Saturday, August 31, 2024

Small: OK Supreme Court creativity reduces legal certainty

Court creativity reduces legal certainty
By Jonathan Small

Creativity is often a good thing, but the courtroom is an exception. When judges get creative, it means less legal certainty for everyone else.

Sadly, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has provided an example in recent years.

Olsen praises high election integrity scores for Oklahoma


Olsen Comments on High Election Integrity Scores for Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, commented on the consistently high performance of the state of Oklahoma in election integrity.

"Oklahomans are very concerned with the issue of election integrity," Olsen said. "They want election results to be accurate, and not fraudulent. I am happy to report that for a number of years, Oklahoma has had an excellent system. I am especially happy to report that our performance is steadily improving.

Gov. Stitt appoints Jeffrey Cartmell as Director of OK DHS


GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES JEFFREY CARTMELL AS DIRECTOR OF OKLAHOMA HUMAN SERVICES

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 28, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Jeffrey Cartmell will serve as executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Katie DeMuth, the interim director of Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, will join Cartmell at DHS as part of the executive team.

Friday, August 30, 2024

AFP-Oklahoma congratulates successful endorsed State Senate runoff candidates

AFP-Oklahoma Congratulates Endorsed State Senate Candidates Winning Primary Runoffs
Oklahoma's premier grassroots organization propelled both candidates to victory

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Tuesday, August 27th) - Tonight, Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) celebrated its two endorsed non-incumbent candidates who won their primary runoff races for the Oklahoma Senate: Dr. Julie McIntosh (SD-03) and Kelly Hines (SD-47).

In the month leading up to the race, AFP-OK knocked on nearly 14,000 doors across its endorsed candidates' districts to make sure Oklahomans got the absolute best representation in the state legislature next year, and over 30,000 throughout the primary season to date. 

Cong. Brecheen to speak at launch of new Oklahoma Freedom Caucus on Tuesday

Conservatives in the Oklahoma Legislature are gaining a new tool for organization and action. The State Freedom Caucus Network announced today that the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus will be holding a launch on Tuesday at the State Capitol, featuring Congressman Josh Brecheen, himself a member of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus and a former Oklahoma state senator from the stalwart conservative wing.

A similar effort took place in 2017 with the formation of the Platform Caucus. Although many of the members were controversially taken out in the 2018 primaries and runoffs by the well-monied moderate establishment, the Platform Caucus had some success in killing some tax hike proposals in 2017 and 2018.

Launch of the New Oklahoma Freedom Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY — The State Freedom Caucus Network will hold a press conference with special guest, Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02), to announce the launch of the new Oklahoma Freedom Caucus.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

After Edmond Schools stir, Walters issues guidance to schools on patriotic displays

The flag that started it all at Edmond North High School.

Walters Releases Guidelines on Patriotic Displays
No Student Should Ever Be Targeted for their Patriotism

Oklahoma City, Okla – After Edmond Public Schools disallowed students from displaying the American flag, State Superintendent Ryan Walters has issued new guidance to Oklahoma school districts today.

“No school in Oklahoma should tell students they can’t wave an American flag,” said Walters. “Americans have fought and died for the right to carry our flag, and no student should ever be targeted for exercising that right. Our young people should never have to fear displaying their patriotism and I will fight every day so that when our students want to express their love for America, they can do so boldly and proudly.”

After ballot irregularities, Lawton-area legislators call for investigative audit of sheriff runoff election


Lawton Lawmakers Call for Investigative Audit into Comanche County Sheriff Runoff Election

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, and Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, today sent an urgent letter to Secretary Paul Ziriax formally requesting an investigative audit into the August 27 runoff election for Comanche County sheriff.

The legislators expressed serious concerns following reports that multiple ineligible voters received a ballot for the Republican runoff election for Comanche County sheriff. The legislators said this clear breach of electoral protocol occurred despite at least one voter contacting the Comanche County Election Board regarding the incorrect ballot, with the issue not realized until after the ballot had been cast.

The Taxpayers Guide to Tax at the Grocery Store


As the state grocery sales tax is phased out today, here's a helpful video from the Oklahoma Tax Commission: The Taxpayers Guide to Tax at the Grocery Store.

Additional information from the Tax Commission with FAQs for consumers and vendors can be viewed here.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Conservatives rack up wins in Oklahoma GOP primary and runoff

After some remarkable victories in the June primary, Oklahoma conservatives continued the winning streak with additional successes in today's runoff election across the state. This primary-runoff cycle has been, without a doubt, the best election for conservatives in at least a decade.

Pro Tem Treat: Grocery tax cut this week "will provide immediate relief" from inflation, higher cost of living


Senate Pro Tem Treat Comments on Oklahoma Grocery Tax Cut Taking Effect Thursday

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced the long-awaited reduction in Oklahoma's grocery tax will take effect Thursday. 

The tax cut, which was approved during this year's legislative session, marks a significant step toward easing the financial burden on Oklahoma families. It also represents the largest tax cut in state history. 

Election Board: post-election audits confirm 100% accuracy of June elections


Post-Election Audits Confirm Accuracy of June Elections

(August 26th) On Monday, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced that post-election audits conducted following Oklahoma's June Primary Elections confirmed the accuracy of the state's voting system with a 100% match of the certified election results.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Small: Little logic to open primaries


Little logic to open primaries
By Jonathan Small

Backers of an “open primary” system in Oklahoma claim that our current election system is fatally flawed and would be better if it looked more like California’s system.

That alone is a clue the proposed system is no panacea.

Since 2010, California voters have been subjected to a “top two” primary system. All candidates from all parties are placed on a single primary ballot, sometimes called a “jungle primary,” and all voters—Democrats, Republicans, third-party and independents—can cast ballots in the primary for any candidate. The top two finishers then proceed to the general election.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

State Election Board gives tips, reminders for August 27 runoff election


State Election Board Offers Tips and Reminders Ahead of August 27 Runoff Primary

(Oklahoma City) – Voters in 53 counties head to the polls Tuesday for the August 27 Runoff Primary Election and several nonpartisan elections. The State Election Board offers these tips and reminders to Oklahoma voters ahead of the election.

Cong. Brecheen's office accepting 2024 service academy applications


Office of Congressman Josh Brecheen Now Accepting 2024 Service Academy Applications

Washington, D.C. (August 19th) – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen is now accepting service academy nomination applications.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Friday, August 23, 2024

State Rep. Humphrey comments on OMMA whistleblowers, layoffs


Humphrey Comments on OMMA Layoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 20th) – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today issued the following statements about the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).

"For the last year I have been working with whistleblowers from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to expose improper and possible criminal acts. These whistleblowers have documented an abundance of shady purchasing practices, including failure to use purchase orders and conducting business without proper contracts. They assisted me in putting all these improper purchases in files and on a thumb drive to give investigative authorities. Two of the whistleblowers alleged a top executive at OMMA was conspiring to do business with a company that employed that executive’s wife. Whistleblowers produced a tape of this executive, sounding aggressive and intimidating, telling employees there was nothing wrong with the business transactions but because of the employees, the transaction would be terminated and that their actions had been an embarrassment. The tape is very compelling and appears to be an admission of guilt. I do want to report that these two brave whistleblowers have been fired.

Sen. Warren Hamilton earns top score on 2024 Oklahoma Conservative Index

A little late on posting this, but the Oklahoma Constitution's Conservative Index was released a month ago. 

Three state senators and ten state representatives scored a perfect 100% conservative rating this year; Senators Nathan Dahm, Warren Hamilton (press release below), and Shane Jett, and Representatives Chris Banning, Chad Caldwell, Dean Davis, Tom Gann, Jim Grego, John Kane, Jim Olsen, Marilyn Stark, Kevin West, and Rick West.


Sen. Hamilton receives top score on Oklahoma Conservative Index

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 31st) – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received a perfect score on the 2024 Oklahoma Conservative Index. The annual rating by The Oklahoma Constitution evaluates lawmakers' votes on key conservative measures. This year’s rankings were based on support of measures to protect the rights of biological women, combat illegal immigration, avoid wasteful government spending, and more.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Brecheen announce 4 town halls in SEOK for August 30th


Congressman Brecheen Announces More August In-Person Town Halls

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen announced the following in-person town halls for the month of August. Constituents are invited to attend and share their thoughts and ask questions on policy issues impacting Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma.

Congressman Brecheen has so far held 102 in-person town halls during his first term in office, visiting every county in Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District.

Sen. Deevers celebrates impending grocery tax cut, continues call for income tax cut


Deevers Applauds Impending Grocery Tax Cut, Calls for Legislature to Do More

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 19th) — With the State grocery tax set to be eliminated on August 29, Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, celebrated the additional money going back into the hands of the people of Oklahoma.

“On the campaign trail, I promised Southwest Oklahomans I would work to get the government off our backs and out of our pocketbooks. Though I had hoped for even greater tax cuts and filed legislation to do so, I am very pleased that we were able to at least get rid of the 4.5 percent state grocery tax, which is set to be eliminated for all Oklahomans beginning on August 29. In addition to eliminating the State sales tax, the new law also prohibits cities and counties from raising local grocery tax rates until July 1, 2025. According to recent data, the new law will save the average family of four in Oklahoma roughly 60 dollars per month.”

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Cong. Brecheen, State Sen. Burns oppose hydroelectric plant with Chinese ties in SE Oklahoma


Congressman Josh Brecheen and State Sen. George Burns are both out with press releases detailing their opposition to a proposed hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma that would provide power for Texas consumers, with Brecheen noting ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual in the project. Read on for their comments:


Congressman Brecheen Opposes Chinese Communist Party-Linked Hydroelectric Power Plant Project: “We Will Do Everything in Our Power to Prevent this Harmful Project from Moving Forward”

Washington, D.C. (August 14th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen opposes the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation’s (SEOPC) attempts to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in LeFlore and Pushmataha Counties.

SEOPC has ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual and the project would require the eminent domaining of 35,000 acres of Oklahoma land, including many homes, farms, and ranches in the surrounding area that have been owned by Oklahoma families for generations. All the power produced would then be sold in Texas, not Oklahoma.

SD15 runoff: Robert Keyes endorsed by fourth-place primary candidate Tommie Herell

Robert Keyes is facing Lisa Standridge (wife of term-limited conservative Sen. Rob Standridge) in the GOP runoff for State Senate District 15 (NonDoc has a good article on the race here). Keyes touts an endorsement from the fourth-place finisher in the June primary; the runoff victor will face Democrat Elizabeth Foreman in the general election.

SD15 candidate Robert Keyes

TOMMIE HERELL ENDORSES ROBERT KEYES IN SD-15 RUNOFF
“Robert Keyes is the Senator we need to make Oklahoma stronger and more prosperous.”

NORMAN, OK (August 14th) – Former GOP candidate for SD-15, Tommie Herell, is endorsing Robert Keyes in the upcoming Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma State Senate. Herell is encouraging fellow conservatives to join him in voting for Keyes on August 27th.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Small: ESG lawsuit highlights major issues


ESG lawsuit highlights major issues
By Jonathan Small

In 2022, Oklahoma lawmakers passed the “Energy Discrimination Elimination Act” (EDEA), which requires the state treasurer to identify firms that embrace “Environmental Social Governance” (ESG) policies. Those pro-ESG firms are barred from receiving state contracts, including management of state pension funds.

Opponents of the law have pushed back and obtained an injunction preventing its enforcement.

But an unrelated class-action lawsuit targeting American Airlines’ use of pro-ESG firms to manage its employees’ pensions shows some retired workers agree with Oklahoma lawmakers.

Muskogee-area gun range offering $25 License-to-Carry class for school faculty and staff

From GGF Firearms & Training, a special that educators and school staff should take advantage of:

OK SDA License to Carry Class: $25 for School Faculty and Staff!
Family members may join for $75 each.

Monday, August 12, 2024

Gov. Stitt endorses Stacy Jo Adams in HD50 GOP runoff


Governor Kevin Stitt Endorses Stacy Jo Adams
Republican for State Representative
August 27th Runoff Election will Determine who represents House District 50, comprised of Stephens and Jefferson counties

August 5, 2024 (Duncan, OK) – Duncan businesswoman Stacy Jo Adams is pleased to announce that Governor Kevin Stitt has endorsed her candidacy in the runoff election for State Representative District 50, to be held on August 27. The winner of the August 27 ballot will represent constituents in Stephens and Jefferson counties in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Reps. Lucas, Miller introduce legislation to improve weather prediction


Chairman Lucas, Rep. Miller introduce legislation to improve weather prediction

Washington, DC (August 7th)  – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R, OK-03) and Congressman Max Miller (R, OH-07) introduced H.R. 9219, the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act. This legislation is a critical step in improving the accuracy and reliability of weather prediction by ensuring weather tools, purchased with taxpayer funds, are more accurate, standardized, and able to account for ever-changing weather risks.

Tuesday, August 06, 2024

Small: No, you’re not blind


No, you’re not blind
by Jonathan Small

A tactic increasingly used by the political left is to emphatically claim people can’t trust their senses or common sense.

In short, the message has been, “Who are you going to trust? Us, or your lying eyes?”

We’ve seen this tactic used locally in Oklahoma, in national politics, and even on the world stage.

New Oklahoma license plate design released


LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL AND SERVICE OKLAHOMA ANNOUNCE NEW LICENSE PLATE DESIGN

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 1st) — Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Service Oklahoma today unveiled the new standard issue license plate design, called the Iconic Oklahoma Plate. The new plate will be in circulation beginning September 1, 2024.

“It’s great to finally unveil the Iconic Oklahoma Plate design, which honors and highlights our truly iconic state,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Using color and intentional symbology, this design pays tribute to Oklahoma’s culture and history, nodding to iconic landmarks, our original flag, state animals, and more. This design celebrates much of what makes Oklahoma unique, and I am excited to see it out on the road.”