1889 Institute: Time to rethink Oklahoma's emergency powers

TIME TO RETHINK OKLAHOMA’S EMERGENCY POWERS The legislature must be forced to act in extended emergencies. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 21, 2021) – The 1889 Institute has released “Rethinking Emergency Powers in Oklahoma,” a proposal to reform the state’s emergency powers provisions. It proposes that declared emergencies last only one week before the legislature must weigh in to extend such declarations by two weeks. After that, the legislature must pass explicit enactments according to warranted circumstances. Right now, Oklahoma’s Emergency Management Act allows the legislature to extend an emergency declaration indefinitely. “The legislature—the body in which all laws originate—is the proper authority to determine the best path forward in an ongoing, long-term emergency situation,” said the study’s author, 1889 Research Fellow, Mike Davis. “Emergency powers are a dangerous tool, granting nearly unchecked power to officials at the executive level of governments. It should only exist with tight safeguards,” Davis said. Davis also criticizes the way an emergency is defined in Oklahoma law. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 21, 2021 at 09:40PM

1889 Institute: Time to rethink Oklahoma's emergency powers Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt appoints Greg Blackwell to Court of Civil Appeals

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT APPOINTS GREGORY BLACKWELL TO COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS OKLAHOMA CITY (July 21, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Gregory Blackwell to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals.  This is the governor’s fourth appointment to the Court. “Greg Blackwell has proven his legal expertise through his years of practicing and defending the law,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am confident he will serve on the Court of Civil Appeals with honor and commitment.” "I'm humbled and grateful that the governor has appointed me to serve the people of Oklahoma as an appellate judge,” said Blackwell. “My career has taken me to many places, but I've never felt more at home than at the Court of Civil Appeals. I look forward to meeting my new colleagues, rolling up my sleeves, and doing the important work of the court for many years to come."  Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 21, 2021 at 09:07PM

Gov. Stitt appoints Greg Blackwell to Court of Civil Appeals Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

1889 Institute: OK taxes and fees are higher than Massachusetts as percentage of GDP

OKLAHOMA’S GOVERNMENT COULD BE SMALLER Oklahoma’s taxes and fees are higher than Massachusetts’ as a percentage of GDP. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 7, 2021) – The 1889 Institute has updated “Oklahoma Government Revenues and Spending in Perspective,” a Fact Sheet that compares Oklahoma to the other states in total taxes and fees collected by state and local government as a percentage of the state’s GDP. Oklahoma ranks 13th among the states in how low its governments’ revenues are compared to other states. The Fact Sheet also looks at state and local government spending in six categories: higher education, public education, public welfare, hospitals, highways, and corrections. Oklahoma spends more of its GDP on higher education than 32 other states, but spends more by this measure than only 9 states on public education. “In looking at the spending rankings, it’s clear that Oklahoma could spend more efficiently in some areas,” said Jason Lawter, the study’s author and Fiscal Policy Fellow at the 1889 Institute. “This does require discernment, though, given that the state’s road needs may well justify Oklahoma outspending 33 other states in that area,” he said. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 15, 2021 at 07:50AM

1889 Institute: OK taxes and fees are higher than Massachusetts as percentage of GDP Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep asks for bizarre and belated election audit, gets rightfully slapped down by Election Board Secretary

Sometimes, I just don't understand why people do things. Over the past several years, and the last year in particular, there are many individuals who were otherwise solid who (at least temporarily) have lost most of the good sense that they previously possessed in a bizarre urge to pander to a certain crowd that will never be satisfied. They know full well what they're doing, and that their pandering will accomplish absolutely nothing other than inflame their intended audience and supposedly transfer some good will in their favor. I don't blog to make people happy. I speak the truth where I see it. This obsession with indulging the Trump delusion that the election was stolen (and not the result of a botched campaign with a totally undisciplined candidate who undermined his own success at every turn, with the assistance of a willing and hate-filled media) will be the death of conservatism.  Just stop it already and have some character. Quit selling your integrity to the Trump personality cult, the most views, and the latest outrage clickbait. The latest in this sad saga is the following press release from State Rep. Sean Roberts. Possessing a voting record that is generally among the most conservative in the legislature, Rep. Roberts was a key player in the Platform Caucus, a core group of staunch conservatives who fought against major tax increases in 2017 and 2018. Now in his final term of office, it seems that Rep. Roberts might have lost some of that principle in a pursuit of cheap support and applause from the lowest common denominator in current GOP fads. Another elected official, further down this shameful track, would be State Sen. Nathan Dahm, but that's for another day. I'll offend enough people with this post for now. Anyway, first up is the ridiculous Roberts press release, followed by a reasonable and well-stated response by the inimitable Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2021 at 11:47PM

State Rep asks for bizarre and belated election audit, gets rightfully slapped down by Election Board Secretary Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Kim David announces campaign for Corporation Commissioner

David Running for Corporation Commissioner Pledges strong, conservative leadership Porter, Okla.: State Senator Kim David announced today that she is a candidate for Oklahoma Corporation Commission.  “For the past decade, I’ve fought to ensure Oklahomans have reliable, affordable energy and strong infrastructure,” David said. “Serving on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the next step in continuing this important work while growing jobs and opportunities in our state.” As a Republican leader in the Senate, David recently helped advance one of the body’s most conservative legislative agendas in the history of Oklahoma, which was then signed by Gov. Stitt. A historic figure in Oklahoma politics, David is the first woman since statehood to be named majority leader of the Oklahoma State Senate. She is also the first woman to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the first Republican woman to serve as majority whip. David will seek to fill the seat of Commissioner Dana Murphy, who is retiring due to term limits. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2021 at 03:00PM

Kim David announces campaign for Corporation Commissioner Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Stitt's Secretary of Education, Ryan Walters, enters race for State Superintendent

SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RYAN WALTERS ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA STATE SUPERINTENDENT “It is with great excitement that I announce my campaign to run for State Superintendent. As a teacher, I have spent my career advocating for and on behalf of our state's incredible educators and students and will continue to do so as I seek this new role as State Superintendent.” OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA -- Ryan Walters today announced his campaign for Oklahoma State Superintendent. Walters currently serves as the Secretary for Public Instruction.  “I am thrilled to announce my campaign for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction. Oklahoma is the best place to live, work, and raise a family in the nation but Oklahoma will only continue to thrive if we have an educated workforce to support our growing economy.  Walters continued, “As an educator myself, I have enjoyed following my students and seeing how their education in my classroom and countless others directly contributed to their personal success. I will not stop until every Oklahoma student is given the educational opportunities to succeed to their highest potential. That is what is driving my run for state Superintendent. Walters was named Secretary of Public Education by Governor Kevin Stitt in September of 2020. As Secretary of Education, Walters is responsible for various agencies, boards and commissions, including the State Board of Education, College and University Boards of Regents or Trustees, Office of Educational Quality and Accountability and the State Board of Career and Technology Education.   “Serving as Secretary of Education alongside Gov. Kevin Stitt has prepared me for the state Superintendent role in countless ways.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 12, 2021 at 11:15PM

Stitt's Secretary of Education, Ryan Walters, enters race for State Superintendent Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Trump Secretary of State Pompeo endorses Sen. James Lankford for reelection

We are just under a year out from the 2022 primary election here in Oklahoma, and the race for U.S. Senate is starting to take shape. Incumbent Republican James Lankford is running for a second full in the upper chamber, after winning a special election in 2014 to fulfill the last two years of Dr. Tom Coburn's second term. Tulsa pastor Jackson Lahmeyer is challenging Lankford from the right, with the support of QAnon-friendly crackpot and former Trump administration member Gen. Michael Flynn. Former Secretary of State Latest to Endorse Lankford OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 5th) – James Lankford’s campaign for U.S. Senate announced today that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is the latest to endorse his re-election bid. Secretary Pompeo also served in President Trump’s administration as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He previously served as a member of Congress from Kansas. Here’s what Mike had to say about supporting James: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 09, 2021 at 01:00PM

Trump Secretary of State Pompeo endorses Sen. James Lankford for reelection Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico