Dahm files legislation to protect Oklahomans on roadways

Sen. Dahm files legislation to protect Oklahomans on roadways

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 29th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed three pieces of legislation to protect Oklahoma drivers from unnecessary headaches on the road.

Dahm files legislation to protect teachers’ First Amendment rights

Sen. Dahm files legislation to protect teachers’ First Amendment rights

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 28, 2022) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation requiring school districts to inform teachers of their First Amendment rights and obtain reauthorization every year before deducting union dues from teachers’ paychecks.

Left-wing and right-wing OK think tanks unite on expanding sales tax to services?

It's not often that the main left-wing and right-wing think tanks in Oklahoma agree on tax policy, but we've entered something like the Twilight Zone.

Both the Oklahoma Policy Institute (left-wing) and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (right-wing) have now promoted expanding Oklahoma's sales tax to cover most services, which are currently not included under the current taxation system. As some of you may recall, Governor Mary Fallin made a similar, very controversial proposal in 2017 (it never received legislative consideration).

Merry CHRISTmas!

Have a very merry Christmas!

The account of the birth of Jesus Christ, from Luke 2:

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

I hope that you have a very happy and safe holiday! 

Here's some important stuff you should know about, though, before the year goes out:

Here's the deal. God made you. God made everything. Just as the electronic device you are reading this on had a designer, the building you are in had an architect, the vehicle you drive had a manufacturer, this entire universe - infinitely more complex - had a Creator. He orchestrated the atoms and molecules that make up everything.

As Creator, He has the right and prerogative for placing laws and rules for His creation to follow. You, and I, and every human being, have fallen short of those laws. 

The Ten Commandments sum up God's Law. We have broken every single one. We have lied. We have stolen. We have had inappropriate sexual thoughts (Jesus called this adultery of the heart). We have been angry without just cause (Jesus called this murder of the heart). We have coveted. We have blasphemed. We are all guilty.

Punishment for offenses increase as the party against which the crime was perpetrated increase in stature. Disobedience to parents require one level of correction/punishment. Crimes against a human government require a higher degree of punishment. Crimes against an infinite God require a greater punishment, namely an infinite punishment. 

Heaven is real, but so is Hell. Hell is a real place, where the full righteous wrath of God Almighty is unendingly poured out on those who rebelled against the most loving and gracious Being in the Universe. You have sinned against God and earned for yourself Hell. I sinned against God and earned for myself Hell.

But, Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, God in flesh, came to earth and fulfilled God's Law on our behalf and paid our punishment with His sacrificial death, wiping away our sin-debt, our criminal fine, and giving us His righteousness. 

We must, by faith, believe and repent. Believe that Jesus is who He said He was, that He died for us and rose again, and repent - turn away from our sin in disgust that we would offend God in such ways, and dedicate our lives to following Him, not in order to earn salvation but in recognition that we cannot save ourselves and in response and gratefulness to the kindness shown to us by God in providing a way of forgiveness.

This salvation is a free (and permanent, ever-lasting) gift of God, and is fully of Him. We contribute nothing to it except the sin that made it necessary. We can do nothing to earn it or maintain it. No amount of good deeds or prayers or pilgrimages or sacraments is sufficient -- only Christ is.

I cannot convince you of the Gospel. Only God can. My responsibility is to share it with you. 

You must determine whether you will believe it to be true or not.

But know this: if all this is true, you will one day stand before your Maker and be held to account for the works you did and did not do during your life. And, you will be held to account for how you respond(ed) to the free offer of the Gospel that was presented to you, for better or for worse. 

 

Life is short, and Man is not guaranteed tomorrow. Eternity is forever. God offers salvation freely to those who will believe. Receive it while you have opportunity to do so and do not tarry.

Sen. Dahm files bill to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays

Sen. Dahm files Nativity Protection Act

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 22nd) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation on Thursday to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays.

His last hurrah: Inhofe stuffs omnibus bill with $498M in earmarks

Earmarks: political self-bribery. Vote and influence buying. "The gateway drug to runaway spending," as the late Dr. Tom Coburn used to say.

Earlier, I posted that U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe was the only Oklahoman to vote for the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill passed by Congress. Why was he in favor of the mega-spending bill?

That's easy. Inhofe stuffed almost half a billion dollars worth of earmarks in the bill -- second most of all senators and representatives. If anything was made evident by his time in Washington, it's that Jim Inhofe looooved him some earmarks and pork spending. 

Lankford receives commitment on Military Religious Accommodation Requests for C-19 vax mandate

Lankford Receives Commitment on Military Religious Accommodation Requests for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate from DOD Secretary, Lifts Holds on DOD Noms

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Dec. 23rd) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced a huge victory he secured to protect the right of religious liberty for our heroes in the Armed Forces. After receiving a commitment from the Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin that all members who had requested a religious accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccine who have been waiting on a response, will now get the answers they have been waiting for and be allowed to return to their duties. 

Inhofe only member of OK's DC delegation to vote for mega-spending bill

UPDATE: read my follow-up post, His last hurrah: Inhofe stuffs omnibus bill with $498M in earmarks

True to form, Congress continues spending America into oblivion with the latest in a very long line of omnibus mega-spending bills. Also true to form, the measure passed with some Republican support. Of Oklahoma's all-GOP delegation, only U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe in favor.

In the Senate, 18 Republicans voted for the omnibus bill, 29 were opposed, and 3 were absent. In the House, 9 Republicans were supportive, 200 were opposed, and 4 were absent.

Below are comments from both Oklahoma Senators and all five Representatives. Inhofe's comments, along with his touting of over half a billion dollars in earmarks that he procured in the omnibus bill (apparently the second most of all senators). Inhofe definitely loves him some earmarks and pork spending. Nothing like going out with a bang, right? Good riddance.

Small: In policy debate, volume doesn’t equate to influence

In policy debate, volume doesn’t equate to influence

By Jonathan Small

In policy debates, when special interests cannot justify their position with sound analysis, they increase the volume instead. Unfortunately, a political approach known as “vote your district” can allow those special-interests tactics to work.

That’s because the “vote my district” mantra misconstrues the true job of a lawmaker and makes it more likely a legislator will miss opportunities to advance thriving.

Because we are a republic with elected representation (lawmakers), the job of a lawmaker is to represent his or her constituents by being the person who thoroughly studies issues, understands the policy implications, votes accordingly—and then explains why to constituents.

Hern introduces pro-life legislation aimed at blocking Biden's rabid abortion policies

Hern Introduces Pro-Life Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act, which will prevent the Executive Branch from declaring an abortion-related public health emergency. Second, this legislation reinstates safety regulations and in-person dispensing requirements for dangerous chemical abortions. It further bars the FDA from waiving these protections in the future.

Sen. Dahm files bill to keep Oklahoma on ‘Central Daylight Time’ year-round

Sen. Dahm files legislation to keep Oklahoma on ‘Central Daylight Time’ year-round

OKLAHOMA CITY –Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation on Wednesday to end the unnecessary and potentially harmful practice of setting clocks forward and back every year.

“As we pass through the shortest day of the year, let’s not forget the feds steal an hour from us each year with their daylight saving Ponzi scheme only to give it back later,” Dahm said. “It’s time we end this archaic practice in our state.”

Brecheen spearheads letter to McConnell opposing $1.7T omnibus spending bill

Oklahoma's 2nd District Congressman-elect Josh Brecheen has hit the ground running. One of his top priorities on the campaign trail was returning fiscal responsibility to the forefront of congressional action, and he's making good on his word.

Dahm files bills to support border states, prohibit anchor baby citizenship in OK

Sen. Dahm files bills to support border states, prohibit anchor baby citizenship in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed multiple bills aimed at preventing and disincentivizing illegal immigration.

“Just because this invasion of illegal aliens isn’t on the news anymore doesn’t mean it has been solved,” Dahm said. “Quite the contrary, it is as bad as it has ever been. These bills will not only provide support – both financially and physically – to border states, but also remove one of the biggest incentives for illegals invading.”

Small: Teacher-law critics are wrong; the sky is not falling

Teacher-law critics are wrong; the sky is not falling

By Jonathan Small

The problem with having an “all or nothing” attitude in policy debates is you usually end up with nothing. Yet some critics appear ready to sacrifice educational opportunity for some children when it comes to a new law designed to mitigate, in admittedly limited fashion, the reported teacher shortage facing some schools.

Dahm files bills on privacy, surveillance, and eminant domain abuse

State Sen. Nathan Dahm is on a tear during what he is dubbing 'Bill of Rights Week', filing legislation aimed at strengthening and bolstering constitutional rights for Oklahomans.

Featured in this post, two press releases on bills related to privacy, surveillance, and eminant domain abuse.

Murdock files bill banning state contracts with companies discriminating against firearms industry

Sen. Murdock files Second Amendment legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, has filed a bill ahead of the 2023 legislative session aimed at further protecting and supporting the Second Amendment in Oklahoma.  Senate Bill 15 would prohibit state contracts from being made with companies that discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.

Murdock was Senate author of a similar bill in the 2022 session that did not make it all the way through the legislative process.  The bill passed initial committee and floor votes in each chamber, but the final version of the measure didn’t receive a final vote in the upper chamber before the session ended.

Dahm files 'Defend the Guard Act' calling for deployment only by constitutional means

Sen. Dahm files Defend the Guard Act

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 13th) – Today, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed the Defend the Guard Act to ensure men and women serving in the Oklahoma National Guard are deployed only in the manner directly specified by the United States Constitution.

Sen. Dahm files bills to constrain intrusive federal government

Sen. Dahm files bills to constrain intrusive federal government

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 12th) – In response to the growing concerns over federal violations of constitutionally-protected rights, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed numerous bills to push back and constrain the federal government within its constitutional limits.

Mexican consulate opening in OKC in spring 2023

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES MEXICAN CONSULATE COMING TO OKLAHOMA CITY IN SPRING 2023

Edurne Pineda to serve as first Head Consul

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 13, 2022) – Today Governor Kevin Stitt announced a Mexican consulate is scheduled to open in Oklahoma City next spring. The Consulate of Mexico will provide consular services and assistance to the growing Mexican community in the state while promoting economic, commercial, educational, cultural, tourism, and community affairs relations between Mexican entities and Oklahoma stakeholders. Gov. Stitt has been advocating for the opening of this consulate and visited Mexico last year to present this proposal to the Government of Mexico. Over the past two years the governor has worked to embrace and address the needs of the Latino community and today’s announcement serves as a testament to the longevity of that commitment.

“As Oklahoma’s Mexican community grows, I’m glad that these Oklahomans can get the services they need right here in our state, rather driving hours across state lines for simple paperwork,” said Governor Stitt. “I am thankful for the collaboration and shared vision between Oklahoma and Mexico that made this a reality.”

Consul Edurne Pineda has been appointed as Head Consul of the cónsul. Consul Pineda is a Mexican career diplomat with a specialization in consular affairs and a long trajectory in this field. She has been working on the opening of the Consulate with the expectation to inaugurate its operation with full services by the end of the spring of 2023.  

“It has been an honor to work with Governor Stitt to establish the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City,” said Consul Edurne Pineda. “I am certain that we will be great partners towards forging a better development for the Mexican community in the state and a deeper and stronger relationship between Mexico and Oklahoma.”

The Mexican Consulate was brought to Oklahoma due to the efforts of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard, along with the approval of the federal government. Mayor David Holt as well as Mexican community leaders have also consistently manifested the need to have this consular representation in Oklahoma. 

“This is a great announcement for the people of Oklahoma City,” said Mayor David Holt. “There is a large population of Mexican Americans in our state, with more than 100,000 in Oklahoma City alone. Access to these services is important, and I congratulate the leaders in our Mexican American community who have advocated for this facility for many years.”

Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber said the Consulate is also important for the business community adding, “Mexico is an important trade partner for our state and the presence of these offices here will support continued growth.”

While the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City opens its operation, the Consulates of Mexico in Little Rock and Kansas will continue to provide consular services to the Mexican community of Oklahoma. 

Rep. Rick West refiles 4-H excused absence bill

Rep. Rick West Refiles 4-H Excused Absence Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 13th) – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, has refiled a bill that would grant students attending 4-H programs an excused absence from school so their grades will not be adversely affected. 

House Bill 1006 would prohibit schools from marking students with an unexcused absence if they are participating in 4-H activities approved by the county 4-H educator. The student would be required to provide documented proof of their participation and must be given the opportunity to make up any missed work. 

Sen. Rogers pushes to protect parent-child discussions re: orientation, gender identity

Sen. Rogers pushes to protect parent-child discussions regarding orientation and gender identity

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 9th) – Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is planning to file legislation that ensures parents remain in control of conversations and actions regarding their children’s gender identity and sexual orientation. The measure requires that district school boards put procedures in place notifying parents of any changes or issues their student is having related to their mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.

Small: Reading instruction crucial for Oklahoma children

Reading instruction crucial for Oklahoma children

by Jonathan Small

As the old expression goes, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again while hoping for a different outcome. Unfortunately, many of our public schools have taken that approach to reading instruction by clinging to a scientifically discredited method of instruction known as “whole language.”

It’s time policymakers address this longstanding problem. Nationwide learning loss occurred during COVID, and Oklahoma ranked among the worst-performing states according to the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

State Sen. Hamilton proposes legislation to rate books in public schools and libraries

Hamilton proposes legislation to rate books in public schools and libraries

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 2nd) – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has requested a bill that would establish a system to rate books rather than ban them in public schools and libraries. The system follows the standard movie ratings of G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17.

The ratings are designed to give parents a better understanding of the materials their children are reading and allow them to provide parental guidance when necessary. Hamilton said the ultimate goal is to protect young children from inappropriate reading material and give parents peace of mind that their kids cannot access adult content in safe spaces like schools and libraries.

Jackson Lahmeyer launches 'Pastors for Trump' 2024 group

Remember Jackson Lahmeyer, the Tulsa pastor who got trounced running against Sen. James Lankford earlier this year? He's back in the news, having kicked off a new organization to promote Donald Trump's 2024 candidacy:

Pastors For Trump Launches, Backed by Faith Leaders With 200k Congregants

TULSA, Okla., Dec. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Counting a chapter in each state and the backing of dozens of Christian pastors with over 200,000 congregants, Pastors for Trump (PFT) is aiming to galvanize support in the evangelical community for President Trump as he seeks to return to the White House as Commander-in-Chief in 2024. 

Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer created the coalition to help recognize the efforts of millions of Christians across the United States in the political process and to provide a way to advocate for issues central to the faithful including the importance of life, marriage, freedom of speech, and personal responsibility. 

Pastor Lahmeyer is currently the Lead Pastor for Sheridan Church in Tulsa. Lahmeyer attended Oral Roberts University (ORU) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. & M.A. in Theological & Historical Studies. Lahmeyer was Crusade Director for Christ for All Nations, which is the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke, a ministry that has helped lead 74 million people to Christ since 1974. Lahmeyer also served as the Oklahoma State Coordinator for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association leading more than 300 churches across Oklahoma to get engaged and fight for conservative values. In 2021-2022, Lahmeyer was a candidate for the United States Senate in Oklahoma and received endorsements from many America First Patriots including Roger Stone, Rudy Giuliani, John Paul Mac Isaac and Sebastian Gorka.

"President Trump made it clear during his 2016 campaign for President of the United States that he was committed to bringing Christian leaders into the fold. During his historic first term, he proved that he would deliver on the promises he made. Heading into 2024, it is more important now than ever to reaffirm the strength of the Christian faith and our willingness to support President Trump in his fight to return to the Oval Office," explained Lahmeyer. 

Lahmeyer is joined by Pastor Craig Hagan, who is co-Pastor of Rhema Bible Church and Chief Operating Officer For Keith Hagin Ministries and Pastor Mark Burns, Co-Founder & CEO of The NOW Television Network, a Christian television network based out of South Carolina reaches 11 Million Homes named by Time Magazine as "Trump Pastor."  Hagin and Burns will serve on the Board of Directors for Pastors for Trump. 

PFT has a monthly prayer call, daily prayer requests, and allows all Americans to voice the issues most important to their Christian faith that they want to see influence public policy in the coming months. Pastors looking to join PFT can visit pastors4trump.com to fill out an application and receive regular updates. 

Lankford secures end to C19-Vax mandate for military, funding for Tulsa VA in Defense Bill

Lankford Secures an End to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Military Members, Funding for Tulsa VA Construction in Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Among many priorities secured for Oklahoma’s military installations, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today highlighted two major overall wins for Oklahoma service members and veterans and for the nation in the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (FY23 NDAA), otherwise known as the “defense bill.” Lankford secured language to roll back the existing COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military service members in all branches of service. 

House page program for high school students opens applications

This is a great opportunity for students across Oklahoma to avail themselves of:

House Page Program Opens Applications

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program is now accepting applications for the First Regular Session of the 59th Legislature, announced Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang.

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. Through the program, students have a chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government.

Pages are assigned for one week, Monday through Thursday, during the legislative session, which constitutionally runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May.

Senate Pro Tem Treat announces GOP leadership team

This was sent out last week, along with Treat's assignment of GOP committee chairs and vice chairs. It is worth noting that State Sen. Rob Standridge, the conservative who challenged Treat in-caucus for the President Pro Tempore office and fell just short (allegedly by a vote of 21-19), was left out of leadership, left out of any committee chair/vice-chair position despite greater legislative seniority than most of the caucus, and assigned to the fewest committees among GOP senators.

Vindictive, much?

Senate Pro Tem Treat Announces GOP Leadership Team

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 2nd) – Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat today announced his Republican leadership team for the upcoming 59th Oklahoma Legislature that begins in February.

“I have chosen these individuals to help lead our caucus and work with the committees to ensure we are passing legislation that is in the best interest of Oklahomans,” Pro Tem Treat said. “I am honored they have accepted the opportunity to help lead the senate in these respective roles. Together, we will ensure the state is being fiscally responsible, agencies are operating efficiently and taxpayer dollars are not being wasted.”

Small: An important first step at OU on free speech

An important first step at OU

By Jonathan Small

In recent years, too many colleges have allowed the “heckler’s veto” to prevail. Rather than engage in respectful debate, activists have been allowed to shout down speakers or prevent speeches with threats of violence.

And there have been reasons to worry about free speech at the University of Oklahoma.

State Sen. Stephens files legislation to stop time change

Stephens files legislation to stop time change

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 28th) – Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens has officially filed Senate Bill 7 ahead of the 2023 session, which calls for Oklahoma to remain in Daylight Saving Time (DST) year-round. The measure will be a “trigger law” that would go into effect following the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act by Congress, which would give states the option to end the time change.

COMMON SENSE: Bill filed banning "gender transition" procedures for young people

Common sense. The only question is, will the lobbyist-owned, media/corporate-pressured, weak-kneed GOP legislative leadership allow it to be heard?

Bill Filed Prohibiting Gender Transition Procedures for Young People

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 1st) – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, filed legislation to prohibit health care professionals from providing gender transition services to people under the age of 21.

House Bill 1011 prohibits health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for healthy people under the age of 21.

Dahm files legislation to require teaching of historical Thanksgiving proclamations

Dahm files legislation to require teaching of historical Thanksgiving proclamations  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed Senate Bill 2, which would require Oklahoma educational institutions to provide students with an understanding of the history and meanings of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Small: Straight-party voting a cop-out for losing candidates

Straight-party voting a cop-out for losing candidates

By Jonathan Small

Following this month’s election results, some officials claim straight-party voting is a major problem in Oklahoma. They imply many Oklahomans really wanted to vote for candidates from the other party but instead simply checked the straight-party option. Some Democrats suggest their failure in top-of-the-ballot races are a byproduct of straight-party ballots.

That’s believable only if you ignore common sense. The most high-profile race in Oklahoma this year was the governor’s race. It was literally the top spot on the ballot. Are we to believe voters really wanted to vote for Democratic candidate Joy Hofmeister rather than Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt (or vice versa) but instead checked the straight-party box and never looked a few inches down their ballots?

Hamilton, legislators question legality of self-induced abortions in Oklahoma

These are legislators with depth of conviction and principle when it comes to protecting the preborn.

Hamilton questions legality of self-induced abortions in Oklahoma 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has requested that Attorney General John O’Connor provide an official legal opinion related to self-induced abortions. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year, a letter sent in October urged the state’s chief legal and law enforcement official to answer whether or not at-home abortions are a crime in Oklahoma.

Humphrey asks Ethics Commission to investigate potential Hofmeister misuse of public funds

Humphrey Asks Ethics Commission to Investigate Potential Misuse of Public Funds by Gubernatorial Candidate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, sent a letter Monday requesting that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission investigate whether state resources were used to further a gubernatorial candidate's campaign during the 2022 election cycle.

Humphrey pointed to an investigation by the Washington Examiner which found that the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education's website included links to Superintendent Joy Hofmeister's social media pages promoting her campaign for governor.

Elon frees the Babylon Bee from Twitter jail

He did it.

We're back. Let that sink in.

— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) November 18, 2022

Elon Musk is a nonreligious pagan with somewhat libertarian politics who appreciates and is a fan of the Christian-based satire published by the Babylon Bee.

Stephens pushes for black vulture take limit increase

Stephens pushes for black vulture take limit increase

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 15th) – Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, is urging farmers and ranchers to report the number of black vultures killed on their property. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects black vultures, meaning Oklahomans can only take up to five birds a year with a sub-permit, but Stephens said this is a growing problem, and the current limits are no match for the rapidly expanding black vulture population.

Olsen, Dahm Promise to Protect Pro-Life Policies

Watch for it - the GOP-led Oklahoma legislature will make noises about re-legalizing abortion in "limited" situations. 

STATEMENT: Olsen, Dahm Promise to Protect Pro-Life Policies

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 14th) – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, and Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, today released the following statement reiterating their continued dedication to fighting for pro-life policies in the upcoming legislative session.

"New allowances for abortion might come veiled as compassion and care for difficult and tragic circumstances. In fact, this is not the case at all. This would be nothing less than the taking away of innocent human life.

Election Results Map: U.S. Senate, other statewide races

Earlier this week, I update my long-running Election Results Maps series with a post looking at the 2022 Oklahoma general election races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Superintendent. In this post, we'll cover the remaining statewide partisan races.

Overall, it was a Republican romp.

State Sen. Stephens urges Oklahoma to “lock the clock”

Stephens urges Oklahoma to “lock the clock”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah, continues to advocate for Daylight Saving Time (DST) to be the official year-round time in Oklahoma. Stephens has advocated for DST legislation since he was elected to the Senate in 2020.

The Sunshine Protection Act was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year and is awaiting consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by the president. If approved, DST would be able to become permanent across the nation, with many states already having legislation in place to be enacted upon the passage of the act.

Election Results Map: Gov, LtGov, and State Superintendent races

Update: be sure to check out my follow-up post here, with U.S. Senate and other statewide races

I've finally gotten the time to update my long-running Election Results Maps series with some posts looking at the 2022 Oklahoma general election.

For now, we'll look at the race for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Superintendent. I'll work on additional races as I find the time.

State Election Board Secretary celebrates smooth election operation

Secretary of State Election Board Releases Statement

[Oklahoma City, OK || November 10th] The Secretary of the State Election Board released a statement today regarding the November 8 General Election and voter turnout.

Statement from Secretary Paul Ziriax:

"For election officials, the General Election is our Super Bowl. No election is perfect, but overall this one went pretty smoothly. I want to offer a big 'thank you' to all of the poll workers, county election board members and staff, State Election Board staff, and other election officials who worked very hard to ensure Oklahomans were able to vote in a free and fair election. I am very appreciative of our partner agencies who help us protect Oklahoma's election system and keep it secure. And I want to thank the voters who took time to exercise their right to vote."

Additional Information about Oklahoma's 2022 General Election:

• Official pre-election voter registration showed 2,295,906 registered voters in Oklahoma. At the 2018 gubernatorial election, there were 2,120,843 registered voters.
• Preliminary, unofficial 2022 General Election results show turnout to be about 50.3% of registered voters. This compares to 56.15% of registered voters in 2018.
• Preliminary, unofficial 2022 General Election results show about 1.155 million ballots scanned – about 36,000 fewer than the nearly 1.191 million in 2018.
• Preliminary, unofficial 2022 General Election results show more than 480,000 voters marked "straight party" – 69.82% for Republicans, 29.08% for Democrats, and 1.10% for Libertarians. (Reminder: A vote for an individual candidate overrides a "straight party" mark.)
• Election Results are unofficial until certified. Any provisional ballots determined to be eligible will be counted by County Election Boards and added to the vote totals on Friday, November 11. County Election Boards meet on Friday, November 11 at 5PM to certify county-level election results. The State Election Board meets on Tuesday, November 15 at 5PM to certify results for federal and state races.

Small: With election over, time to focus on policy

With election over, time to focus on policy

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma voters have made their choices at the ballot box. Now it is time to focus on good policy. To that end, several major reforms could increase opportunity for all.

Sen. Hamilton wants to require majority vote in 2/3rds of counties for state question approval

Sen. Hamilton proposes changes to state question approval process

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 4th) – Sen. Warren Hamilton intends to refile a resolution that proposes changes to the approval process for state questions.

Hamilton filed Senate Joint Resolution 30 in the 2022 session, but it did not make it through the legislative process after being sent to the Senate Rules Committee. The measure is designed to give a voice back to rural Oklahomans and transform how state questions are passed.

Hamilton, R-McCurtain, says allowing state questions to pass by a simple majority disenfranchises rural Oklahoma and gives only the major cities a voice in hot-button topics that often appear on the ballot. His proposed solution would require state questions to be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of all Oklahoma counties to pass and be written into the state’s constitution.

Amber Integrated partnering with Decision Desk HQ on election results tracker

Amber Integrated, an Oklahoma City based public affairs firm that is a relative newcomer to the Oklahoma political polling stage, is partnering with Decision Desk HQ on election results tracking. DDHQ originated in 2012 as project of right-of-center blog Ace of Spades, and quickly became well-respected across the political spectrum for their accuracy and speed in reporting election results.

From AI:

If you are looking for a place where you can track national election results AND Oklahoma results in one place, look no further! We are proud to launch a new dashboard on our website, amberintegrated.com, in partnership with Decision Desk HQ, with live results and interactive graphics. You can access the dashboard through our home page, or go directly to the dashboard at the links below:

Election Day: Links and Resources

Today is the General Election. If you haven't voted yet, you have from 7:00am to 7:00pm to cast your ballots at your precinct polling location. If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out.

Here are some links to various posts and additional resources about the candidates that you may find helpful.

Election Predictions: here's mine -- leave yours!

Here are my admittedly optimistic election predictions. Drop yours in the comments, or on the Muskogee Politico Facebook page.

OCPA column: State’s licensure boards declared a “time bomb”

State’s licensure boards declared a “time bomb”

By Jonathan Small

State licensure boards are an important, although often overlooked, component of job opportunity and economic growth. The boards control access to professions. If operated appropriately, they provide consumer protection while allowing the most qualified people possible to enter a profession, which increases competition and keeps prices down for consumers.

But there’s reason to worry Oklahoma’s licensure boards have inherent flaws that not only stymie healthy industry competition, but also could be found illegal. One legislator compared the state’s licensure system to “sitting on a time bomb.”

State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters

This information is very important for all registered voters, particularly since redistricting took effect this year:

State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters

(Oklahoma City || November 4th) – Voters head to the polls Tuesday for the General Election and several nonpartisan elections. The State Election Board offers these tips and reminders to Oklahoma voters ahead of the November 8 General Election.

75 to 2: Oklahoma Dems lead voter registration in just TWO counties, fall BEHIND Indies in one

Some big news here in the latest of my long-running Voter Registration Maps series. These statistics used in these graphics are sourced from the November 1st pre-election report from the State Election Board.

State Election Board releases official pre-election voter registration statistics

State Election Board Releases Official Pre-Election Voter Registration Statistics

(Oklahoma City) – Nearly 2.3 million Oklahomans are registered to vote ahead of the November 8 General Election, with a net increase of more than 77,000 registered voters since January 15 and a net increase of more than 175,000 registered voters since November 1, 2018.

Oklahoma’s voter registration statistics show that registered Republicans now make up 51.19% of Oklahoma’s registered voters, while Democrats make up 29.95% of registered voters. Independents make up the third largest group of registered voters with 18%, while Libertarians continue to increase voter registration numbers with 0.86%. It is the first time that official voter registration statistics show Democrats at less than 30% of registered voters. As recently as 2014, Democrats were Oklahoma’s largest political party.