Pastor Tim Turner comments on SD8 mailer

Pastor Tim Turner of Eufaula, commenting on a misunderstanding regarding a campaign mailer in Senate District 8's Republican runoff election.

"Dear church family and community, 

I am aware of a campaign mailer that went out with my name and picture on it in support of Senate candidate Bryan Logan. While I strongly believe that Bryan Logan's platform aligns best with biblical values, and will be voting for him, there was a simple miscommunication between us. As a pastor, it's not been my policy to publicly endorse candidates.

Mr. Logan has apologized for the mistake, which I accept. I sincerely hope that no one will hold this misunderstanding against him."

— Pastor Tim Turner

Norwood endorsed in HD74 GOP primary by 100+ Christian leaders

This Tuesday includes elections in three state legislative seats - House Districts 71 and 74 and Senate District 8. Below is an announcement from HD74 Republican candidate Kevin Norwood.

Norwood is one of five Republican candidates running, including 'World of Weed' dispensary owner Brand Peixotto (aka "The Cannabis King" according to his self-published books on the topic), Sheila Vancuren (wife of the representative who resigned, forcing the special election), Maggie Stearman (26 year-old mother of two, daughter-in-law of former conservative Rep. Wendi Stearman), and Marine vet and nonprofit leader Johnathon Shepherd.

Peixotto and Vancuren have the definite money edge ("Cannabis King" Peixotto loaned his campaign $60k), so conservatives will need to consolidate behind a candidate (Norwood or Stearman) in order to make it into the runoff. I'd go with Norwood.

Over 100 Faith & Youth Leaders From Around the State Announce Support of Dr. Kevin Norwood, Candidate for State Representative District 74

Owasso, OK - Dr. Kevin Norwood announced significant endorsements in support of his campaign, adding 100 Faith & Youth and Community Leaders who serve our local communities and serve around the state. Many have worked with Kevin in his ministry, leader mentorship programs, or community and youth mentorship outreaches. Several shared their own “Kevin Norwood story” of how he has truly transformed lives with his mentorship throughout the campaign.

Bill enhancing school allergy protocols heads to State Senate

As the parent of a child with a severe food allergy, I can appreciate this bill. Most people don't know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis (it's not always airway restriction) or how to respond to severe reactions.

Senate to Consider Bill Enhancing School Allergy Protocols

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 26th) – A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools is moving forward in the Oklahoma Legislature. House Bill 2047, authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, would require schools to call 911 as soon as possible when epinephrine is administered to a student. The measure also mandates annual training for teachers and staff on food allergies, recognizing anaphylaxis, and properly administering epinephrine.

The legislation, also known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act, is named in honor of a young girl who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in January 2023. Emerson Cole experienced anaphylaxis on January 17 of that year, but epinephrine was not administered. She passed away two days later. Her story has since become a call to action for stronger policies ensuring that life-saving measures are taken promptly in schools.

“This bill is about making sure that when a child has a severe allergic reaction, there is no hesitation in responding,” Stinson said. “Food allergies affect millions of children nationwide, by ensuring schools have clear protocols and that staff are properly trained, we can help prevent tragedies and keep students safe."

Under HB 2047, school employees could administer epinephrine for a suspected anaphylactic reaction, preventing delays in critical care for life-threatening allergies. The legislation ensures school personnel receive the training and tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives.

HB2047 would standardize emergency procedures for anaphylaxis to help ensure a consistent response to allergic reactions, which can impact children nationwide.

A similar bill was introduced last year as House Bill 3034 but did not make it to the Senate floor for a vote. Stinson is determined to push the measure forward this year, emphasizing the importance of protecting students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions while at school.

“This bill is about giving parents peace of mind,” Stinson added. “No parent should have to worry whether their child will receive life-saving care in an emergency. With proper training and swift action, we can make Oklahoma schools safer for every student.”

HB2047 passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 92-0 and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

House passes bills to legalize sports betting - with tiny bandaid of addiction funding

Terrible idea. Of all the things to be on a multi-year crusade about, State Rep. Ken Luttrell and State Sen. Bill Coleman have been on one to expand gambling in Oklahoma. Society - and sports at all levels - will reap a negative harvest from this in years to come. Shame on every legislator who voted for this.

