State Rep. Vancuren resigns mere weeks after winning reelection

You know what's super annoying to me? State legislators who resign mere weeks after winning reelection. Taxpayers literally just spent thousands of dollars on the election that Rep. Vancuren just won, and now are on the hook again for a special election.

Vancuren Announces Resignation From House After Six Years of Service

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, announced today that he will resign from the House District 74 seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, effective January 1, 2025, after six years of dedicated service to the state. Elected in 2018, Vancuren served as the vice chair of the House Common Education Committee for the duration of his tenure and played an instrumental role in shaping legislative outcomes in education, fiscal policy and transparency.

Small: Attacking the "rich"

Attacking the “rich”

By Jonathan Small

Liberals often argue the tax system should penalize the “rich,” who allegedly never pay their “fair share.” That argument has resulted in a system where a large share of citizens is declared “rich.” In fact, the top 50 percent of all taxpayers now pay an astounding 97.7 percent of all federal individual income taxes.

A similar argument is being made regarding school choice. Some critics argue the “rich” shouldn’t benefit from the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program. As with taxes, this argument relies heavily on defining much of the population as rich.

To illustrate my point, recall that an Oklahoma teacher married to a firefighter enjoys family income well above $100,000 today.

Oklahoma officials celebrate cancellation of 18-mile-wide federal energy corridor crossing state

Property owners across the state are breathing a sigh of relief at the cancellation of an 18-mile-wide federal energy corridor, but by no means does that signal time to retreat and close eyes to future potential projects.

Numerous communities and groups across the state raised alarm over the project, culminating in a well-attended meeting at the Creek County Fairgrounds where House Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert announced that the federal Department of Energy was removing designation that would have allowed eminent domain for the project, leading to its scrapping.

Sen. Coleman plans to file bill to establish recall election process (sort of)

Wait. Coleman's idea of a recall election is having the Legislature put specific recalls on the ballot, instead of citizen-initiated means? Isn't that just the fox guarding the hen-house? I mean, if we're going to have recalls, shouldn't it be done by the party that puts the elected officials into office, rather than the party who is subject to a recall?

Coleman to file bill to establish recall process for state elected officials

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 12th) – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, has requested legislation to ensure state elected officials remain accountable to Oklahoma voters.

Coleman said he intends to file legislation to amend Oklahoma’s Constitution to allow for recall elections of state elected officials.

Coleman said he is working with Senate staff to draft legislation that would allow the Oklahoma Legislature to refer recall propositions to the ballot so voters can decide whether to remove or retain a specific state official. Because the legislation would alter the state’s Constitution, it would have to pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by Oklahoma voters to become effective.

House Speaker-Elect announces new government efficiency portal

Speaker-Elect Announces New Government Efficiency Portal

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 10th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today added to its transparency portal a government efficiency survey intended to root out duplication of services, waste and inefficiencies in state government. 

This initiative piggybacks on the federal effort to eliminate government waste through the newly-created federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

"We will work hand-in-hand with President-Elect Trump and our federal delegation on broader efforts to make government more efficient with DOGE," said House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We want to ensure our state government is working as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. As lawmakers, we want the assistance of Oklahomans who have first-hand experience with duplicative and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars."

Sen. Deevers encourages officials toward an Oklahoma First energy agenda

Deevers Encourages Officials Toward an Oklahoma First Energy Agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 4th) — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma energy policy reaffirming his commitment to an Oklahoma First agenda of low energy costs and government efficiency.

“Oklahomans have been very clear on their desire for an Oklahoma First energy policy, which means: (1) Prioritizing Oklahoma-based companies and local reinvestment, not foreign-controlled entities; (2) Focusing on proven energy sources under Oklahomans’ feet—oil and gas—rather than speculative technologies; (3) Rejecting climate alarmism which has been proven false on almost every prediction for 20 years; (4) Protecting Oklahoma’s natural beauty; (5) Protecting resources from ‘green’ energy scams that are resource-intensive and strain local utilities and water supplies; (6) Rejecting companies who embrace woke, globalist ESG/DEI ideologies; (7) Rejecting the waste of taxpayer dollars and redistribution of wealth through subsidizing ‘green’ energy in any way.

State Supt. Walters wants local school superintendents to be elected

Well, here's an idea I've never heard before:

Walters Announces Proposal to Elect Superintendents

Measure Would Increase Parental and Public Input and Accountability 

Oklahoma City, Okla (Dec. 4th) – Today, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced a proposal that  would require the election of public school district superintendents in Oklahoma. Under current state law, district superintendents are hired and contracted by local school boards. 

State Sen. Thompson files bill banning certain food dyes, additives

"What exactly are we eating?" That's a question a lot of folks have been asking in the past few years, in particular, and it's starting to reach the halls of elected office. While this isn't my area of expertise -- I am vaguely aware of debates over "seed oils", food colors and preservatives, et cetera (ironically reminiscent of the late-1800s origins of the FDA; PBS aired a fascinating documentary on this) -- State Senator Kristen Thompson thinks it's time to look into it:

Senator Kristen Thompson Introduces Legislation to Improve Health Outcomes in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 25th) — Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has introduced legislation to better improve health outcomes in Oklahoma.

The initiative comes as incoming President Donald Trump’s administration aims to prioritize public health. Senator Thompson’s bill specifically examines the use of certain harmful food additives that are prohibited in other countries.

Sen. Thompson’s Senate Bill 4 was born out of the growing concern over dangerous chemicals and additives in food that have been linked to serious health issues, including developmental and behavioral challenges in children.

State House page program opens applications

House Page Program Opens Applications

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 9th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program has opened applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, announced Program Director Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang.

Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government.

Small: Tax repeal must be priority

Tax repeal must be priority

By Jonathan Small

Now that this year’s elections have concluded, Republican caucuses have selected leadership in both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature. State Rep. Kyle Hilbert of Bristow will serve as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives while state Sen. Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle will serve as president pro tempore of the Senate.

As they prepare agendas for the 2025 legislative session, which starts in February, Republicans in both chambers must be prepared to tackle one of Oklahoma’s most pressing economic challenges – the state’s penalty on work.

Stitt signs energy MOU with Denmark; OK Freedom Caucus mentions concerns

Governor Stitt Signs Energy MOU with Ambassador of Denmark

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 2, 2024) - Today, Governor Stitt joined Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Oklahoma and Denmark. The agreement focuses on increasing collaboration between the two governments in pursuit of a robust and innovative energy future. The MOU also includes areas of technology and defense.

“Thanks to pro-business policies and our 'more of everything' approach to energy, the world is taking notice of what’s happening in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “This mutually beneficial relationship will create opportunities for economic growth and job creation for both Oklahoma and Denmark. Working together on innovative energy solutions will further enhance our already strong relationship with Denmark.”

Small: No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

No need to “California” Oklahoma elections

By Jonathan Small

This week, the group Oklahoma United called for abolishing our state’s primary election system and replacing it with a “jungle primary” in which the top two candidates proceed to the November general election ballot regardless of party.

Oklahoma United’s proposal is substantially based on California law. So, if you think California politics represent the ideal, this plan is for you. But for most Oklahomans, that alone is a giant red flag.