Carter: Career teachers are scant in the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame

There was an uproar - a tempest in a teapot, really - the other week over new State Superintendent Ryan Walters removing portraits in a hallway at the State Department of Education building placed in recognition of a non-governmental organization's "hall of fame". Instead of using government space to laud this one group's favorite people, he wanted to use the space to honor and recognize the parents and children that the Oklahoma State Department of Education is supposed to be working for.  Read below for some excellent context to the kerfluffle: CAREER TEACHERS ARE SCANT IN THE OKLAHOMA EDUCATORS HALL OF FAME by Ray Carter | February 24, 2023 When reviewing the more than 100 individuals inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame since 1985, Ruth Genevieve Hudson stands out—because Hudson, inducted in 1994, is one of the very few career classroom teachers to make the cut. While Hudson spent 45 years primarily teaching music at Sand Springs, Tulsa, and Blackwell Public Schools, as well as in the state of Kansas, her lengthy classroom service is in stark contrast to many of the other people honored in the educators’ hall. Instead, the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame is filled with the names of politicians, union leaders, lobbyists, consultants, and individuals who worked in college settings rather than in the K-12 school system. The hall is also filled largely with men, even though the overwhelming majority of classroom teachers are women. “To me, it wasn’t showing respect for the classroom teachers,” said Teresa Turner, who taught school for 26 years in rural Oklahoma before retiring. “It was just showing more respect for administrators and others instead of the ones that are in the daily grind doing the work with the children.” Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 28, 2023 at 07:43AM

Carter: Career teachers are scant in the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: OSU embracing worrisome policies

OSU embracing worrisome policies By Jonathan Small There’s a reason the phrase, “It’ll never happen here,” is often filed under the category of “famous last words.” Those who have assumed campus radicalism is concentrated in coastal universities or, in a worse-case scenario, at one particular state college, are now learning otherwise. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 27, 2023 at 11:05PM

Small: OSU embracing worrisome policies Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

LtGov Pinnell announces Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission appointees

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA GOLF TRAIL COMMITTEE APPOINTEES OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced today the appointees for the Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission, which is tasked with developing a list of golf courses to be designated as the Oklahoma Golf Trail. The Lt. Governor will serve on the commission along with Gary Bridwell, Lou Dechert, Sheila Dills, Jared Gallagher, Steve Gelnar, Charlie Hannema, David Jones, Michael Love, and Ken MacLeod.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 24, 2023 at 02:23PM

LtGov Pinnell announces Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission appointees Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Rural and urban law enforcement figures: Pro-SQ820 campaign is misleading the public

I was just remarking to my wife earlier today how absolutely misleading the pro-820 mailer was that came in the mail today... Sheriffs, DAs, Chiefs of Police & Narcotics Agents Agree: YES 820 Campaign is Misleading the Public (Feb. 23rd)  A large group of Oklahomans in the law enforcement community came together today to criticize the recent mailings and television advertising of Yes on 820. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 24, 2023 at 08:15AM

Rural and urban law enforcement figures: Pro-SQ820 campaign is misleading the public Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Senate Education Committee approves bill to organize library books into age-appropriate categories

Hamilton’s bill to organize books into age-appropriate categories clears Senate Education Committee OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 397 was approved by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. The bill, authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, would require school and public libraries to label books and other materials as elementary, junior high, under 16, or juniors and seniors. After receiving these designations, the materials would be placed in their respective sections, so students are only able to access books that are appropriate for their age. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 22, 2023 at 12:56PM

Senate Education Committee approves bill to organize library books into age-appropriate categories Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Lankford introduces bill to stop taxpayers from paying for abortion

Lankford, Cloud Want to Stop Taxpayers from Paying for Abortion WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 17th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the bicameral Women’s Public Health and Safety Act, which gives states the authority to exclude abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood, from receiving state Medicaid funds. Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) will introduce the same bill in the House. Under current law, states are required to allow any qualified provider to participate in a state’s Medicaid system. A non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed that Planned Parenthood received nearly $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements over a three-year period, accounting for 81 percent of the abortion provider’s joint federal-state funding stream. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 19, 2023 at 01:09PM

Sen. Lankford introduces bill to stop taxpayers from paying for abortion Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA: AG Drummond right to stand up to federal overreach

AG Drummond right to stand up to federal overreach By Jonathan Small With federal overreach a constant threat, it is important that states like Oklahoma stand up and fight to control their own destiny. That’s why Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond deserves praise for threatening to sue the Biden administration if it does not withdraw a rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) that designates the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 18, 2023 at 11:24AM

OCPA: AG Drummond right to stand up to federal overreach Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Senate passes bill banning "gender transition" procedures for minors

Good news: Senate approves bill prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 15th) – The full Senate has approved a measure prohibiting gender transition procedures for children under the age of 18.  Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of Senate Bill 613, which bans the use of any medications or surgical procedures for the purpose of gender transition.  Behavioral and mental health counseling and medications for depression and anxiety are not included. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 16, 2023 at 11:33PM

State Senate passes bill banning "gender transition" procedures for minors Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Lankford seeks to end federal subsidies to professional sports stadiums

Lankford Wants to Stop Federal Subsidies to Professional Sports Stadiums WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 14) – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act, a bill to end generous federal subsidies for professional sports stadiums. The bill would close a loophole in the tax code that allows professional sports teams to finance new stadiums with municipal bonds that are exempt from federal taxes. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is leading the bill’s introduction in the House of Representatives. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 15, 2023 at 05:15PM

Sen. Lankford seeks to end federal subsidies to professional sports stadiums Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Cong. Lucas announces SW Oklahoma town hall meetings on 21st and 22nd

Congressman Lucas Announces February Town Hall Meetings in Southwest Oklahoma Cheyenne, OK (Feb. 13th) – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) will hold town hall meetings in Harmon, Greer, Beckham, Custer, and Washita Counties on Tuesday, February 21st and Wednesday, February 22nd. 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 - February 15, 2023 at 02:02PM

Cong. Lucas announces SW Oklahoma town hall meetings on 21st and 22nd Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Small: Financial restraint creates opportunity

Financial restraint creates opportunity By Jonathan Small In his recent State of the State address, Gov. Kevin Stitt noted Oklahoma government now has $4 billion in savings and sufficient growth revenue to allow for major tax cuts and statewide school choice while boosting spending in key areas. He’s right. But it’s important that Oklahomans not forget why these major, transformative policy proposals are now feasible. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 12, 2023 at 04:09PM

Small: Financial restraint creates opportunity Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Missouri transgender clinic scandal adds urgency to Oklahoma child-protection effort

MISSOURI SCANDAL ADDS URGENCY TO OKLAHOMA CHILD-PROTECTION EFFORT (Ray Carter | February 10, 2023) News that a Missouri children’s transgender clinic has been accused of unethical activity and is under investigation by law enforcement officials has added urgency to Oklahoma efforts to keep children from being subjected to sex-reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones, lawmakers say. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 12, 2023 at 01:10PM

Missouri transgender clinic scandal adds urgency to Oklahoma child-protection effort Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

White: in voucher push, Stitt wants OK to be like states that restrict homeschooling

Here's an excellent post on the topic of school choice vouchers and homeschooling, from Jenni White with Reclaim Oklahoma Parent Empowerment (formerly known as Restore Oklahoma Public Education): Governor Stitt Says He Wants Oklahoma To Be More Like The Voucher States Of Iowa, Virginia, Florida and New Hampshire Where Homeschooling Is Significantly More Restricted Than Oklahoma February 9, 2023 || By JENNI WHITE - EDUCATION DIRECTOR Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 11, 2023 at 06:40PM

White: in voucher push, Stitt wants OK to be like states that restrict homeschooling Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

AG Drummond rebukes Gov. Stitt, Director Kintsel over Veterans Commission drama

Drummond says veterans panel appointments not allowed by law, optimistic Legislature will resolve issues OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9, 2023) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond said today that while there are significant statutory deficiencies with recent appointments to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission, he is confident that state legislators will resolve the matter this legislative session by stripping the Governor of his autonomy over the panel. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 11, 2023 at 05:22PM

AG Drummond rebukes Gov. Stitt, Director Kintsel over Veterans Commission drama Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Bill increasing penalties for firearm thefts passes first committee in State Senate

Sen. Weaver’s bill increasing fines/prison time for stealing firearms clears first hurdle OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9th) – The Senate Public Safety Committee has given its approval to a measure to increase the penalties for firearm thefts in Oklahoma.  Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, is the author of Senate Bill 859, which was approved by the panel on Thursday. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 11, 2023 at 03:22PM

Bill increasing penalties for firearm thefts passes first committee in State Senate Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Op-ed: Is School Choice a conservative idea - or a progressive long-game?