House Passes Bills for Sports Betting and Gaming Compact Supplements

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two significant bills aimed at legalizing sports betting and enhancing the state's gaming compact with tribal partners.

House Bill 1047, authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, authorizes sports betting in Oklahoma. The bill also maintains the existing funding for the treatment of compulsive gambling, ensuring the monthly allocation to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services remains at $20,833. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for tribes interested in entering into gaming compact supplements to accept the state's offer for sports betting.

House Bill 1101, also authored by Luttrell, establishes a voter referendum for the approval of sports wagering in the state. It mirrors many of the provisions in HB1047 and provides a path for tribes to adopt the state’s gaming compact supplements.

Senator Jett files Senate Concurrent Resolution declaring “Christ is King”

Senator Jett Files Senate Concurrent Resolution Declaring “Christ is King”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, has introduced a concurrent resolution proclaiming “Christ is King” in Oklahoma, a resounding acknowledgment of the state’s deep spiritual heritage and the faith that sustains its people. The resolution reaffirms Oklahoma’s legacy of resilience, moral clarity, and unapologetic commitment to the values that uplift its citizens.

Drawing from the state’s rich history, the resolution recognizes the phrase “Christ is King” as a powerful declaration of faith embraced by millions of Oklahomans and Christians globally, symbolizing the sovereignty of Jesus Christ as a beacon of hope, unity, and moral guidance. It stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Christian belief in shaping Oklahoma’s culture and communities.

Small: It’s not unusual for school programs to benefit all

It’s not unusual for school programs to benefit all

By Jonathan Small

In one important aspect, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program, which helps families send children to private school, operates just like the public school system: The program is open to all.

Opponents act as though this is a major flaw yet never say a peep about the much larger taxpayer benefit provided to the “rich” who use public schools.

State House approves bill requiring free photo voter IDs

House Approves Bill Requiring Photo Voter IDs

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, has passed legislation further enhancing the integrity of Oklahoma's electoral process.

If House Bill 1005 becomes law, all voter identification cards must include a photo of the voter beginning in 2027. Under the bill, Service Oklahoma would be tasked with working with the Secretary of the State Election Board to develop and provide a free photo identification card that meets HB1005's requirements.

Senate passes Hamilton bill to allow death penalty option for child rapists

Senator Hamilton Secures Passage of Legislation to Ensure Death Penalty Option for Child Rapists

Sen. Hamilton: Child sex offenders are monsters among us

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 27th)  - Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, today successfully passed legislation off the Senate Floor (SB 599) to ensure the death penalty is a prosecutorial option for criminals convicted of child sex abuse after a first offense. 

“There should be no second chances for an individual so depraved to rape a child,” Senator Hamilton said. “The state of Oklahoma has collectively made the decision through ballot initiatives or legislation to make it easier for individuals to get second chances, and I agree in part that some people deserve a second chance for making a mistake. But we should all draw a hard line when it comes to raping a child. For individuals who commit these types of horrific acts - there is no form of effective rehabilitation, and there is no amount of therapy or programming to make them better or make up for this crime. That is why the death penalty and life without parole are the only punishments allowed by law that are appropriate for these predators. 

“When we tuck our children into bed at night, we try to convince them monsters don’t exist. We try our best to shield them from the evils, and horrors of the world. But unfortunately, monsters do exist. Child rapists are those monsters, and they should be dealt with accordingly. 

State House releases updated budget transparency portal

House Releases Updated Budget Transparency Portal

Details House Position on Budget Items for Fiscal Year 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 27th)  – The Oklahoma House of Representatives released today updated budget numbers in its online transparency portal, detailing the House position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted.

The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public.

The numbers are a starting point for negotiations with the Senate and Governor over the FY26 budget.

After ethics settlement, Walters foe uses old Twitter handle to target family for protest

This past week, State Superintendent Ryan Walters reached a settlement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission regarding the usage of what he's dubbed as his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, but that walked the line of being an official state government account. Under the settlement, Walters agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, change his @RyanWaltersSupt username on the social media network to remove reference to Superintendent, among a few other items.

