Hern, Brecheen, RSC budget task force members warn Biden of upcoming budget deadline

Rep. Kevin Hern, along with fellow Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen and other members of the Republican Study Committee that Hern chairs, are pushing President Biden on failing to present his budget proposal by a rapidly approaching statutory deadline: RSC leaders press Biden on upcoming budget deadline Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2023 at 08:38PM

Hern, Brecheen, RSC budget task force members warn Biden of upcoming budget deadline Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

AG Drummond sues Biden admin over emergency health powers delegated to WHO

Drummond sues Biden administration over emergency health powers delegated to WHO  OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 30, 2023) – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to remove an illegal regulation from federal law that allows the World Health Organization (WHO) to exert its authority over the United States. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 31, 2023 at 03:10PM

AG Drummond sues Biden admin over emergency health powers delegated to WHO Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bullard bill would phase out, replace Fed funding and control over K-12 education

Bullard plan would phase out and replace federal funding and control over K-12 education OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 26th) – Legislation has been filed to cut and replace financial ties and control of the federal government over common education in Oklahoma. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, authored Senate Bill 863 to authorize the State Department of Education to develop a ten-year plan to phase out the acceptance and use of federal funds for the support of K-12 education and project what state funds will be needed to fill the gap. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 30, 2023 at 07:49AM

Bullard bill would phase out, replace Fed funding and control over K-12 education Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Congressman Brecheen named to Budget and Homeland Security committee

Good news for fiscal conservatives -- Brecheen is on the Budget Committee: Congressman Josh Brecheen to Serve on House Committee on Homeland Security and Committee on the Budget Washington, D.C. (January 23rd) – Congressman Josh Brecheen announced today his selection to serve on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Budget Committee for the 118th Congress. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 26, 2023 at 07:30AM

Congressman Brecheen named to Budget and Homeland Security committee Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 24, 2023 at 10:53AM

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gann bill would prohibit government abuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements

Gann Bill Would Prohibit Abuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, this week filed a bill to prohibit the abuse of non-disclosure agreements, providing greater transparency in government. House Bill 1378 would require businesses of any kind seeking state or local incentives to fully disclose who they are and what they do and also would prevent government officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 24, 2023 at 08:51AM

Gann bill would prohibit government abuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislature completes bill filing for 2023 session with record amount of legislation

As best as I can tell, the Oklahoma Legislature has set a new record for amount of legislation filed in advance of a legislative session, with 3,079 bills and resolutions submitted. 2023: 3,079 2022: 2,299 2021: 3,049 2020: 2,240 2019: 2,815 You can research filed legislation by visiting OKLegislature.gov. Here are the details from the House and Senate: Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 20, 2023 at 08:54PM

Legislature completes bill filing for 2023 session with record amount of legislation Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Brecheen: Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives

Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla) Read the full op-ed at TheHill.com Many Americans were shocked to learn this month about the concentrated power in the House of Representatives that undermines our constitutional republic. Since 2016, the Speaker of the House has allowed zero votes on floor-offered amendments, unless they were pre-screened. Instead, members of Congress were forced to vote “yes” or “no” on legislation, often being forced to swallow wasteful, pork-ridden provisions that were buried inside bills.   Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 19, 2023 at 07:00PM

Brecheen: Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Josh West refiles Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act

