Redefined: New Lingo for "Tax Hikes"

With Governor Mary Fallin proposing $2.6 Billion in tax increases, we're starting to see some new terminology regarding taxes coming from some in state government who are following the Governor's lead. Let's remember that as a self-proclaimed "conservative Republican", Fallin campaigned on "right-sizing government"...

Music Monday: When I Can Read My Title Clear

This week's Music Monday is When I Can Read My Title Clear by the great hymn-writer English Isaac Watts. Pisgah, the most common tune for this hymn (and the one in the video below), originated in Appalachian Tennessee or Kentucky sometime around 1816. Enjoy! Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to submit for...

Yen's midwifery bills: one defeated, one shelved

I wrote last month about legislation filed by State Sen. Ervin Yen (R-OKC) that would severely restrict and regulate midwifery in Oklahoma. Today was the deadline for both bills to be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services committee in order to be advanced this session. Sen. Yen opted to not hear SB714 this session,...

Pinnell considering running for Lieut. Governor

Could Matt Pinnell become our next Lieutenant Governor? The popular former OKGOP chair is considering a run in 2018 for the post currently held by Todd Lamb (who is term-limited). Pinnell would be a very formidable candidate. Well-liked and connected from his time both as state party chair and his last three years...

State Sen. David Holt to run for OKC Mayor

Following OKC Mayor Mick Cornett's announcement that he would not be seeking a fifth term as mayor next February, State Sen. David Holt (R-OKC) has thrown his hat into the ring: The election will be February 13th, 20...

Oklahoma Police Chief speaks at CPAC on Civil Asset Forfeiture

Police Chief Stephen Mills of Lindsay, Oklahoma, spoke at CPAC this morning on the topic of Civil Asset Forfeiture. Here's his speech: Here's his bio/resume from CPAC. Chief Mills occasionally writes opinion pieces on his Facebook page he...

Muskogee County GOP Offers Scholarships

Muskogee County GOP Offers Scholarships The Muskogee County Republican Party is accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors residing in Muskogee County. Over the years, the MCRP has bestowed at least 30 area students this monetary award, including six in 2016. Several $500 scholarships will...

Robert Aery announces bid for OKGOP State Chair

ROBERT AERY ANNOUNCES BID FOR OKGOP STATE CHAIR Aery will bring conservative leadership for the future of OKGOP Tulsa, Okla. (Feb. 22, 2017)– Attorney, business owner and committed conservative, Robert Aery today announced his candidacy for State Chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party. Aery’s resume brings a depth of...

AFP-Oklahoma joins fight against Fallin tax hike

Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma is joining the fight against Mary Fallin's proposed $1.7B sales tax expansion: From the AFP-OK website: There is an impending tax frenzy on everything from babysitting to Netflix. Gasoline, soft drinks, foot surgery, even funeral services will be taxed under the new plan proposed by Governor Fallin. All in all, $2 billion in new taxes are being proposed. This...

Opposition to Fallin’s Tax Hike Grows in Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. George Faught Office: (405) 557-7310 Opposition to Fallin’s Tax Hike Grows in Legislature OKLAHOMA CITY- Opposition continues to grow in the State Capitol over Gov. Mary Fallin's proposed $1.7 billion sales tax expansion, with 13 legislators adding their names in opposition. 27...

OCPA presents "First Steps" state budget ideas to save $413M

First steps on the road to balancing Oklahoma’s state budget  without increasing taxes on working Oklahomans by OCPA President Jonathan Small Across Oklahoma, many citizens are undoubtedly grateful that numerous state lawmakers have expressed a desire for state government to become more efficient with the tax dollars...

Gary Richardson forms gubernatorial exploratory committee

Gary Richardson Announces Exploratory Committee for Governor of Oklahoma  Tulsa, OK, February 21, 2017–  Former Reagan-appointed U.S. Attorney and small business owner Gary Richardson has announced the formation of his exploratory committee for Governor of Oklahoma. "The current budget crisis in Oklahoma proves...

Music Monday: William Tell Overture - Finale

This week's Music Monday is Finale from the William Tell Overture by 19th century Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. Enjoy! Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to submit for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com...

Tulsa GOP Chair slams Fallin tax hike

From TheOkie - Tulsa County GOP Chairman Mike Ford sent this email out: It’s Time to Cut Wasteful Spending, NOT Raise Taxes Fellow Republicans, Today, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb announced his resignation from Governor Fallin’s cabinet, making the following statement: “Governor Fallin deserves to have someone...

Rep. Bobby Cleveland: we’re just one bill away from a cattle gas tax

State Rep. Bobby Cleveland (R-Slaughterville) A taxing proposal There’s been a whole lot of talk about our $868 million budget hole this year and ways the lawmakers could fill the gap. One idea driving a lot of the conversation: raising taxes. Now I might be old fashioned, but I believe it’s my job as a lawmaker to...

Fallin responds to Lamb's cabinet resignation

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on Resignation of Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb from Her Cabinet OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb announced his resignation from her Cabinet, where he served as small business advocate: “I was disappointed and surprised to learn from...

Conservative Legislators Applaud Lamb's Opposition to Sales Tax Hike

Here's a news release from the office of State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee): Conservative Legislators Applaud Lamb's Opposition to Sales Tax Hike Oklahoma City – A group of conservative Oklahoma legislators today expressed support for Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb's decision to resign from Governor Fallin's cabinet...

Richardson Applauds Lamb's Resignation over Fallin's Tax Plan

Richardson Applauds Lamb's Decision to Follow in Opposing Service Tax Tulsa, OK, February 16, 2017–  Below is a statement from Gary Richardson about Lt. Governor Todd Lamb's decision to resign from Governor Fallin's cabinet over her proposed service tax. "I am glad that Lt. Governor Lamb has finally decided to follow...

Lamb breaks with Fallin, resigns from Cabinet over sales tax proposal

BOOM: Lamb Breaks with Fallin on Tax Policy Says “proposal will adversely harm Oklahoma’s small businesses and families” Oklahoma City- Lt. Governor Todd Lamb today announced his resignation from Governor Fallin’s cabinet, where Lamb has served as the state’s Small Business Advocate, one of many roles the Lt. Governor...

Gary Richardson slams Fallin's sales tax hike

Gary Richardson, the 2002 Independent candidate for Governor and exploring a run in 2018 as a Republican, posted this video today slamming Governor Mary Fallin's proposed $1.7 billion sales tax expansion. Update: read more stories about Fallin's tax hi...

Music Monday: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'

This week's Music Monday is Romance, an orchestral piece by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, written for the 1955 Soviet film 'The Gadfly'. Enjoy! Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to submit for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com...

Ouch.

This is from Tom Coburn's Restore Accountability foundation. If you don't follow their updates, you should. Coburn is continuing his invaluable work rooting out and exposing government was...

Pollard seeks reelection to full term as OKGOP chair

Pam Pollard seeks Re-Election for Oklahoma Republican Party State Chairman Republican State Chairman Pam Pollard said today she will be a candidate for election to a full two-year term at the GOP State Convention in Moore on May 6. “Oklahoma Republicans won at every level in 2016 because our message of conservative...

Russell Turner: Don't bite Fallin's "bait"

A LITTLE MINNOW  It has been quite a while since I have had the time to go fishing, but fishing is like riding a bicycle, once you have done it you always know how. I can remember going crappie fishing on Lake Tenkiller; the most effective way to catch the big one was to put a minnow on your hook and wait for mister...

Fallin pushes $1.7B sales tax hike

Mary Fallin's proposed sales tax hike. Can't read all the newly taxed areas? Click to enlarge, or view at this link. In her State of the State speech on Monday, Governor Mary Fallin unveiled her budget plan for FY2018. One of her proposals to close the budget gap was to dramatically expand Oklahoma sales tax collections...

Fallin appoints Patrick Wyrick to Oklahoma Supreme Court

Governor Mary Fallin Names Patrick Wyrick to Fill Vacancy on Oklahoma Supreme Court OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today named Patrick Wyrick to serve as a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Wyrick, 35, succeeds Steven Taylor, who retired from the bench last year. Wyrick has served as solicitor general in...

Music Monday: White Winter Hymnal (Pentatonix)

This week's Music Monday is White Winter Hymnal performed by Pentatonix. Our eighteen month-old loves this song for some reason, and will mimic their hand motions and claps surprisingly well. The writers of the song say the lyrics have no meaning, but I'm convinced they subconsciously are referring to the French Revolution (my wife disagrees)... what do you think? Enjoy! Click...

Facing expulsion vote, Kirby resigns (for real, this time) [UPDATED]

State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) has released a statement saying that he will resign from office, just a few days in advance of an expected vote to expel him from the Oklahoma House of Representatives. "I cannot, in good conscience, continue to fight against unfounded accusations and what I believe to be unreasonable committee...

Committee recommends expulsion for Kirby, training and restrictions for Fourkiller

The House Rules Committee investigating sexual harassment allegations against sitting representatives is recommending expulsion for embattled State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) and sensitivity training for State Rep. Will Fourkiller (D-Stillwell) as well as a prohibition from interacting with the House Page program for one year. The...