The following op-ed was submitted by Carrie Bertrand. Carrie is the Grady County Republican Party Chairman, a founding board member of the Constitutional Home Educators Alliance, and homeschooled two children for eighteen years. Is School Choice a conservative idea or a progressive long-game? How could any thinking person oppose “school choice?” – or so goes the familiar argument.  The debate continues this year, like last, in the Republican-majority state legislative session just begun, as school choice – also known as school vouchers, and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) – stirs intense conflict. The Left opposes school vouchers because they take money from public school funding; true conservatives don’t like vouchers because they expand government and threaten the autonomy of private and home education. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 08, 2023 at 12:00PM

Op-ed: Is School Choice a conservative idea - or a progressive long-game? Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislators release statement opposing weakening Oklahoma's current laws banning abortion

Legislators, Pro-Life Organizations Defend Oklahoma's Abortion Laws OKLAHOMA CITY – Today a bicameral group of legislators, together with numerous pro-life organizations,  released the following statement in support of Oklahoma's current abortion laws. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 07, 2023 at 04:00PM

Legislators release statement opposing weakening Oklahoma's current laws banning abortion Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislative leaders react to Gov. Stitt's 'State of the State' address

Following Gov. Stitt's State of the State address yesterday, here are reactions from House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka), Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Edmond), and Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd (D-OKC):Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 07, 2023 at 12:40PM

Legislative leaders react to Gov. Stitt's 'State of the State' address Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Abolition Day rally at State Capitol this morning to continue effort to end abortion

Meant to get this posted earlier, but better late than never. From Free The States: It's here! The Abolition Day Rally is this morning!  WHAT: Oklahomans gathering to rally and lobby as we demanding the abolition of abortion in a unified, prophetic voice. WHERE: Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 07, 2023 at 06:49AM

Abolition Day rally at State Capitol this morning to continue effort to end abortion Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Congressman Lucas announces town halls on February 15th an 16th

Congressman Lucas Announces February Town Hall Meetings in Central Oklahoma Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) will hold town hall meetings in Creek, Pawnee, Noble, Kay, and Osage Counties on Wednesday, February 15th and Thursday, February 16th. 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 - February 06, 2023 at 04:42PM

Congressman Lucas announces town halls on February 15th an 16th Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt delivers 2023 State of the State Address

GOVERNOR STITT DELIVERS 2023 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS OKLAHOMA CITY (February 6, 2023) – Governor Kevin Stitt delivered the first State of the State Address of his second term to the 59th Legislature today. Governor Stitt outlined his legislative agenda for 2023, focusing on driving excellence in education, making Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the nation, and protecting Oklahomans and promoting freedoms. The full transcript can be found below:  Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 06, 2023 at 01:14PM

Gov. Stitt delivers 2023 State of the State Address Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Muskogee's GGF Firearms to hold ribbon-cutting, handgun drawing on Friday

Glenndale Grace Firearms & Training is a great locally-owned gun range and store located just north of Muskogee on U.S. Highway 69. They are holding a ribbon cutting at noon this Friday, February 10th, to celebrate their first year of business. During the day, there will be discounts on range membership and training classes, as well as a drawing for a new 9mm handgun. Be sure to check them out! Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 06, 2023 at 11:13AM

Muskogee's GGF Firearms to hold ribbon-cutting, handgun drawing on Friday Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

As conservative policies advance, people are moving to Oklahoma

AS CONSERVATIVE POLICIES ADVANCE, PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO OKLAHOMA By Ray Carter (February 3, 2023) | During Gov. Kevin Stitt’s first term in office, he cut taxes, expanded school choice, restrained government growth to build up record state savings, and imposed COVID restrictions that were far more limited in scope and duration than those in many states. Today, Stitt is calling for more tax cuts and wants to expand school choice so all families can use tax funds for any school, including private schools. Stitt’s critics have decried those policy choices. But new data show that citizens across the country have reached their own verdict: Many now see Oklahoma as a place they want to live. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 05, 2023 at 02:33PM

As conservative policies advance, people are moving to Oklahoma Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Sup't Walters warns federal funds come with strings attached, can strip state's control of education

I would just like to point out that homeschoolers, for decades, have argued that government funds come with strings attached (which is why we have overwhelmingly rejected efforts to give us education vouchers). SUPERINTENDENT WARNS FEDERAL FUNDS CAN STRIP STATE CONTROL published by the Center for Independent Journalism Ray Carter (February 1st) -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters warned lawmakers that they risk losing control of state schools if they accept all forms of federal funding without hesitation. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 04, 2023 at 05:28PM

State Sup't Walters warns federal funds come with strings attached, can strip state's control of education Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Sen. Standridge files legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries

Sen. Standridge files legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has filed four pieces of legislation to protect minors from life-changing gender transition hormones and surgery that could render them unable to have children as adults.  The bills also allow lawsuits to be filed against health care providers and adults who violate the provisions of these measures. Read more » by Jamison Faught - February 04, 2023 at 05:09PM

Sen. Standridge files legislation to protect minors from gender transition medications, surgeries Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico