, and in particular frustration with the Senate leadership's intransigence on these issues, the governor vetoed twenty Senate bills - writing the same veto message on all of them: Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 27, 2023 at 01:51PM

Gov. Stitt vetoes 20 Senate bills in escalation of fight over tax cuts, education reform Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Column: OK Supreme Court abortion ruling points to the need for judicial reform

I have often mentioned this train of thought in conversation with folks, and there have been whispers of pursuing this sort of reform in the legislature for over a decade, but... let's be honest, a liberal judiciary serves as a convenient "out" for legislators who lack the political will to accomplish needed change. Organizations and clubs that are not accountable to the voters should not be dictating the makeup of one-third of state government. OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT ABORTION RULING POINTS TO THE NEED FOR JUDICIAL REFORM Ryan Haynie | March 24, 2023 [Last month], the Oklahoma Supreme Court dropped a bombshell opinion wherein it found the Oklahoma Constitution protects the right to terminate a pregnancy to preserve the life of the mother. In the ultimate exercise of futility, it did so despite both statutes in question providing for that very exception. Rather than providing clarity on the state of Oklahoma’s abortion laws, the Court muddied the waters by finding a right it wasn’t asked to find and didn’t need to find, injecting itself into the policymaking process, and leaving the door wide open for abortion on demand should it decide it favors that policy down the road. The first problem with the Court’s decision is its “discovery” of a constitutional right with precious little legal analysis. Where did it find this new constitutional right? For that, the Court relied on sections 2 and 7 of Article II of the Oklahoma constitution.” Those two sections state, “All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry,” and “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” respectively. With no analysis of what those provisions mean—much less what they meant to the people who ratified the Oklahoma Constitution more than 100 years ago—the Court’s majority decided that the right to terminate a pregnancy when the life of the mother is at stake is a constitutional right because a law permitting that exception to a prohibition on abortion existed before statehood. All of the dissents took this conclusion to task, with Chief Justice Kane noting “[o]ur Constitution is a highly detailed enumeration of rights, not a broad, sweeping statement of concepts.” Justice Kuehn wrote a particularly compelling dissent, rightly noting, “[i]t is not the job of this Court to create a right where none exists,” and “[t]here simply is no language in our due process clause which includes any right to terminate a pregnancy.” She went on to note the lack of legal explanation for the Majority’s statement that “the Oklahoma Constitution ‘creates an inherent right of a pregnant woman to terminate a pregnancy when necessary to preserve her life.’” But there is another problem with the opinion. Let’s imagine for a minute that the right to terminate a pregnancy to save the life of the mother was a fundamental right and not just a prudential judgment call for the legislature. In that case, the Supreme Court is not the appropriate policymaking body to decide how that “right” would be enforced or regulated. That decision is left to the legislature. In fact, you may be thinking, “I thought our abortion laws already had an exception for the life of the mother.” As mentioned previously, you would be correct. The law the Supreme Court struck down provided for an exception to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency. This “medical emergency” concept was a bridge too far for the majority. Call me crazy, but I believe a threat to the life of the mother is a medical emergency. I certainly hope the people around me believe a threat to my life is a medical emergency. Here, too, Justice Keuhn was particularly persuasive, writing, “[e]ven if I agreed with the Majority that the Oklahoma Constitution provides a limited right to termination of pregnancy to preserve the life of the mother, I could not agree with the Majority’s attempt to define that phrase . . . that task belongs to either the people or their legislative representatives. Finally, and perhaps more importantly, the Court seems to be leaving room for a complete and unfettered right to an abortion in the future. Because while the Court refused to find one of the abortion laws unconstitutional, it deferred on the question of whether the Oklahoma Constitution has anything to say about a right to elective abortions generally. If that seems wholly unreasonable, Justice Rowe agrees. He writes, “[t]he majority claims that it makes no ruling on whether the Oklahoma Constitution provides a right to an elective termination of pregnancy, yet the majority rejects the constitutional challenge to 21 O.S. § 861, which explicitly prohibits elective abortions.” If the above-mentioned constitutional provisions provide a right to terminate a pregnancy to save the mother’s life, then does the right to the pursuit of happiness provide a constitutional right to terminate any pregnancy for any reason? We don’t know, because the Court’s majority gave us no indication. This kind of shoddy analysis has become par for the course with this Court. As Carrie Campbell Severino pointed out at National Review, Oklahoma’s system for picking appellate judges is “a relic of the progressive era’s distaste for democracy [that] ties the hands of governors by allocating much of the nominating power to state bar associations.” OCPA has written extensively on the need to reform our judicial selection process by eliminating the Judicial Nominating Commission and replacing it with a federal model where the executive appoints jurists with the legislature serving in an advise-and-consent role. Last year, a bill to abolish the JNC passed the Senate but met opposition in the House of Representatives. Both chambers, which consider themselves very pro-life, may want to reconsider whether the process we currently use to select jurists is worth preserving—even if changing the status quo upsets their friends at the Oklahoma Bar Association. by Jamison Faught - April 26, 2023 at 01:00PM