Perhaps an unintended consequence of this is that the old, highly publicized and referenced @RyanWaltersSupt username became available to be claimed by anyone on the social media network. A Walters foe evidently did so in rapid fashion, tagging the account as "parody" in order to get by the Terms Of Service against impersonation on Twitter/X, and is now using the account to call for protests at the Walters' home early Sunday morning, posting what appears to be their personal address.

State Supt. Walters touts Student Safety First initiatives

Walters Touts Student Safety First Initiatives

A new investigative unit and training programs bolster school security improvements

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 14th) – Today, Superintendent Ryan Walters highlighted the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) commitment to student safety through aggressive action against bad actors in the education system. Since taking office, Walters has overseen a robust crackdown on misconduct, ensuring that Oklahoma classrooms remain safe and focused on student success.

Under Walters’ leadership, OSDE has undertaken 94 investigations, leading to significant accountability measures, including:

Hildebrant's 'Food Truck Freedom Act' advances to Senate

Food Truck Freedom Act Advances to Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 13th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1076, also known as the Food Truck Freedom Act, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa. With an 85-3 vote, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process, allowing vendors with a valid state food establishment license to operate anywhere in the state, provided they follow all applicable state and local laws.

Judicial Nominating Commission reform measures pass State House

Judicial Nominating Commission Reform Measures Pass House

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 13th) – The House passed two measures this week that would reform the way judges are vetted and selected in Oklahoma.

The state's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), established in 1967 by an amendment to the state Constitution, is charged with nominating the three most qualified candidates for appointment by the governor to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals, as well as district and associate district judgeships when vacancies occur outside the normal election process for those positions. Currently, six of the 15 members of the commission are attorneys and nine are non-lawyers.

"A majority of Oklahomans are ready to modernize how state judicial applicants are vetted and appointed," said Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, who is the author of the bills. "The judiciary provides a vital check and balance function as laws are created, and it is important the system remains above reproach and is managed by those who know the law best. These two measures would update the nominating process in a way that would benefit the public while preserving the integrity of this system."

Small: Initiative petition transparency an important reform

Initiative petition transparency an important reform

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma’s initiative-petition process allows voters to determine major policy issues, but some system flaws have become apparent. That’s why Oklahomans should support bringing greater transparency to the petition process.

Under Senate Bill 1027, the initiative-petition process would have to include clear language, transparent reporting of funders, and buy-in from a wider swath of Oklahoma.

None of these ideas should be controversial.

An introduction and explanation

I haven't been able to blog over the past week, but there's a good reason:

Introducing Josiah Benjamin, the latest addition to the Faught family! Mother and baby are both doing well (praise the Lord for a smooth delivery last Tuesday). His three older siblings are smitten and excited to even things up with girl-boy-girl-boy... they prayed very insistently every night for this order during early pregnancy, haha!

Back to regularly scheduled programming when time allows. I've got a bit of a news backlog, for sure.

Small: Medicaid expansion’s harms continue

Medicaid expansion’s harms continue

By Jonathan Small

A key plank of Obamacare (the federal “Affordable Care Act”) allowed states to expand Medicaid programs to include able-bodied adults and not just the medically needy.

 

When expansion was narrowly approved by a public vote in Oklahoma in 2020, everyone knew it would require the diversion of up to $300 million annually in state tax dollars. But advocates called that a bargain since federal tax dollars would cover 90 percent of costs.

Obviously, it meant little to the average citizen if they pay for expansion with taxes paid to the state or taxes paid to the federal government, but that’s the kind of argument that too often passes for logic in politics.

But now the folly of buying that argument is becoming even more apparent.

Critics have long warned the 90-10 split was likely to change. Now that federal officials are trying to bring spending under control, there’s a good chance the 90-10 split could be replaced by something closer to a 60-40 split. If that happens, the state cost of Medicaid expansion could surge by $500 million to $700 million per year.

Facing that scenario, state officials should place repeal of Medicaid expansion before voters. And in the meantime, they should enact any associated budget cuts solely within Medicaid. If Medicaid expansion caused the state shortfall, Medicaid should take the hit.

Medicaid expansion was supposed to save rural hospitals. It hasn’t.

A 2024 study from the Foundation for Government Accountability found hospitals losses from Medicaid increased 115 percent from 2013 to 2021 in states that expanded Medicaid, but just 6 percent in states that did not.

In 2024 the Chartis Center for Rural Health found 22 rural Oklahoma hospitals were vulnerable to closure. A larger percentage of Oklahoma rural hospitals were vulnerable to closure than their counterparts in several states that did not expand Medicaid (such as Texas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Mississippi and Georgia).

Similarly, a 2023 report by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that about half of Oklahoma’s rural hospitals were at risk of closing with nearly one-in-three at risk of “immediate” closure.

Those numbers are significantly worse than prior to Medicaid expansion.

Similarly, Medicaid expansion has produced no notable improvement in health outcomes.

In 2019, the America’s Health Ranking report ranked Oklahoma 47th out of the 50 states in health outcomes. Today, Oklahoma is … still ranked 47th. Outcomes in several non-expansion states are significantly better.

Put simply, Medicaid expansion could quickly break the state budget, has done nothing to benefit hospitals and has failed to improve health outcomes.

As Oklahomans face a potential budget shortfall caused by Medicaid expansion, they should assess if expansion has provided meaningful benefits. Any serious analysis will end with a simple one-word response: No.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Walters touts Teacher Freedom Alliance, alternative to "Woke Teachers' Unions"

Walters Touts Alternative to Woke Teachers' Unions

Teacher Freedom Alliance provides a necessary free market solution

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 10th) – Today, Superintendent Ryan Walters announced intent to lead the charge to offer a private industry solution to the far left-leaning Teachers' Unions that have infected our public education system for decades. The Freedom Foundation launched the Teacher Freedom Alliance (TFA) on Saturday, introducing a program that provides liability coverage for teachers, promotes historically accurate curriculum, and offers professional development opportunities. These measures aim to help excellent teachers be rewarded for their proficiency rather than their longevity and allegiance to the union.

Efforts underway to save USS Batfish with proposed Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum

Count me in. The USS Batfish is a hero of WWII, and an Oklahoma treasure, and deserves saving. A big thanks to Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell for his years of support for securing the Batfish for generations to come.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO SAVE THE USS BATFISH WITH PROPOSED OKLAHOMA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Muskogee, OK (March 10, 2025) - The USS Batfish, a legendary World War II submarine and beloved Oklahoma landmark is at risk of being lost forever if not relocated to a new site. After devastating floodwaters in 2019 displaced the vessel from its foundation, the submarine suffered damage and was forced to permanently close to the public. With critical flood mitigation efforts underway and necessary controlled access measures required at the entrance to the current site, relocating the Batfish to a permanent home at Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor is essential to its preservation.

Hello, Walters? Controversial Waurika school assignment was from State-approved curriculum

This is a follow-up to my article from Wednesday, Perverted assignment given to students at Waurika High School, which covered a very detailed high school class assignment on sexual activities, including illegal and unnatural acts.

Parents in the community were rightfully upset, as pictures of the assignment quickly disseminated among even elementary students at the school. 

Jenni White at Reclaim Oklahoma Parent Empowerment (ROPE) interviewed the mother who first went public with the perverted assignment (you should read the whole thing):

A truly unfortunate event happened in the classroom of Ashlyn Jade’s niece at Waurika Public Schools Monday afternoon.

According to an interview with Ashlyn this afternoon, Coach Roger Jesse, a teacher/coach with 40+ years in Oklahoma education – and someone with many years of service and an excellent reputation in Waurika Public Schools – gave his 11th grade psychology class an assignment that has now made internet viral status.

Coach Jesse was asked to teach a new extra curricular psychology class at Waurika High School this semester. Ashlyn believes that, in a hurry and under duress from a strenuous teaching/coaching schedule, he downloaded a STATE APPROVED psychology curriculum to use during his class on Monday afternoon, copied it and handed it out without really reviewing it.

OK Senate Appropriations Committee passes tax reform measures

An income tax credit during years of growth, rather than a full blown tax cut? I'm a bit skeptical of the idea (it's certainly a novel proposal that I've never heard of before).

Senate Appropriations Committee Advances Tax Reform Measures to Strengthen Oklahoma’s Economy

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 6th) – The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a series of tax reform measures aimed at simplifying Oklahoma’s tax code, providing relief to individuals and businesses and promoting economic growth. 

