Sen. Lankford releases latest 'Federal Fumbles: A Playbook for DOGE'

Lankford Releases Latest Federal Fumbles as Playbook for DOGE

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the latest edition of his government waste book, Federal Fumbles: A Playbook for DOGE. Lankford reveals billions of dollars lost to wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments. The book also exposes the 30 different agencies involved in disaster relief and $2 billon that was given to the Taliban through United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Every time I talk with Oklahomans, they make it clear they want Washington to waste less and save more. My Federal Fumbles book is another edition of our playbook to cut waste and make government more efficient. This is the mandate that the American people voted to implement and we are committed to accomplish,” said Lankford. 

Click here to read the full report. Below is the Top 5 list:

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus releases 2025 policy agenda

Good stuff from the best group in the Legislature:

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus releases policy agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus led by Chairman Shane Jett, House Vice Chair Jim Olsen, and Senate Vice Chair Dusty Deevers released the following policy agenda for 2025.

For the 60th Legislature the focus of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is to advance the Freedoms of Oklahomans in four key areas:

Muskogee's Stardust Power announces exclusive licensing agreement for new lithium refining process

One of Muskogee's latest industrial developments is the groundbreaking of a new battery-grade lithium refinery, a billion-plus dollar investment that selected Muskogee in 2024. The following press release from Stardust Power details a licensing agreement for a new refining technology/process they will be using at the Muskogee plant:

Stardust Power Announces Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Lithium Brine Concentration Technology from KMX Technologies

Following the October 8, 2024 announcement, Stardust Power finalizes exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies to enhance lithium production efficiency and sustainability.

GREENWICH, Conn. – February 10, 2025 – Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) (“Stardust Power” or the “Company”), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, today announced the execution of an exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. (“KMX”), a leader in advanced lithium brine concentration technology. This agreement grants Stardust Power the exclusive rights to utilize KMX’s innovative vacuum membrane distillation (“VMD”) technology across the United States, Canada, and select international markets.

The exclusive license grants Stardust Power the full rights to use and operate KMX VMD units within the designated territory and field of use. This agreement will support Stardust Power’s continued commitment to build out the North American lithium supply chain and onshoring of critical minerals in the rapidly growing North America lithium market.

“This exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies is a pivotal step forward in advancing Stardust Power’s sustainability and operational efficiency goals,” said Roshan Pujari, CEO and Founder of Stardust Power. “KMX’s VMD technology offers a unique opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and water use across our supply chain, particularly by concentrating lithium feedstocks for efficient logistics. By incorporating this technology, we aim to significantly lower operating costs while strengthening the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and enhancing national security, all while doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.” KMX’s technology is ideal for Stardust Power’s innovative hub and spoke refinery model. By reducing the volume of the brine feedstock, less volume needs to be transported. The large central refinery is designed to repulp feedstock and blend as needed.

KMX’s VMD technology is capable of concentrating lithium from brine sources with minimal losses, thereby enhancing the economic viability of lithium projects. Additionally, the technology produces high-quality water as a byproduct, which can be used to minimize reliance on local freshwater resources in the lithium extraction process, a key factor in increasing water sustainability for the industry.

Zachary Sadow, CEO of KMX Technologies, added, “We are excited to partner with Stardust Power, a visionary company dedicated to driving sustainability and innovation within the lithium sector. This agreement represents a shared commitment to improving the efficiency and environmental footprint of the lithium supply chain.”

With the execution of this agreement, Stardust Power is positioned to deploy KMX’s VMD technology throughout Stardust Power’s network design and supply chain in order to optimize delivery of feedstocks to its lithium refinery under development in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with up to 50,000 metric tons per annum production capacity upon completion. The Company plans to integrate this advanced technology across both its refining and upstream operations to further enhance the environmental and economic performance of its lithium production processes.

About Stardust Power Inc.
Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST. For more information, visit www.stardust-power.com.

Former Speaker Charles McCall announces campaign for Governor

Former House Speaker Charles McCall announced his campaign for Oklahoma Governor this morning in a letter posted on Twitter/X.

McCall, a banker and former mayor from Atoka, served in the State House from 2012 to 2024, and was elected as Speaker in 2017, maintaining that post until he was term limited in 2024, becoming the longest tenured Speaker in Oklahoma history.

Governor Stitt shakes up Oklahoma State Board of Education, draws Walters' ire

There's trouble in paradise, as they say. Gov. Stitt's latest education move has, to put it mildly, upset longtime ally State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters' typical, hyperbolic reaction is included underneath.

Governor Stitt Shakes Up Oklahoma State Board of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 11, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named three new members to the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE). The move comes after ongoing controversy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and disappointing scores on the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

Op-ed: Oklahoma must stop forcing students into DEI Classes

Oklahoma Must Stop Forcing Students into DEI Classes 

By Timothy K. Minella 

 

President Donald Trump has demolished federal subsidies for radical “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programming. But until state lawmakers in Oklahoma act as well, students will still be forced to take courses intended to indoctrinate them in the poisonous ideology behind DEI.  

Oklahoma’s public universities are not immune from the destructive effects of DEI. In December 2023, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order prohibiting discriminatory DEI programs at public universities in Oklahoma. President Trump’s recent executive orders targeted these discriminatory practices at the federal level. But despite these welcome actions, DEI still maintains a strong and toxic presence in Oklahoma’s universities through course requirements that force students into politicized DEI courses simply to obtain a degree. 

State House committee passes "Bell to Bell, No Cell" bill

House Passes "Bell to Bell, No Cell" Legislation Through First Oversight Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 10th) – The House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that prohibits the use of cell phones by students during the school day.

The legislation is the first bill to be heard and considered in the House's new two-tiered committee structure and is expected to be heard on the floor later this week.

Small: REINing in the government Goliath

REINing in the government Goliath

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma state government’s reach may seem insignificant compared to the gargantuan size of the federal government, but Oklahoma government still has tendrils reaching all segments of our economy.

That’s why it is important for Oklahoma lawmakers to restrain government regulation at the state level even as President Trump does the same thing at the federal level.

Dr. Kevin Norwood files for House District 74 special election

Community Leader & Longtime Youth Outreach Minister Dr. Kevin Norwood files for Open House District 74 seat

Owasso, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Republican Dr. Kevin Norwood filed his candidacy papers to serve Oklahomans living in House District 74, a region which includes Tulsa County, portions of Rogers County and the entire City of Owasso. The Republican special primary election will take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

Reactions to Oklahoma storm chasing license bill passing first State House committee vote

Read also: Storm chaser licensing and regulation? These legislators want to see it happen. (January 31st, 2025)

I'm going to put State Rep. Fetgatter's press release first, then follow up underneath with some comments of my own and from storm chasers on the legislation.

Fetgatter Passes Storm Chasing Licensing Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would allow professional storm chasers to obtain licensing through the state that will allow them special accommodations while they are tracking severe weather.

Sen. Burns files bill to designate Hugo Lake Park as State Park

Burns Files Bill to Transfer Hugo Lake Park Properties

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 7th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced legislation to transfer the management and operation of Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Senate Bill 121 proposes transferring all properties currently held for Hugo Lake Park to the department by January 1, 2026.

The bill aims to designate Hugo Lake as an official state park, improving oversight, enhancing amenities, and streamlining management responsibilities to provide a better visitor experience.

Gov. Stitt launches Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK)

Politics is a lot about riding trends, and the current trend in Republican circles is to cut government size, spending, and staffing. 

Wait, haven't they all touted that for decades? Funny how so many seem to have forgotten about that until Donald Trump and Elon Musk crashed into DC this year. Anyway, better late than never, I suppose.

Governor Stitt Announces the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK)

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 3, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2025-04, creating the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK) within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). The new division will build upon past efficiency initiatives and focus on eliminating wasteful government spending, improving efficiency, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively across state government.

AFP-Oklahoma touts 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" legislative agenda, backs Gov. Stitt's priorities

AFP-Oklahoma Releases 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" Legislative Agenda, Backing Gov. Stitt's Priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) released its 2025 "Prosperity Across the Prairie" legislative agenda today at the start of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. Many of AFP-OK's priorities align with Governor Kevin Stitt's as stated in today's State of the State Address. 

This year, AFP-OK will work closely with the governor and the state legislature to remove barriers to success and promote policies that will help all Oklahomans to thrive and chase their American Dream, starting with eliminating the state income tax.

Deevers pulls SB1017, moves forward with plans to improve student care, transparency, and parental rights

Deevers Pulls SB1017, Moves Forward with Plans to Improve Student Care, Transparency, and Parental Rights

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, remains unwavering in his commitment to ensuring Oklahoma's special education resources serve the students who need them. After hearing from parents, speech therapists, and education advocates, Deevers has pulled SB1017 while requesting an audit to ensure that school-based services are serving kids with disabilities efficiently and effectively. He also released the following statement.

“Over the past several days, I have given extensive thought to SB1017 and engaged in discussions with countless loving and amazing teachers, therapists, parents, and concerned citizens. One thing remains clear: these students’ essential educational services must be protected. I have also heard, unequivocally, from parents who do not want to lose oversight of their children’s medical decisions as well as therapists and teachers who see the problems in the system that this bill was trying to address.

Sen. Hamilton on Abolition Day: We must work to end loopholes that allow the continued loss of innocent children’s lives

If the Oklahoma Legislature wants to save lives this year, they need to pass Senate Bill 456 and save the over 3,200 babies who are murdered every year because of loopholes in Oklahoma's "pro-life" laws. Ask your senator and representative to support this incredibly important measure.

Senator Hamilton Speaks at Abolition Day

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 5th) – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, spoke at the 2025 Abolition Day rally held at the State Capitol Tuesday.

Gov. Kevin Stitt's 2025 'State of the State' address, policy proposals

On Monday, Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his annual State of the State address to the Oklahoma Legislature. Below is a transcript and video of his speech; here is a recap article from NonDoc and another from OCPA that cover the policy proposals Stitt is aiming for this year, which includes an income tax cut ("half and a path" - 0.5% cut in the rate, and a path to elimination), a focus on trimming government, and setting a higher baseline for state savings in order to weather future fiscal storms.

Below is a transcript of his speech:

State House committee approves bill to reform administrative rulemaking

You want to address how government impacts citizens? Take a look at administrative rulemaking - where bureaucracy interprets legislation in the real world.

House Committee Advances Bill to Reform Administrative Rulemaking

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 4th) – The Oklahoma House Administrative Rules Committee has approved legislation aimed at reforming the state’s administrative rulemaking process—the system through which state agencies implement laws by drafting and proposing regulations.

House Bill 2728, authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, would establish the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, modeled after similar federal legislation introduced in Congress last year. Kendrix described the REINS Act as a crucial first step toward increasing transparency and oversight in what he referred to as an attempt by the unelected bureaucracy to create an unconstitutional "fourth branch of government."