Column: OK Supreme Court abortion ruling points to the need for judicial reform Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Response to MLK legislation is telling

Response to MLK legislation is telling By Jonathan Small Oklahoma law currently prohibits teaching children that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.” This year, lawmakers have advanced legislation to have public schools provide lessons on the “natural law and natural rights principles that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., drew from that informed his leadership of the civil rights movement.” It’s not a coincidence that many who opposed the aforementioned anti-racism law now oppose the MLK bill with some going so far as to claim you can’t teach about King without violating the prohibition on teaching racial superiority. One suspects King would be surprised to hear that. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 24, 2023 at 08:19AM

Small: Response to MLK legislation is telling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Heritage Foundation awards Innovation Prize to OCPA for pro-family initiative

Heritage Foundation Announces New Innovation Prize for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs WASHINGTON (Apr 19, 2023) — The Heritage Foundation today announced that it has selected the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs as a recipient of the Heritage Innovation Prize. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs will receive a $250,000 award over two years in support of its Preserve and Empower Oklahoma Families Initiative, OCPA’s strategy to reposition the nuclear family in Oklahoma as the most powerful and active force in Oklahoma culture and the public-policy making process. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 23, 2023 at 08:04PM

Heritage Foundation awards Innovation Prize to OCPA for pro-family initiative Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Senate approves joint resolutions calling for constitutional amendments via Article V process

Senate approves joint resolutions calling for constitutional amendments OKLAHOMA CITY (April 21st) – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has won approval for two measures that call for amending the U.S. Constitution. Bergstrom is the Senate principal author of House Joint Resolution 1017 and HJR 1032, which were approved by the full Senate Thursday. “Since Washington D.C. doesn’t know how to balance a budget or understand that all powers not granted by the U.S. Constitution to the federal government are reserved to the states, the Oklahoma Legislature is stepping up with resolutions to help change that,” Bergstrom said. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 23, 2023 at 01:25PM

State Senate approves joint resolutions calling for constitutional amendments via Article V process Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Brecheen joins fellow House Freedom Caucus freshmen in hosting 'Fresh Freedom' podcast

Oklahoma 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen is cohosting a new podcast with fellow House Freedom Caucus freshmen Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), and Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05).  Brecheen, Crane, Luna, and Ogles were all part of the 'Tenacious Twenty' who held together to extract transformative rules changes from Speaker Kevin McCarthy during the opening vote for House Speaker in January. This gang is going to be a core group of conservatives to watch. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 22, 2023 at 06:30PM

Brecheen joins fellow House Freedom Caucus freshmen in hosting 'Fresh Freedom' podcast Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Reactions roll in over Gov. Stitt's school choice compromise proposal

Governor Kevin Stitt's proposal to break the legislative impasse over school choice legislation is being met with a wide range of reactions. Read below for statements from: House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka (cautiously positive) Oklahoma Farm Bureau (positive) House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-OKC (negative) Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Edmond (somewhat negative) Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 22, 2023 at 03:56PM

Reactions roll in over Gov. Stitt's school choice compromise proposal Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislative authors lament sports betting bill failing to advance this session

After a bill that would have legalized sports betting in Oklahoma failed to advance through a State Senate committee before a crucial legislative deadline, the authors of the measure are lamenting the fact that Oklahoma is "missing out" on all that juicy tax revenue that would have resulted from passage of the bill. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 20, 2023 at 09:27PM

Legislative authors lament sports betting bill failing to advance this session Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Means-testing education?

Means-testing education? By Jonathan Small Here’s a quick thought experiment. There are two proposals to fund K-12 education. With one, families would get up to $7,500 for a child’s education. In another, families would receive nearly $13,000 per child in educational services. Some lawmakers want an “income cap” on one of these programs, to limit which families can use it. Can you pick which one? It’s not the $13,000 one—nobody is suggesting a limit there. The income cap would apply only to the $7,500 option. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 17, 2023 at 08:14AM

Small: Means-testing education? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bill to issue temporary disability placards to new mothers one step closer to becoming law

I've been swamped with work and other responsibilites the last two weeks, and didn't get a chance to post this press release earlier. This measure has since passed a House committee unanimously. Full Senate approves bill to issue temporary disability placards to new mothers OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, received unanimous approval for Senate Bill 1070 Wednesday, which allows mothers to receive a temporary disability placard to use for six months after giving birth. If signed into law, Oklahoma would become the first state to provide this assistance to new mothers. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 11, 2023 at 06:53PM

Bill to issue temporary disability placards to new mothers one step closer to becoming law Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bill aiming to curb sex-trafficking draws pushback as Dem rep declares prostitution is alternative income stream

BILL AIMING TO CURB SEX-TRAFFICKING DRAWS PUSHBACK by Ray Carter | April 10th, 2023 An effort to increase the penalties on individuals who pay prostitutes for sex, informally referred to as “johns,” has run into unexpected resistance. One prominent Democrat has argued prostitution is one of the “streams of incomes” chosen by individuals who find entry-level job wages insufficient, while an advocacy organization has declared the bill is effectively anti-transgender. But the bill’s authors have both said the point of the legislation is simple. “This bill aims to curb sex trafficking by reducing the demand for prostitution services,” said state Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City. “Many of those engaging in prostitution are victims of human trafficking.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 11, 2023 at 02:36PM

Bill aiming to curb sex-trafficking draws pushback as Dem rep declares prostitution is alternative income stream Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small on school choice: Not afraid to thrive

Rev. Wade Moore at recent school choice rally Not afraid to thrive By Jonathan Small Most parents want their children to not only survive but thrive. Sadly, among some school-choice opponents, that is apparently viewed as a controversial statement. Oklahomans from across the state recently rallied at the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to pass a robust school-choice tax credit that will allow them to use their tax dollars for the education setting that best serves each individual child, including private school and homeschooling. But one lawmaker dismissed many of them—based, it appears, on skin color. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 11, 2023 at 11:25AM

Small on school choice: Not afraid to thrive Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Senate approves $700M education package

I'm posting this somewhat delayed due to having been swamped with work, but this was the biggest thing to come out of the legislature last week: Senate Approves Historic Education Funding Package OKLAHOMA CITY (March 30th) - The Oklahoma State Senate today gave passage to its historic $700 million education package.  Senators voted overwhelmingly on both measures 40 – to – 7 on House Bill 1935 and 46 – to – 2 on House Bill 2775, approving the single largest appropriations increase to education in state history, sending it back to the House of Representatives.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 04, 2023 at 07:42AM

State Senate approves $700M education package Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Congressman Lucas announces April town hall meetings in Oklahoma Panhandle

Congressman Lucas Announces April Town Hall Meetings in Oklahoma Panhandle Washington, DC (March 27th) – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) will hold town hall meetings in Ellis, Harper, Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver Counties on Tuesday, April 4th and Wednesday, April 5th. Residents around the locations are invited to attend and share their thoughts on current events in Washington, DC and across Oklahoma. Read more » by Jamison Faught - April 03, 2023 at 09:20PM

Congressman Lucas announces April town hall meetings in Oklahoma Panhandle Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Senate Pro Tem Treat names members of Economic Development Select Committee

Senate Pro Tem Treat Names Members of Economic Development Select Committee, Announces First Meeting Date OKLAHOMA CITY (March 25th) – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today named the members of his previously announced senate economic development select committee and announced the first meeting date. Read more » by Jamison Faught - March 26, 2023 at 01:35PM

Senate Pro Tem Treat names members of Economic Development Select Committee Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bill protecting PreK-5 students from sexual content passes State House

Bill Protecting PreK-5 Students from Sexual Content Passes House OKLAHOMA CITY (March 21st) – Rep. Terry O'Donnell, R-Catoosa, today passed a bill in the House that would prohibit any classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades preK-5. Any classroom instruction on these topics in grades 6-12 must be age appropriate for students. "Conversations about a young child's sexual orientation or gender are best addressed between the child and their parents," O'Donnell said. "This measure is intended to protect a parent's fundamental right of being in charge of the narrative and dialogue on these topics and frankly over everything their child is learning in school."    O'Donnell said a parent could still choose to involve an educator in these discussions, but the measure would preclude broader classroom instruction on these matters. House Bill 2546 specifies that classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity shall not occur in pre-kindergarten through grade five or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students. O'Donnell said the bill is similar to Florida's Parental Rights Act passed last year. He said other states also are pursuing similar legislation and it has the support of parents. His bill does not prohibit sex education courses in older grades, but parents do have the option of opting out their child from such instruction. HB 2546 now moves to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. Terry O'Donnell serves District 23 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. OCPA praises House lawmakers for defending parents’ rights OKLAHOMA CITY (March  23, 2023)— Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today praised members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for voting to prevent school officials from discussing sexual issues with young children. Earlier this week, House lawmakers approved House Bill 2546, by state Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa. The bill simply states, “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity shall not occur in kindergarten through grade five or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” “Passage of this bill is a win for parents’ rights,” Small said. “Parents should have the right to determine the time, place and manner that issues like sexual orientation and gender identity will be discussed with their children. And most Oklahomans agree such discussions are inappropriate for the youngest children, such as those in kindergarten.” 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. by Jamison Faught - March 26, 2023 at 07:25AM

Bill protecting PreK-5 students from sexual content passes State House Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico