Small: Minimum-wage reality

Minimum-wage reality
By Jonathan Small

On paper, Oklahoma’s minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. In reality, the starting wage for most entry-level jobs today is much higher with wages of $11 to $14 an hour common.

That fact undermines the entire narrative of those claiming government needs to set wages. They argue that employers won’t pay a penny more than legally required. But this is false. Employee pay is not the product of government edict, but of market reality. Employers must pay wages that attract workers. That’s why today’s entry-level wages in Oklahoma are much higher than the official minimum.

OCPA urges fraud review of state SNAP benefits

OCPA urges fraud review of state SNAP benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 4, 2025)—Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today called on state officials to conduct a thorough review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oklahoma, noting that public data suggests a significant amount of fraud may be present.

“The share of Oklahomans on food stamps is nearly 50 percent higher than the share of people in poverty in Oklahoma,” Small said. “In other states, food-stamp participation is generally in line with the poverty rate. That suggests there may be a significant number of people in Oklahoma receiving benefits who do not qualify. It is important that state policymakers not put any state funds into the SNAP program right now; rather, officials must review the program to determine why Oklahoma’s rates are so out of line with national norms. Then they must take steps to implement work requirements, minimize SNAP costs and errors, prohibit illegal aliens from receiving SNAP subsidies, and take whatever additional steps are necessary to protect taxpayers.”

Tulsa 9.12 Project corrects record, opposes Mayor Nichols' tax hike proposal

Tulsa 9.12 Project Responds to Claims of Supporting Mayor Nichol’s Tax Increase Proposal

(Tulsa, OK -- Nov. 5th) Over the last several days, we’ve received a remarkable number of texts and calls regarding false information being circulated to city councilors and constituents suggesting that Tulsa 9.12 Project supports Mayor Nichols’ upcoming tax proposal.

Allow us to be perfectly clear:
We. Do. Not.

Op-ed: State Question 836 is not about choice

Here's an op-ed from former Tulsa County GOP Chairman Mike Ford on the dangers of potential  State Question 836, currently gathering signatures across the state to be placed on the ballot:

State Question 836 IS NOT ABOUT CHOICE
by Mike Ford

State Question 836 would replace Oklahoma’s modified closed-primary system with a “top-two” non-partisan primary, placing all candidates on a single ballot and sending only the two highest vote-getters—regardless of party—to the general election ballot.

While we know very little about the cabal bankrolling SQ836, or their true agenda for wanting to hijack one of the best electoral systems in the country, it’s PR and proponents claim this measure “broadens voter participation, especially among Oklahoma’s Independent Voters.”

In reality, the measure alienates Independent voters, as well as Libertarians, along with the respective candidates of both constituencies.

Gov. Stitt adds two new staffers to focus on legislative relations

Governor Kevin Stitt Welcomes Two New Members to Focus on Legislative Relations

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 28, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Derek Sparks and Jennifer Shoop will join the Governor’s professionals to focus on strengthening relationships with members of the Oklahoma Legislature and supporting the administration’s legislative priorities. 

“Derek and Jennifer bring a wealth of experience and trusted relationships to our office,” said Governor Stitt. “Their understanding of the legislative process and commitment to serving Oklahomans will be invaluable as we continue working to make Oklahoma top ten in everything we do.”

Legislators study impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources, power grid

Clinton studies impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, conducted an Interim Study on the impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid in front of the Utilities Committee. 

Data centers range from small to regional facilities that support hospitals, universities, or private businesses to large-scale developments called “hyperscalers,” that support social media, streaming services and generative AI. Clinton’s study focused primarily on hyperscalers as they are experiencing the most significant growth.

“Data centers are an increasingly significant part of Oklahoma’s economy and infrastructure,” said Clinton. “But as this industry experiences unprecedented growth, it is also poorly understood by many. In short, data centers power our everyday lives, fuel our modern conveniences and make daily tasks more manageable. As our demand for this technology increases, so does the need for data centers. However, these hyperscalers may also use incredible amounts of electricity and water for cooling their servers, while their true economic impact is largely unstudied.”

McCall calls on other GOP candidates, voters to reject California-style open primary and 'decline to sign'

GOP gubernatorial candidates Charles McCall (below) and Mike Mazzei have been outspoken against State Question 836 for some time, and I believe Jake Merrick has publicly opposed it as well. A little over a week ago, after weeks of pressure from activists, Gentner Drummond finally issued a tepid statement against the radical leftist proposal, which would institute the same type of open primary system used in California that essentially keeps Republicans off the ballot there.

McCall Slams Radical SQ 836, Challenges GOP Candidates: Prove You’re Republican, Sign the Pledge

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 29, 2025) – Charles McCall, Conservative Republican candidate for Governor, is leading the fight against State Question 836, calling on Oklahomans to decline to sign and challenging every Republican candidate in the state to prove they stand with the people of Oklahoma by signing a pledge to oppose it.

SQ 836 would eliminate Oklahoma’s closed primaries and impose a California-style “top-two” system, giving liberal activists and out-of-state donors more power while silencing Republican voters.

Small: Petition reforms are clearly constitutional

Petition reforms are clearly constitutional

By Jonathan Small

A case pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court asks a simple question. Is it legal to require that initiative-petition efforts gather signatures from across Oklahoma? The answer is easy: Yes.

Senate Bill 1027, by state Sen. David Bullard and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, made several reforms to Oklahoma’s initiative-petition process, but the most notable was requiring  the collection of signatures equal to no more than 11.5 percent of the votes cast in any county during the most recent statewide general election (when seeking to change state law) or 20.8 percent (when seeking to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, which requires more signatures to advance to the ballot).

The reform passes the common-sense test. A proposal that will affect all Oklahomans should demonstrate support from Oklahomans across much of the state.

West, Bullard request AG opinion public obscene performances after new law

AG Opinion Requested on Public Obscene Performances

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, this week submitted a request to the state attorney general asking for clarification and guidance concerning the enforcement and intent of House Bill 1217. The measure prohibits adult performances containing obscene material in public spaces where children might be present.

The bill passed with an emergency clause allowing it to become effective immediately after the governor signed it into law May 9.

New law requires drivers to go hands-free with devices in school, work zones

This is one of a number of new state laws going into effect tomorrow:

New Law Requires Drivers to Go Hands-Free

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 27th) – Beginning Nov. 1, Oklahoma drivers will be prohibited from using handheld cell phones and other electronic communication devices in active school and work zones under House Bill 2263, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond. The law strengthens Oklahoma’s existing distracted driving rules by limiting handheld phone usage in areas where extra attention behind the wheel is critical. Drivers may still use hands-free features to stay connected safely.

“This law is a practical step toward safer roads,” Miller said. “It allows drivers to continue using hands-free technology while ensuring their focus stays on driving, especially in critical areas where workers and students are most at risk.”

Property owners can reclaim seized land after under new law

Property Owners Can Reclaim Seized Land After Nov. 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – After Nov. 1, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission will be required to notify previous property owners if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale. The property owners would then have the right to repurchase at their original selling price.

The change comes thanks to House Bill 1103, passed this year by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola.

The measure was requested by Myron Grabowski who lives in Gann's House district.

"Mr. Grabowski witnessed the taking of another person's land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to the property owner," Gann said. "This new law at least will give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain."

Wagoner County Assessor Sandy Hodges announces campaign for House District 12

SANDY HODGES ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA HOUSE DISTRICT 12

Coweta, OK – October 30, 2025: Wagoner County Assessor, Sandy Hodges, announces her run for Oklahoma State House, District 12. House District 12 is in Wagoner County and includes the municipalities of Broken Arrow, Coweta, and Porter.