Rep. Josh West Refiles Data Privacy Bill OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh West, R-Grove has refiled legislation that would require consumer consent for all personal data collection and sharing by major technology companies operating in the state. House Bill 1030 would create the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act. "Major technology companies track our every conversation, our spending records, our movements and so much more and then sell that information so it can be used to socially engineer us through marketing manipulation," West said. "Or worse, this information is used to perpetrate financial crimes against our citizenry and to actively spread mass disinformation." West pointed to a National Security Commission's 700-plus page report that explains how adversaries to the United States are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to enhance disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks that identify and target American citizens. Big tech companies, meanwhile, are profiting off of the sale of such personal and private data that is meant to manipulate and coerce behavior. The report revealed that America is ill-prepared for the next decade of technological development, and part of that is due to a lack of governmental action in regulating things like data privacy. The commission recommends legislatures pass meaningful data privacy measures to protect their constituents. Among other things, HB1030 would require business operating in the state that collect consumers' personal information to fully disclose the information collected and how it is being used or sold in a clear and conspicuous place and allow consumers to opt in or opt out. The law would apply to businesses with an annual gross revenue of more than $15 million or that share for commercial purposes the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers or that derive 25% or more of its annual revenue from selling consumers' personal information. HB1030 is a revision of legislation filed the last two years by West and other lawmakers. The previous bills passed the House but failed to advance in the Senate. West said he's reached out to those who have been against the legislation and asked for any input to gain their support. "One argument is the state could lose billions of dollars, but that is simply not true," West said. "And shouldn't we be more interested in protecting peoples' personal information than in a corporate bottom line?" Another argument is that this is a matter for the federal government to address. West said he doesn't envision that happening any time soon. West said Oklahoma is falling behind other states in this matter as other states have already passed similar legislation or are considering it in the interest of protecting their constituents. Three states have enacted comprehensive consumer data privacy laws. Lawmakers have introduced similar bills in eight states this year as well as numerous bills on biometric information, children’s privacy, health data privacy, data broker regulation, and automated employment decision tools. The goal of his legislation, West said, is to acknowledge Oklahomans' Constitutional rights to privacy and establish that collection of personal data without knowledge or consent is a violation of such privacy.  The legislative session starts Feb. 6. After that, bills will be eligible to be first and second read and must pass committee before being considered for passage on the House floor. Josh West serves District 5 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His districts includes parts of Delaware and Mayes counties. by Jamison Faught - January 19, 2023 at 04:24PM

State Rep. Josh West refiles Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Drummond announces new leadership team for Office of Attorney General

Of note among Drummond's hires is Trebor Worthen, a political consultant mercenary who headed up one dark money group that spent something in the neighborhood of $5M to $10M trying to defeat Gov. Kevin Stitt this past election. Drummond announces new leadership team for Office of Attorney General OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 13, 2023) –Attorney General Gentner Drummond today announced the addition of key leaders to the Oklahoma Office of Attorney General (OAG) and outlined various structural changes to the operations of the office. Newly hired leaders include General Counsel Rob Johnson; Chief of the Criminal Division, Jimmy Harmon; Chief of the Civil Division, Stacy Morey; Solicitor General Garry Gaskins; and Chief of Staff Trebor Worthen. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 17, 2023 at 11:37AM

Drummond announces new leadership team for Office of Attorney General Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Sen. Dahm files legislation banning CRT statewide

Sen. Dahm files legislation banning CRT statewide OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation banning state agencies or departments from implementing Critical Race Theory (CRT). “Our state government shouldn’t allow anyone to be judged by the color of their skin,” Dahm said. “We must ban the teachings of CRT in all areas of our government, not just our schools.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 17, 2023 at 07:25AM

State Sen. Dahm files legislation banning CRT statewide Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA column: Stitt's inauguration sets tone

Inauguration sets tone By Jonathan Small Gov. Kevin Stitt set the right tone for his second term in his inauguration speech, signaling a focus on good policy. Stitt’s agenda gives Oklahomans reason for optimism. “It’s time to keep moving forward with big ideas and to get them across the finish line for today’s children as well as the next generation,” Stitt said. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 16, 2023 at 11:31PM

OCPA column: Stitt's inauguration sets tone Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Dahm files legislation to fight destructive woke gender ideology

Sen. Dahm files legislation to fight destructive woke gender ideology OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to fight the dangerous and destructive woke gender ideology of the left. “For years, Senate leadership has dismissed the threat that the left’s gender ideology poses to our state,” Dahm said. “However, with instances of ‘family friendly’ drag shows, drag queen story hours, and the discovery of the gender transition program at OU Medical, it’s past time we stop this craziness. The following bills will provide Senate leadership with a way to fulfill the promises made during special session and end the practice of gender destruction in our state.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 12, 2023 at 03:12PM

Sen. Dahm files legislation to fight destructive woke gender ideology Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Auditor Byrd optimistic about Drummond prosecution of Epic Charter founders

CINDY BYRD OPTIMISTIC AS A.G. DRUMMOND TAKES ON PROSECUTION OF EPIC FOUNDERS OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (January 11, 2023) Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd today announced her support of Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, as he moves forward in the prosecutions against the former management at Epic Charter Schools. Based on the results of the SAI’s 2020 audit, Epic founders Ben Harris and David Chaney, and their CFO Josh Brock, now face felony charges of embezzlement and racketeering. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 12, 2023 at 01:03PM

State Auditor Byrd optimistic about Drummond prosecution of Epic Charter founders Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt appoints Dr. Deborah Shropshire to serve as Director of OKDHS

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS DR. DEBORAH SHROPSHIRE TO SERVE AS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES DR. SHROPSHIRE FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE AS DHS DIRECTOR IN STATE HISTORY OKLAHOMA CITY (January 10, 2022) – On the first day of his second term, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Dr. Deborah Shropshire, M.D., to serve as the Director of Human Services. Dr. Shropshire previously served as the Director of the Child Welfare Services at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). She will be the first woman to serve as Director of DHS in Oklahoma history. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 11, 2023 at 08:16PM

Gov. Stitt appoints Dr. Deborah Shropshire to serve as Director of OKDHS Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford, Bice call for transparency, communication in DOJ investigation of OKCPD

Lankford, Bice Call for Transparency, Communication in DOJ Investigation of Oklahoma City, OKC Police Department OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Jan. 9th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in November an investigation into the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 11, 2023 at 02:01PM

Lankford, Bice call for transparency, communication in DOJ investigation of OKCPD Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Dahm files bills to improve student learning

Sen. Dahm files bills to improve student learning OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 4th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to improve student learning in the state of Oklahoma. “As students return to school this month, now is a perfect time to ensure they will learn factual information rather than modern wokeness,” Dahm said. “These curriculum updates will provide students with an understanding of our philosophical underpinnings, teach them to reason, and allow them to think critically in the classroom.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 11, 2023 at 11:56AM

Sen. Dahm files bills to improve student learning Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Congressman Brecheen votes to defund Biden’s unconstitutional IRS army

Congressman Brecheen Votes to Defund Biden’s Unconstitutional IRS Army Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act (H.R. 23), which is intended to stop the hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents to target the American people. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 10, 2023 at 03:11PM

Congressman Brecheen votes to defund Biden’s unconstitutional IRS army Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dahm files legislation to prohibit fluoride in public water supply

Sen. Dahm files legislation to prohibit fluoride in public water supply OKLAHOMA CITY (January 5th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to prohibit fluoride from being added to any public water supply. “Many countries have stopped the use of fluoride in their water due to health concerns and lack of supporting evidence for its efficacy when ingested,” Dahm said. “Finland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and Switzerland are just a few of the countries to do so.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 06, 2023 at 02:38PM

Dahm files legislation to prohibit fluoride in public water supply Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Newhouse and Rep. Ford file legislation to modernize county clerk services

Sen. Newhouse and Rep. Ford file legislation to modernize county clerk services OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, filed legislation to allow certified copies of county land records to be signed, notarized and recorded electronically. Newhouse carried similar legislation last year that was unanimously passed in the Senate but did not receive a floor hearing in the House of Representatives. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 04, 2023 at 03:32PM

Sen. Newhouse and Rep. Ford file legislation to modernize county clerk services Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

McCall, Treat re-elected as House Speaker and Senate Pro Tem

It may be a new term, but it's the same faces in charge of the State House and State Senate: Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 04, 2023 at 11:19AM

McCall, Treat re-elected as House Speaker and Senate Pro Tem Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Erickson: Here's How to Get a Speaker of the House by Noon

One political commentator that I find to be particularly insightful, though I don't always agree with him (mainly on some finer points in theology/church issues), is Erick Erickson - formerly of RedState and The Resurgent. He now has a nationally syndicated radio show and writes on his own Substack here. He's been 100% right on the McCarthy speaker race, and I wanted to pass along part of his column this morning: Here's How to Get a Speaker of the House by Noon  ERICK-WOODS ERICKSON - JAN 4 Kevin McCarthy has lost three votes for Speaker of the House. On the third vote, the opposition grew. Who is being unreasonable now? The GOP could have a Speaker by noon today so long as it is not McCarthy. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 04, 2023 at 08:24AM

Erickson: Here's How to Get a Speaker of the House by Noon Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Brecheen joins principled conservatives in revolt against McCarthy speaker candidacy

Congressman Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District is staking out a bold stand for change on Capitol Hill.Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 03, 2023 at 04:43PM

Brecheen joins principled conservatives in revolt against McCarthy speaker candidacy Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Congressman Brecheen announces senior staff hires

Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Senior Staff in Washington, D.C. Office Washington, D.C. (January 3, 2023) - Congressman Josh Brecheen announced the following senior staff hires for his new congressional office in Washington, D.C.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 03, 2023 at 02:45PM

Congressman Brecheen announces senior staff hires Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislature meeting for this term's organizational day today

Get ready, the legislative session will be here before we know it. Later today, both the House and Senate will meet to take care of some constitutionally-required formalities, including the election of House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore. Read more » by Jamison Faught - January 03, 2023 at 09:00AM

Legislature meeting for this term's organizational day today Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico