State House outlines COVID-19 precautions for Page Program

House Outlines COVID-19 Precautions for Page Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today outlined COVID-19 precautions for the High School Page Program.

Every year, hundreds of students from across the state have the opportunity to take part in the House High School Page Program at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Students participating in the program have the chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government.

“The House Page Program provides a valuable opportunity for our state’s future leaders to participate in the legislative process and learn more about the intricacies of state government,” House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said. “Such expanded education programs help our youth become more well-rounded. I’m grateful we were able to create guidelines to allow our high school seniors the chance to participate in the program even in the midst of a pandemic.”

State Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, serves as director of the High School Page Program for the 58th Legislature.

Op-Ed: Will Abortion be Abolished?

Will Abortion be Abolished?

by Brice Chaffin (Stillwater, OK)

Abolition Day will take place on the State Capitol Steps on Tuesday, February 9th at 09:30 am. I would like to invite you to come with me to the Capitol to demand the abolition of abortion in our state. I believe it is very important for us Okies to be there, let me explain why. In 1835 Andrew Reed and James Matheson, two British ministers who visited sister churches in the United States said, "America will be great if America is good. If not, her greatness will vanish away like a morning cloud."

All will agree that America is more divided than it has been since the Civil War, our "greatness" is in a precarious position. I believe the only way to resolve the problems we are currently having is for a return to God. You may have heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted frequently in recent times. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 

There have been quite a few national and state days of prayer lately. On September 26th of last year, we saw Jonathan Cahn and Franklin Graham lead a national day of prayer and repentance. Governor Stitt declared December 3rd as a statewide day of prayer and fasting. One of the key phrases in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is, "turn from their wicked ways". We as a state HAVE been praying, but what are we missing? 

In the Old Testament, God continued to be patient with the people who had turned their backs on Him until they started practicing child sacrifice; that was the last straw. According to the Oklahoma Health Department, there were 4,995 abortions in Oklahoma in 2019. Can we expect revival without repentance? How do we repent of killing five thousand of our children every year in Oklahoma? James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Well, what does it say? Proverbs 24:11-12 says: "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don't excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn't know.' For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve."

We have had 48 years to be made aware of what is going on around us, and God has tasked us to rescue those unjustly sentenced to die. Proverbs 31:8 says: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." Next week I will submit another letter to the editor addressing concerns about abolition bills, and what I learned about abolition on the campaign trail for State House. God is gracious to forgive and restore us if we repent and turn to Him for forgiveness. If you would like to do a little speaking up, I implore you to come with me to the State Capitol for Abolition Day on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:30 am to speak up, repent, and pray for revival and restoration. 

OK House Minority Leader wants future stimulus monies directed to supplement salaries for 'essential workers'

Workforce Stimulus Bill Filed in OK House

Bill Ties Relief for Essential Workers to Federal Stimulus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to direct a portion of future stimulus money to frontline workers has been filed for the 58th Legislative Session. 

House Bill 2455, authored by House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, requires that a portion of future dollars from any stimulus be paid to employees of businesses deemed essential during the pandemic. 

“If there has been a constant during this pandemic, it has been that Oklahoma’s government has consistently let down frontline workers and their families,” Virgin said. “This legislation rewards these Oklahomans who have continued to show up and keep our state alive.” 

HB2455 requires that assistance to these essential workers should be no less than an additional $3 an hour for hourly employees and $1200 for salaried.

Gov. Stitt calls for Tribes, State to negotiate 'McGirt' impacts

GOVERNOR STITT CALLS FOR TRIBES TO ENTER INTO FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH STATE OF OKLAHOMA REGARDING MCGIRT RULING

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 22, 2021) – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on July 9, 2020, in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which recognized the continued existence of the Creek reservation for purposes of the Major Crimes Act, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt today has welcomed the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes to enter into formal negotiations with the state to address and resolve the potential issues that have arisen because of the watershed McGirt ruling. 

“As the commonly-elected Governor for all 4 million Oklahomans, it is critically important that the State of Oklahoma and the leaders of Oklahoma’s tribes impacted by the McGirt decision begin negotiations, in earnest, to resolve the potential ramifications of this ruling,” said Gov. Stitt. “Under Oklahoma law, which is consistent with Oklahoma’s Constitution, the Governor of Oklahoma has the authority to negotiate and enter into cooperative agreements on behalf of the state with Oklahoma’s Native American tribes. Oklahoma law also allows me to designate a lead negotiator for the state, and for this role I am designating Ryan Leonard, Special Counsel for Native American Affairs.”

The governor continued, “As all who have read the Supreme Court’s opinion know, the McGirt decision was limited to matters of criminal jurisdiction. In that regard, ensuring the public safety of all Oklahomans and providing certainty and adequate resources for the men and women in law enforcement in eastern Oklahoma is of paramount importance. As things stand today, crimes are going unpunished, and convicted criminals are seeking to be set free. We can’t allow this to happen.”  

Dahm files bill to protect children and prohibit sex-change treament on minors

Sen. Nathan Dahm files bill to prohibit minors from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment

State Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed a measure that would prohibit any person under the age of 18 from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment in the state.

“In one of his recent executive orders, Joe Biden directed changes to allow biological men to compete in women’s sports,” Dahm said. “Competing in sports is one thing, but allowing the permanent alteration of a child from their biological sex and DNA has lasting effects. Senate Bill 583 would prohibit any sex-change surgeries or chemicals from being used upon any minor for that purpose.”

The measure states a health care professional who intentionally performs gender reassignment treatment on a person under 18 is subject to professional discipline by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, State Board of Osteopathic Examiners or the applicable health care professional licensing board. Discipline could include suspension or revocation of any license or certificate required to practice medicine in Oklahoma.

Sen. Hamilton files 'Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act' to abolish abortion in Oklahoma

Sen. Warren Hamilton files Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act

State Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed the Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act, which would abolish abortion in the state.

Senate Bill 495 would ensure equal justice and equal protection of the laws to all unborn children from the moment of fertilization; establish that a living human unborn child, from the moment of fertilization, is entitled to the same rights, powers and privileges as any other person; and rescind all licenses to kill unborn children by repealing discriminatory provisions and making all alleged offenders equally subject to the law.

The bill would also recognize that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and refuse to assent to legal fiction that the Constitution prohibits the state from exercising its reserved police powers to outlaw homicide and provide equal protection to all persons, and void all federal statutes, regulations, treaties, orders and court rulings that would deprive an unborn child of the right to life, or prohibit the equal protection of such right.

“We the People must immediately end abortion, which is our American holocaust,” Hamilton said. “It’s time that we stand up for our preborn children and ensure that every life, regardless of their stage of development, is protected by our laws.”

The measure would also amend the wrongful death statute to remove certain instances under which a wrongful death action in relation to abortion may be brought, applying the law to all abortions.

GOP State Senator files bill to extend early in-person voting

Pugh files legislation to extend early in-person voting

OKLAHOMA CITY – While more Oklahomans voted in November than in the 2016 presidential election, the state still ranks last for voter turnout as a share of the total voting-eligible population according to the U.S. Elections Project. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, wants to improve voter participation and has filed Senate Bill 440 to extend in-person early voting from three days to one week.
           
“Oklahoma has the shortest in-person early voting period in the nation. Three days is an extremely limited amount of time for citizens to cast their early votes, especially when you consider people’s busy schedules and that they have to drive to their county election board, which can be a significant distance for many Oklahomans,” Pugh said. “Allowing one week to cast early in-person ballots will help improve voter participation and turnout to ensure more Oklahomans have their voices heard and are able to participate in our greatest freedom as Americans.”
           
Under SB 440, voters could cast an early in-person ballot the entire week, Monday through Saturday, preceding any election at their county election board. Currently, this type of early in-person voting is only available the Thursday through Saturday before an election.
           
According to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), early voting periods in the U.S. range in length from four days to 45 days, with the average length being 19 days.  

Rep. Lowe files legislation to trigger statewide mask mandate

State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC)

Lowe Files 'COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act'

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25th, 2021) -- State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, filed legislation Friday to save Oklahoman’s lives and reduce hospitalizations during the COVID pandemic. 

The COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act, House Bill 2192, triggers a statewide mask mandate within the state until the Oklahoma State Department of Health confirms that COVID-19 related hospitalizations have remained at or below 300 for 30 consecutive days.

“It is time that our state takes action against COVID-19 to save lives and to successfully and safely reopen schools and our economy,” said Lowe. “Though it is great that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now being distributed throughout the state, it is still necessary that we practice social distancing and wear masks to protect our communities until enough people receive the vaccine.”

1889 Institute: Californians relocating to Oklahoma, please do so responsibly

I stumbled across this shirt online, which fits the below column very well

Be Careful What You Wish For

By Brad Galbraith

The state of Oklahoma has California in its sights.

Persistently bad policymaking in California has resulted in a heavy tax burden, an outrageous cost of living, and, consequently, a mass exodus. The ensuing tyranny and oppression should be a clarion call to California emigrants to execute an abrupt about-face and abandon public policies and elected officials that created this condition.

To connect the dots between policy and affordability, consider one aspect of the cost of living – the price of gasoline. In the modern economy, transportation is a necessity and the price of gas is likely one of the transportation costs with which almost everyone can relate.

California and Oklahoma are similarly situated in household and individual relationships to automobiles. In California, 93.1% of households had access to at least one vehicle compared to 94.4% of Oklahoma households. 83.3% of California commuters chose to drive or carpool to work, compared to 92.2% of Oklahoma commuters. According to one study, per 100 residents, California had 38.1 vehicles registered while Oklahoma had 32.8. This similarity will help paint a clear picture of the extent to which public policy has burdened Californians.

At the time of this writing, the average price per gallon of gas in California was $3.17 per gallon, more than a dollar higher than the national average. This is crazy, especially for Oklahomans accustomed to an average price of $1.81. A recent publication by the American Petroleum Institute gives some insight into the dramatic difference. Spoiler – it has a lot to do with public policy. 

California tax policy places a high burden on drivers. State-specific taxes and fees amount to a nation-leading 81.2 cents per gallon of gasoline. By contrast, Oklahoma is a quarter of that amount, coming in at 20 cents per gallon. Additionally, California’s politicians have been antagonistic toward gasoline-fueled automobiles, such as a recent executive order demanding that all new cars sold in California have “zero-emissions.” 

This, along with numerous other examples, should serve as a wake-up call, a realization that public policy matters. It can either preserve freedom or impose tyranny. So, Californians who relocate businesses to Oklahoma, please do so responsibly.

Take the time necessary to reflect on why you are leaving California. Contemplate how public policy has contributed to the condition from which you flee. Then observe how free enterprise policies foster an environment of freedom within which businesses and residents can thrive.

As the tendencies toward paternalistic governance, aversion to free markets, and love of hyper-regulation begin to dissipate and the fresh, crisp air of freedom has filled your lungs, take action. Vote to preserve liberty for yourself and others for generations to come.  

Stitt appoints Trent Smith to State Board of Education

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS TRENT SMITH TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2021) — Governor Kevin Stitt today announced he has appointed Trent Smith to the State Board of Education, filling the vacant seat for Congressional District 3.

“Trent Smith will put the future generation of Oklahomans first, which is why I nominated him to fill this seat and why I trust he will be critical in helping Oklahoma become a Top Ten state in education,” said Gov. Stitt. “Trent brings a wealth of experience as a businessman, community leader and parent and I look forward to his contributions to our state’s success by putting students first.”

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he was a 4-year starter, team captain and national champion on the OU football team, Smith currently serves as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. He is a successful businessman and community leader who started numerous companies in Oklahoma City and is a member of the Young President's Organization in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. He and his wife live in Yukon with their two children.

OCPA column: Joe Biden no excuse for inaction in OK

Joe Biden no excuse for inaction in OK
By Jonathan Small

Joe Biden’s inauguration means Democrats now hold narrow control of Congress and the presidency. But it does not mean advocates for freedom have no way to impact policy.

Even when the far-left holds power in Washington, the states remain the place where innovative policy advances are most likely to occur. That should prompt advocates for freedom to redouble their efforts here in Oklahoma.

This would be true at the start of any presidential term, but it’s especially important this year as the disruption created by COVID-19 and the gaping flaws it exposed in our state systems has created public demand for change.

Legislature completes bill filing for 2021 session with over 3,000 bills and resolutions

It appears that the Oklahoma Legislature has set a new record for amount of legislation filed in advance of a legislative session, with 3,049 bills and resolutions submitted.

House Completes Bill Filing Process for 2021 Session

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 21 for the first session of the 58th Legislature. A total of 1,942 House Bills, 44 House Joint Resolutions and 2 House Resolutions were filed.

The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and co-authors, can be found online at www.okhouse.gov.

Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,361 House Bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions and 4 House Concurrent Resolutions were filed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 session was temporarily paused and a vast majority of bills did not complete the legislative process.

For the 2019 session, 1,733 House bills and 21 House Joint Resolutions were filed. For the 2018 session, 1,193 House bills and 32 House Joint Resolutions were filed.

School threats can now be reported by text

New technology allows school threats to be reported by text 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 21, 2021) – Students, teachers and staff can now report threats in Oklahoma schools via text message. Through a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and the Oklahoma School Security Institute (OSSI), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS), this state-of-the-art technology will enhance statewide school safety and security to an already existing telephone tip line. 

“Students need to feel safe and comfortable for meaningful learning to occur,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “We must do everything in our power to ensure student safety, and we are grateful for this partnership that allows for us to expand the tip line.” 

Legislation filed to bring equity to fuel tax by addressing electric vehicles

Legislation Filed to Address Long-term Transportation Infrastructure Funding

OKLAHOMA CITY –  State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has filed House Bill 2234, The DRIVE Act, to ensure all vehicles utilizing our state highways are contributing to the cost of maintaining this system in a fair and equitable manner. 

Joining as co-authors of the legislation are State Reps. Brian Hill, R-Mustang; Dustin Roberts, R-Durant; Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, Todd Russ, R-Cordell, Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, Nicole Miller R-Edmond; and State Sens. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole; and James Leewright, R-Bristow. 

“Currently, this infrastructure is funded largely with fuel taxes that road users pay at the gas pump,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “As more Americans transition to heavier electric, battery-powered automobiles, a greater burden is placed on our state’s fuel tax revenue, which inevitably will begin to decline. 

“This problem is not unique to Oklahoma and is one that all fifty states must address at some point in the near future. 

Column: A Call to Action on Behalf of the Preborn

Abortion Must Be Abolished: A Call to Action on Behalf of the Preborn

by James Silberman

“I think this is a lung, right?”

“Yeah, these are lungs, ‘cause that’s the trachea in the middle there.”

“So the intestines are here. Right here, see? This comes out, like I said, the organs come out really well.”

“This is a great placenta right here.”

“Do you ever see thymus?”

Watching Planned Parenthood employees discuss human dismemberment methods as they picked through the bloody pile of flesh and bone was like something out of a horror movie. For many, seeing with our own eyes the torn up bodies of these murdered children was the wake up call we needed to get off the sidelines and into the battle.

Tragically, Planned Parenthood isn’t the only opposition we face. In fact, here in Oklahoma, they’re not even the primary opposition we face. The abortion industry has little power here, with less than 20 percent of the legislature outwardly sympathetic to their Satanic cause. They don’t have the power to prevent abortion from being abolished in our state.

While Planned Parenthood is deserving of all the scorn and rebuke we can level at them, the battle in a state like Oklahoma, theoretically, should be easier than convincing abortionists and abortion supporters that abortion is bad. We have a supermajority of professing conservative Christians both in the State Government and among the people. The battle here is simply about getting professing Christians to obey God.

OK Medical Reserve Corps seeking volunteers to help in COVID-19 vaccination effort

Volunteers Sought for Statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Effort

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 20, 2021) – The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is seeking medical and non-medical volunteers to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts at more than 50 points of vaccine dispensing (PODs) locations statewide.

“This is a huge, unprecedented effort to vaccinate the majority of our population of nearly 4 million Oklahomans. We need as much help as we can get from our community to make it possible,” said Lezlie Carter, state coordinator for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. “When you become a volunteer with the OKMRC, you join hundreds of other citizens involved in the safety, security, health, and well-being in their communities who are ready to make a difference when help is needed most.”

OK congressional delegation comments on Biden/Harris inauguration

Earlier today, former Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (D-DE) was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and former U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States. Most of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, all Republicans, issued some sort of comment on the inauguration of the new administration, which I have posted below.

U.S. Representatives Kevin Hern and Tom Cole attended the inauguration, as did U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford.

Muskogee County GOP sets date for precinct meetings and county convention

The Muskogee County Republican Party recently announced that they have selected Saturday, February 20th, as the date for their 2021 precinct meetings and county convention.

Oklahoma releases updated Mobile ID to support REAL ID enrollment

OKLAHOMA RELEASES UPDATED MOBILE ID TO SUPPORT REAL ID ENROLLMENT

Technology builds on existing platform to support move to REAL ID compliance 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that the next version of the Oklahoma Mobile ID is now available. The app has been expanded to allow Oklahoma residents to quickly and easily pre-enroll for REAL ID. 

"The team at the Department of Public Safety has worked tirelessly to update systems and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19 in order to implement REAL ID," said Gov. Stitt. "The updated Mobile ID app will help streamline the process and ensure Oklahomans can begin the process of pre-enrolling in the critical program." 

The new REAL ID functionality gives Oklahomans the ability to jumpstart the enrollment process from the comfort of their home. Mobile ID users can use the app’s checklist to confirm they have the correct documents, upload them using their smartphone camera, and answer a brief questionnaire. By completing these steps in advance, applicants can expect to decrease their transaction time during their in-person visit by up to 40%.  

State Election Board releases official 2021 voter registration statistics

Oklahoma State Election Board Releases Annual Voter Registration Statistics

(Oklahoma City) – The Oklahoma State Election Board released annual voter registration statistics today showing 2,272,252 Oklahomans are registered to vote. Oklahoma’s official voter registration statistics are counted every year on January 15.

According to Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax, the largest number of Oklahoma's voters are Republicans, who make up 50.1% of registered voters. Democrats are the second-largest party with 32.9% of registered voters.

Independents, or voters not affiliated with a party, make up 16.3% of Oklahoma voters. The Libertarian Party, which gained recognition in 2016, now has 15,734 registered voters.

Oklahoma’s registered voters:

JANUARY 15, 2021

DEMOCRATS: 748,222 (32.9%) [35.3% in 2020]
REPUBLICANS: 1,138,947 (50.1%) [48.3% in 2020]
LIBERTARIANS: 15,734 (0.7%) [>1% in 2020]
INDEPENDENTS: 369,349 (16.3%) [15.9% in 2020]
TOTAL: 2,272,252 [2,090,107 in 2020]

Party affiliation and address changes made within the same county can be made online using the OK Voter Portal. New Voter Registration Applications are available on the State Election Board website, at your County Election Board, most tag agencies, post offices, and libraries. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the applicant’s County Election Board no later than January 15.

For more information on voter registration OR to view or compare voter registration statistics since 1960, visit our website at oklahoma.gov/elections.

Cong. Hern named to House Ways and Means Committee

Hern earns spot on prestigious Ways and Means Committee

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after accepting a seat on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“I am honored to join some of Congress’ brightest minds on its most historic and powerful committee,” said Rep. Hern. “Ways and Means controls tax and trade issues, which are incredibly important to the people of Oklahoma. It’s been 20 years since an Oklahoman sat on Ways and Means; I am proud to represent our state and advocate for our people in this new role.

“After building a career in business, serving several years on the McDonald’s National Leadership Team, and now serving in Congress, I’ve spent time on both sides of the issues Ways and Means deals with every day. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of federal regulations and restrictive tax codes, so I believe I can be a unique voice to provide the business owner perspective on Ways and Means.”

Rep. Hern continued, “Ranking Member Brady was at the helm of the mission to update and modernize the tax code in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as negotiating a new trade deal with the USMCA in 2019. His leadership has impacted every American for the better. I look forward to serving alongside him and the many hardworking members of the Ways and Means Committee.”

1889 Institute: Lies We Tell in Government, and Our Debts to Truth

Lies We Tell in Government, and Our Debts to Truth

By Byron Schlomach

HBO’s mini-series, Chernobyl, depicts the disastrous 1986 nuclear power plant explosion in the Soviet Union and the heroic efforts to control its meltdown. It shows Valery Alexeyvich Legasov, Deputy Director of the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, working tirelessly to ameliorate the disaster’s consequences and investigate its cause. He is portrayed making a dramatic speech at a trial about how the nuclear reactor exploded, when such an explosion should not have been possible.

The reactor had a design flaw covered up by the Soviet State and kept from reactor operators at Chernobyl and identical reactors across the Soviet Union. Legasov’s speech, though fictional, seems to fairly accurately express his point of view. He addresses the question of how an RBMK reactor like Chernobyl’s explode? After explaining the nuclear and mechanical details, Legasov gets to what he considers the true cause:

“Because of our secrets and our lies. They’re practically what define us. When the truth offends, we lie and lie until we can no longer remember it is even there. It is, it’s still there. Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth. Sooner or later that debt is paid. That is how an RBMK reactor explodes… Lies.”

Stitt activates OK National Guard to assist OHP with State Capitol security

GOVERNOR STITT ACTIVATES OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD AT STATE CAPITOL 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 15, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that out of an abundance of caution he is activating over 75 members of the Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG) to assist local law enforcement should any protests at the State Capitol, or other locations, turn violent. 

"I support the right for Oklahomans to peacefully demonstrate, but we will not tolerate violence or damage to property," said Gov. Stitt. "At the request of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the National Guard has been authorized to provide support as needed. These hardworking Oklahomans are our friends and neighbors who step up in times of need. Any violence and damage to property goes against the Oklahoma Standard and is a distraction designed to keep us from uniting together."  

Members of the guard will be activated from Saturday, Jan. 16 to Thursday, Jan. 21. No specific, credible threats have been identified in Oklahoma, but increased safety measures are being taken in a proactive response to intelligence shared by federal law enforcement regarding state capitol buildings across the country. 

OCPA column: Paying for "ghost" students

Paying for “ghost” students

By Jonathan Small

Status-quo defenders insist waste, fraud and mismanagement in state government is overhyped. Then how do they explain Oklahoma schools being paid to educate more than 55,000 “ghost students”?

Ghost-student funding has been in place for years, but COVID-19 has put it on steroids.

Oklahoma law distributes state funding based on several factors, one of which is “the highest weighted average daily membership for the school district of the two (2) preceding school years.

Put in plain English, that means a school can be paid for students who attended two years ago but are no longer there. Thus, even amidst a significant enrollment decline, districts receive huge sums for “teaching” nonexistent “ghost” students.

This funding farce is now too big to ignore. Due to COVID-19 and several districts’ refusal to provide full-time, in-person instruction, there has been a mass exodus to alternatives, including credible online providers such as Epic, other districts, private schools, and homeschooling.

Newly released enrollment figures show Oklahoma schools can now claim more than 55,000 ghost students this year via use of old enrollment numbers. If ghost students were confined to a single school district, it would be larger than any brick-and-mortar district in Oklahoma—by far.

50 State House GOP members support return to in-person learning

House Republican Caucus Members Support Return to In-Person Learning

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the House Republican Caucus today issued a statement in support of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s call for students to return to in-person learning in schools amid updated safety protocols.

“The majority of Oklahoma parents and guardians have chosen in-person learning as the best option for their child, and many have told us they want their children back in school. A recent medical study showed that 99.96% of 90,000 students and staff studied did not catch COVID-19 at school, and there were zero cases of child-to-adult within-school transmission. This shows us that we can safely return students and educators to in-person learning with proper safety protocols in place with extremely minimal risk. Governor Stitt’s decision is the right, safe thing to do for our children, their families and our state educators.”

The governor on Tuesday announced that Oklahoma schools following safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing, will be permitted to forgo the mandatory two-week quarantine period for potential COVID-19 exposures. 

The change is the result of requests from parents, teachers, and school leaders and enactment of the new guidelines is left to the discretion of each school district. 

Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye also pointed out that other states such as Missouri, Utah and Ohio have put similar quarantine policies into place and haven’t seen large outbreaks occur in schools.

The governor said that refusing to offer in-person school is jeopardizing students’ education ad teachers’ careers, which in turn affects the entire state.

As part of the governor’s new policy, schools should continue to require quarantines for exposed students in situations where masking and distancing protocols were not followed. Additionally, the updated quarantine guidance does not apply if the exposure occurs during after-school activities, including sports. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must continue to isolate regardless where they contracted the virus or were wearing a mask. 

The state is prioritizing vaccinations for teachers who are 65 and older this week and next and will open vaccinations up to all teachers as soon as vaccine availability allows. The state will also double the amount of rapid antigen tests provided to schools to encourage frequent testing to catch any positive cases early.  

Frye also said schools have proven to be one of the safest places for most students. He said, data also shows—and the CDC recommends—that getting students safely back to in-person learning is critical for their educational success, mental health and social development.

Issuing the above statement from the House Republican Caucus are:

• State Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon
• State Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami
• State Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa
• State Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow
• State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee
• State Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid
• State Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle
• State Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita
• State Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont
• State Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah
• State Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa
• State Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene
• State Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City
• State Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee
• State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola
• State Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell
• State Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin
• State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow
• State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane
• State Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus
• State Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee
• State Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
• State Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore
• State Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber
• State Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond
• State Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow
• State Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore
• Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka
• State Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow
• State Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond
• State Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie
• State Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee
• Speaker Pro Tempore Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa
• State Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko
• State Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando
• State Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula
• State Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant
• State Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay
• State Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell
• State Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks
• State Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar
• State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon
• State Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh
• State Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore
• State Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso
• State Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston
• State Rep. Josh West, R-Grove
• State Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore
• State Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener
• State Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City

Stitt extends COVID State of Emergency via executive order

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO EXTEND STATE OF EMERGENCY  

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan.13, 2021)– Governor Kevin Stitt today issued Ninth Amended Executive Order 2020-20, extending the State of Emergency related to COVID-19 that has been in place since March 15, 2020. 

The amended EO removes the requirement for bars and restaurants to close in person service at 11 p.m., a provision originally issued under Seventh Amended Executive Order 2020-20. The requirement for bars and restaurants to space groups six feet apart or separate tables with properly sanitized glass or plexiglass remains in the renewed executive order.  

All five Oklahoma Congressmembers vote against Trump's second impeachment

All five of Oklahoma's U.S. Representatives voted against the second impeachment of President Donald Trump yesterday, which passed the lower chamber by a vote of 232-197, with 10 Republicans joining the Democrats in approving the article.

I posted Congresswoman Bice's statement yesterday. Here are comments from the other four Oklahoma congressmen:

Bice opposes "rushed" impeachment, decries political expediency and effort to divide rather than heal

Bice Statement on Impeachment Vote

Washington, DC - Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-05) released the following statement regarding today's vote to impeach President Trump.

“Today’s rushed vote is one for political expediency that will only impede efforts to heal the nation, and therefore I will not be voting to impeach President Trump. I will not vote to further divide this nation at a time when we should be focused on helping the American people and unifying the country.

Sen. Bergstrom files Oklahoma Home-Based Business Fairness Act

State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom introduces the Oklahoma Home-Based Business Fairness Act

OKLAHOMA CITY –  In an effort to promote the creation of small businesses across the state, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, filed the Oklahoma Home-Based Business Fairness Act on Thursday.

Senate Bill 316 would ensure that no municipality could prohibit a home-based business to apply, register or obtain a permit, license, variance or other type of prior approval from the municipality to operate the business.

Under the measure, municipalities would be allowed to establish reasonable regulations for a home-based business if the regulations are tailored to protect public health and safety, ensure the business activity is compatible with residential use of the property, complies with state and federal law and paying applicable taxes.

Municipalities may not require a home-based business to rezone the property for commercial use or install fire sprinklers in a residential dwelling with more than two units.

“Despite the difficult times we have been facing, the American Dream is alive and well in our country, but we must do all we can to ensure burdensome regulations are not discouraging the entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens,” Bergstrom said.

1889 Institute: Eliminate social distancing, focus resources to protect the vulnerable

Eliminate social distancing and focus resources to protect the vulnerable

By Brad Galbraith

In the military, reliable intelligence is a critical component of reducing risk in engagement. Knowledge reduces risk and minimizes casualties and collateral damage. Similarly, in the fight against COVID-19, governments must continually gather information and respond with greater agility as new knowledge necessitates a policy change.

Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, little was known about it. Symptomatically, it was challenging to confirm one had the disease given the expanding list of symptoms. Despite what little information existed, numerous state and local governments began imposing extreme measures to “flatten the curve.” Meanwhile, bona fide experts prepared for the worst while acknowledging a significant lack of knowledge.

However, over the last several months, our knowledge about the coronavirus has grown. Initial policies, arising from swift action, must now yield to better strategies founded on reliable science and which are responsive to new knowledge. For example, we now know that universal lockdowns have significant repercussions on our economic, mental, and physical health. We also know of one crucial attribute of COVID-19 – it has an asymmetric fatality rate. That is, the virus is particularly dangerous for the aged and individuals with specific pre-existing adverse health conditions while the risk to life is almost nonexistent for the young.

Sen. Burns files bill to protect religious freedom and prohibit gov't closure of churches

Sen. George Burns introduces legislation modifying the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act

State Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed a measure that would modify the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act to ensure government entities cannot close churches, religious institutions or houses of worship.

The measure is a response to the closure of churches and houses of worship across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill 216 would add that the closure of a religious institution, or the declaration of a religious institution as “non-essential,” would be deemed a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion. The measure also states that a government entity cannot restrict access to religious facilities or gatherings as long as the institution is not engaged in illegal activities.

“Many churches across the nation were forced to close their doors due to government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Burns said. “Fortunately, my church carried on in a safe manner.

“During a health emergency, it’s absolutely important to take precautions and do all we can to ensure we keep ourselves and others safe, but it’s ridiculous to think that the government could close churches by labeling them as ‘non-essential,’ while other businesses, such as casinos, may remain open. This is a direct attack on our freedom of religion.”

While churches in Oklahoma were not forced to completely close last spring, many shut their doors after social gatherings of 10 or more people were prohibited, making it nearly impossible to hold in-person worship. Fifteen states across the nation have exempted religious gatherings from their COVID-19 restrictions.

If signed into law, the measure would become effective on Nov. 1.

Small: Kamala-proofing Oklahoma's children

Kamala Proofing Oklahoma’s Children

By Jonathan Small

If Oklahoma wants to stop the socialist and anti-American offensive being waged by politicians like Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, Oklahomans must act to “Kamala Proof” what is being taught to Oklahoma kids.

Consider the dangerous rules adopted by the Democrat leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives. Under those rules, House legislation will no longer refer to a father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, nephew, niece, husband, wife, etc. Instead, legislation will use phrases such as parent, child, sibling, parent-in-law, and child-in-law.

The new House rules even ban the use of the words “himself or herself” and instead mandate that “themself” will be used instead.

Democrats don’t want to “risk” referring to someone as male who wants to be referred to as female, regardless of biological reality. In fact, U.S. House Democrats and some Oklahoma Democrats are trying to force boys and men in girls’ bathrooms and males in girls’ sports.

To her credit, Oklahoma Congressman Stephanie Bice, a mother of two girls who represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, saw right through the scheme and voted against this insane rule.

1889 Institute: Gov't permission to be a plumber is unjustified

GOVERNMENT PERMISSION TO BE A PLUMBER IS UNJUSTIFIED

Do Oklahoma toilets flush better than London toilets where plumber licensing does not exist?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (January 7, 2021) – The 1889 Institute has published “Plumber Licensing in Oklahoma,” the latest in its Licensing Directory series of reviews of licensed occupations in the state. As with every other review of licensed occupations, the conclusion reached is that there is no sound reason to license plumbing as an occupation, keeping in mind that licensing is the most onerous of labor regulations short of outright banning an occupation.

“It’s interesting to note that Great Britain does not require licensing of plumbers,” said Tyler Williamson, the study’s author and Research Associate at the 1889 Institute. “In fact, plumbers in Great Britain use a system of private certification to signal to consumers of their services that they know what they’re doing,” said Williamson.

The 1889 Institute has proposed a policy and has published a model bill that would encourage private certification whereby organizations meeting certain consumer-protection criteria could register with the state and receive criminal fraud law protection from anyone falsely claiming a credential. Consumers would benefit from the resulting competition.

Oklahoma Dems call for Sen. Lankford, OK's 5 Congressmen to resign

Yeah, this sounds like it will go about as far as any demand the Oklahoma Democratic Party has made in the past few years.

Oklahoma Senator, Representatives Must Resign

Oklahoma City—January 7, 2021—In the aftermath of the mob riot at the US Capitol yesterday, the Oklahoma Democratic Party is calling out the traitorous actions of Oklahoma’s Washington delegation.

“While we are thankful that our Republican Senators and Congressional Representatives are safe, we recognize that their public stance and comments helped fuel the flames of insurrection,” said Alicia Andrews, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair.

“They contend that their open encouragement of the unconstitutional effort to stop the Electoral College recount has nothing to do with a violent and deadly insurrectionist attack on the U.S. Capitol is absurd,” she continued.

Op-Ed: Come to Abolition Day and be the voice for the unborn

Come to Abolition Day and be the voice for the unborn

by Carisa Roberson (Ada, OK)

On February 9, Abolition Day 2021 will commence in front of the state capitol in Oklahoma City. We are sure to see that the movement to abolish abortion in Oklahoma is bigger than ever, but why? This is because the abolition movement is not only about stopping the torturous murder of innocent children, but, also, unto granting these Americans their God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The abolition movement gained much ground in 2020 and proved that many throughout our state desire to see abortion made illegal though not all would use the term “abolitionist”. 

In the 2020 Primary Election, 15 abolitionists vied for legislative seats across our state and acquired more than 19,000 votes from Oklahoma voters. As one of those abolitionist candidates, I spoke with many Oklahomans who wholeheartedly desired to see abortion made illegal. Most of these people had not heard the word “abolitionist” in terms of abortion, but they truly were abolitionists. Further, many were often perplexed as to why Oklahoma lawmakers could not simply make abortion illegal- a frustration shared by those who call themselves abolitionists, as well as those who do not. The truth is our state lawmakers can make abortion illegal in Oklahoma, but have yet to find the political will to do so. A large presence at this year’s Abolition Day will send a clear message to our state lawmakers that the people want abortion made illegal. 

In the midst of the current Constitutional revival in America, it only makes sense that this most egregious, unconstitutional practice of legalized abortion comes to an end. To the aborted child, what good is an American flag waving in the sun? That child will never experience the warmth of the sun nor the life and liberty that the American flag so symbolizes. Oklahoma, let us be a voice for these babies. Abolition Day 2021 is not only for the long-time abolitionists, but for all Oklahomans who believe that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is meant for all Americans, even those not yet born.

Lankford addresses Wednesday's events, rumors, legal and historical context, challenges, and more

U.S. Senator James Lankford sent out the following in a special edition of his periodical newsletter, specifically dealing with the events of Wednesday. It's very lengthy, but informative.

In it, he addresses what occurred during the Joint Session and later on the Senate floor, when proceedings were interrupted by rioters. He then has detailed sections addressing rumor clarification, historical election context, the Constitutional and legal background, current election challenges, and how we can solve the problems in the future. I encourage you to read it in full, even if you find yourself in disagreement with him on the issues.
 

Dear Oklahoma friends and neighbors:

I am aware this is a long letter, but it is a serious issue that requires a serious response. 

January 6, 2021, was a terrible day for our country and for our democracy. Americans do not all agree, but we settle issues through elections, legislation, and conversation. Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Obviously that did not happen January 6. At 1pm eastern, the Joint Session of Congress started normally. Within a few minutes, a small group of Senators and House members, including me, challenged the election of Arizona to start a two-hour debate in each chamber on election integrity. 

About 30 minutes into the debate in the Senate, I stepped up to speak. I gave some background on how an election challenge has happened to the last three Republican presidents and how previous Democratic Senators have challenged electors in 1969 and 2005. I stated my desire to get all the facts out about any election problems in the country for the sake of transparency and building trust for people who do not believe this year’s election was fair. As I started to transition my speech into specific election irregularities and my call for a 10-day commission to audit the election results, Secret Service ran into the chamber and removed the Vice President from the presiding desk, then the presiding officer gaveled the Senate into a recess and a floor staff member came to me and told me that protesters were in the building.

None of us had any idea what was going on outside the Senate chamber. But within a few minutes, the protests had turned very violent around the Senate, and security was forced to move all Senators and staff out of the Capitol for our safety. For the next five hours, they kept all of us secure in a separate building while Capitol police worked to clear the Capitol building after rioters trashed multiple offices, broke windows, and occupied the Capitol. Those painful images will forever be burned into my mind. 

I am very grateful for the Capitol police, Secret Service, area law enforcement, and National Guard who all played a part in securing the Capitol during such a tumultuous time. They were professional but clearly overwhelmed at the size and determination of those coming to occupy the Capitol. Violence and terror are not acceptable ways of handling disagreements. In fact, they completely undermine any peaceful conversation to get answers and enact reforms. Doing the right thing is important, but it must be done in the right way. 

Oklahoma Senate re-elects Greg Treat as leader, sets rules for 58th Legislature

Oklahoma Senate re-elects Greg Treat as leader, sets rules for 58th Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 5, 2021) – The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday unanimously re-elected Senator Greg Treat as president pro tempore and adopted rules for the coming 58th Legislature.

This will be the third session for Treat to serve as pro tem, the Senate’s top leadership position. The Oklahoma City Republican’s nomination was made by Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, and was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.

Treat was re-elected in November to his final four-year term in the Senate. He and his wife Maressa have three children: Mason, Cooper and Olivia. He represents District 47 in the Senate, which includes northwest Oklahoma City and portions of Edmond, Deer Creek, and Bethany.

The Senate met Tuesday for Organizational Day, a constitutional requirement of the Legislature to meet before the start of each two-year session. The Senate also approved rules for the 58th Legislature and committee memberships.

“I am honored that once again my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Senate have put their faith in me as their leader. I also am very thankful for the love and support of my wife Maressa and our children: Mason, Cooper and Olivia. Without them, I would not be able to serve,” Treat said.

“As pro tem, I pledge to lead the entire Senate with honesty, humility and courage. By working together, we can achieve more positive outcomes for our state. Our state faces a difficult situation as we look to recover and rebound from the health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Oklahoma Senate and its members and staff are ready to rise to the challenge and I look forward to leading the chamber as we work together to make Oklahoma an even better place for our families, friends and neighbors,” Treat said.

Treat also announced the leadership team for Senate Republicans, the chamber’s Majority Party. They include:

• Senator Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, president pro tempore
• Senator Kim David, R-Porter, majority floor leader
• Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, Appropriations Committee chair
• Senator Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, Majority Caucus chair
• Senator Greg McCortney, R-Ada, Majority Caucus vice chair
• Senator Frank Simpson, R-Springer, assistant majority floor leader
• Senator James Leewright, R-Bristow, assistant majority floor leader
• Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman, majority whip
• Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, assistant majority whip
• Senator Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, assistant majority whip
• Senator Casey Murdock, R-Felt, assistant majority whip
• Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Rural Caucus chair

Treat previously announced his appointments of Senate committee chairs and vice chairs as well as Republican committee assignments. Those appointments were formalized Tuesday. Click here for a complete list of committee chairs and Republican committee assignments.

The First Session of the 58th Legislature convenes Monday, Feb. 1. The deadline for bills to be filed is Jan. 21.

Oklahoma's congressional delegation comment on US Capitol riot

[Photo source]

Here are statements from all members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, with the exception of Sen. Inhofe, regarding the vandalism and rioting that took place at (and inside) the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of a rally held on the National Mall by President Trump and his campaign:

Oklahoma Democrats fail in effort to remove gender language from House Rules

Oklahoma Democrats seek removal of gender language

by Ray Carter - Director, Center for Independent Journalism

(January 5, 2021) Democratic members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives called for elimination of gender-specific language in the House’s operating rules during that chamber’s organizational meeting on Tuesday.

Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, authored the gender-language amendment to House Resolution 1001, saying it is part of an effort to make Oklahoma “an equitable” and “truly representative” state.

Turner’s amendment called for “removing all gender-based pronouns or gender-based references wherever those references appear in the House Rules and replacing or substituting those references with gender-neutral language.”

Turner is the first Muslim elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and self-describes as “gender non-conforming.”

Lankford: We deserve confidence in the election results

 

Oklahomans and the Nation Deserve Confidence in the Election Results

By U.S. Senator James Lankford

(Jan. 6th, 2021) If you randomly catch any 10 Oklahomans on the street today and ask them if there was at least some voter fraud in the November election, my suspicion is a majority of them would say yes. In the last two months, my office has received thousands of calls and questions from Oklahomans in every corner of the state about the 2020 presidential election. I’ve also had conversations with people at the grocery store, gas station, through text messages, and on personal phone calls. Some Oklahomans say Biden obviously won, like it or not, accept it. Some say, clearly Trump won, and the election was stolen. But a majority of the people who have contacted me just want to know what happened and how we fix this for the future. I would hope that everyone agrees we should ask, “How does this not happen again?”

I am disappointed when some people say to me, “We always have dead people who vote or double voting, no big deal.” If we know there is a problem, let’s fix it. Some states have ignored problems in their voting systems for too long, and now we are reaping the consequences. President Trump spoke often about voting problems in 2016 and 2020, especially with mail-in voting. Some states took action to strengthen their voting verification, but some actually loosened their voting requirements without increasing security. There is no question that there were some problems across the country with signature verifications, people receiving multiple ballots in the mail, different rules in some states for mail-in ballots than in-person ballots, double voting, last-minute election rule changes, ballot harvesting, delayed receipt of ballots, inconsistent curing of ballots, and a lack of meaningful access to the polls or counting processes for partisan poll watchers. Even after many of these questions have been reviewed by state leaders and courts, questions still persist. 

We need to rebuild trust in our elections.  

On Saturday, I joined 10 of my colleagues to demand the establishment of an electoral commission of five Senators, five Representatives, and five Justices of the US Supreme Court to study the election and make recommendations. This is loosely modeled after the electoral commission of 1877 when electors from four states were in dispute because of possible voter fraud. The commission would begin immediately and would have 10 days to investigate the claims of voting irregularities and potential fraud and provide their findings to the states before the constitutionally required inauguration on January 20. The commission would not choose the president that is against the Constitution.

In our system, states choose the President through electors, so states would receive the findings of the commission and make their own decision. It’s a tight timetable, and it’s not a perfect solution. But we cannot ignore the millions of people who want the facts to come out and want resolution for this election. 

Rep. Bice: I will vote to challenge electoral votes for fair and secure election process

Bice Statement on Electoral College Vote

"Today, I will be voting to challenge the electoral votes of certain states to ensure the security of our nation’s election process. Unfortunately, some states did not follow their own state election laws, jeopardizing their citizens’ confidence in our election process. In my home state of Oklahoma, we conducted a fair and transparent election that should be a model for states across the nation. All Americans deserve to have the same level of confidence that Oklahomans have in our state’s electoral system."

INHOFE: Challenging electoral certification would violate my Constitutional oath

Just issued:

Inhofe Statement on Electoral College Count Tomorrow

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement ahead of Wednesday’s Joint Session of Congress:

“On Sunday, I was sworn in for my fifth full term in the United States Senate. While being sworn, I took an oath to ‘support and defend’ the Constitution and to ‘bear true faith and allegiance to the same.’ It is an oath I take very seriously, and in my 34 years in federal office, I have not and will not violate my oath.

“When talking about my work in the Senate, I often reference the Constitution – it’s the guide for my legislative priorities: defending America and infrastructure. Just as the Constitution is clear about what should be Congress’ top priorities, it is also clear that the power to govern our Presidential elections, including certification and recounts, is explicitly delegated to the states in Article II, Section I. Furthermore, any questions about the electoral process or validity of results may only be constitutionally adjudicated in the courts.

Gov. Stitt appoints Jess Kane to Wildlife Conservation Commission

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JESS KANE TO OKLAHOMA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan 4. 2020) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Jess Kane to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Kane will fill the District 1 seat currently held by Robert S. Hughes II, whose appointment expires on July 1, 2021. If confirmed by the Senate, Kane will serve an eight-year term beginning July 2, 2021. 

"Jess Kane is an experienced attorney and rancher from rural Oklahoma who understands the importance of our land and wildlife," said Gov. Stitt. "I look forward to him bringing his strong agriculture perspective to the Commission to help foster wildlife conservation effortsacross our state." 

"The joy of observing and hunting game is one of the greatest dividends of successful farm and ranch management," said Kane. "In an industry not known for prodigious profits, this return is of high value to farmers and ranchers. I hope to add this perspective to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conversation Commission and will be honored to help preserve Oklahoma’s long heritage of wildlife conservation." 

Jess Kane has practiced law with the firm Robinett, King, Elias, Buhlinger, Brown & Kane with offices in Bartlesville and Pawhuska since 2009 and was named a partner in that firm in 2015. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South (Sewanee, TN), a Certificate of Ranch Management from the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Program, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law.

A 5th generation rancher, having grown up on his family’s diversified cow/calf, stocker and grain farming operation headquartered in Bartlesville, Kane is a partner with his brother, Richard, in Clover Leaf Cattle Co., LLC, a stocker enterprise with operations on owned and leased land in Washington and Rogers Counties in Oklahoma and Kiowa County, Kansas. Additionally, Jess and his wife Ashley are partners in a cow herd based in Tillman County, Oklahoma.