Senate Bills 304, 299, 291, and 60, authored by Senator Dave Rader, R- Tulsa, and Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, address income tax structure, corporate tax fairness and taxpayer relief mechanisms.

Perverted assignment given to students at Waurika High School

UPDATE: Hello, Walters? Controversial Waurika school assignment
was from State-approved curriculum

Heads up, content warning. This sexually perverted assignment was given to students Monday in a psychology class at Waurika High School with no apparent prior notice to parents.

It was part of the class curriculum, and school officials are claiming they had no idea it was in there (why they don't know what's in what they teach is a good question). I'd also ask what else is in this curriculum. 

Waurika, Oklahoma. Population 1,837. High school with approximately 125 students. 

Certifiably insane, morally destructive, culturally suicidal stuff like this is being taught to children in rural and small town public schools in even red-state Bible-belt Oklahoma.

If you value virtue, biblical morality, a decent societal future, and common sense, speak up.

I might also recommend homeschooling your kids. If you have questions about how to homeschool, send me an email (JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com) and I can either communicate with you directly or connect you with helpful resources.

Two statewide officials trade taxpayer-funded letters to push their own campaign interests

In which one announced gubernatorial candidate uses his official state government position and office to chides another probable gubernatorial candidate and would-be opponent for using his official state government position and office to advance himself and create political drama, all while criticizing the current governor with his campaign talking points on taxpayer letterhead.

They would both do well to be careful about using our tax dollars to unethically and illegally put the thumb of government on the scale for their political campaign.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond and State Superintendent Ryan Walters

‘Manufactured political drama’: Drummond responds to Walters’ request for formal opinion on Presidential executive order

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 3, 2025) – In a letter sent today to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, Attorney General Gentner Drummond labeled Walters’ request for a formal Attorney General’s opinion on a Presidential executive order as “nothing more than manufactured political drama,” as the order is clearly the purview of the U.S. executive branch.

Drummond praised President Trump for his "dutiful and comprehensive” efforts to curb illegal immigration into the United States, and criticized Governor Kevin Stitt for his "many failures in dealing with this critical issue here in Oklahoma."

Walters requested the opinion Feb. 24 after President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to prevent taxpayer resources from acting as a magnet for illegal immigration and to end taxpayer subsidization of open border services to illegal immigrants.

Drummond explained that the executive order does not involve state agencies and advised Walters to "cooperate with ... federal agencies to faithfully implement the Executive Order."

“As a reminder, the framers of the U.S. Constitution enshrined within it the concept of federalism," Drummond wrote. "This means that the United States and the several States are distinct and separate sovereigns. As a result, President Trump is the head of the Executive Branch for the United States Government. The President issues executive orders that direct the actions of federal departments, agencies, officers, employees, and contractors; while a Governor issues executive orders that direct the actions of state departments, agencies, officers, employees, and contractors.”

Drummond hailed the Executive Order, "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders," as a model for every state while criticizing Gov. Stitt for six years of failure to take substantive action to curb taxpayer-funded services to illegal immigrants in Oklahoma.

“In fact, President Trump’s leadership addressing illegal immigration has been so strong and decisive that it has laid bare Governor Stitt’s many failures in dealing with this critical issue here in Oklahoma,” Drummond wrote. “For more than six years in office Gov. Stitt took no substantive action to address illegal immigration here in Oklahoma. Quite the opposite, Governor Stitt partnered with the Biden Administration to ‘resettle’ over 1,800 poorly vetted Afghan ‘refugees’ in Oklahoma. You recall that the FBI recently arrested one of them for planning a mass shooting on Election Day in 2024. Worse still, an audit revealed that Governor Stitt improperly spent over $6.5 million in taxpayer funds to ‘resettle’ these ‘refugees’ without appropriate authorization.

“I am very thankful for President Trump’s leadership on this critical issue, and I am very disappointed in Governor Stitt’s failures that have cost Oklahoma taxpayers billions and put our families at risk. [The executive order] should be a model for Oklahoma and every state to ensure their services are delivered only to those legally eligible to receive them.”

In closing, Drummond advised Walters to stay focused on his own responsibilities as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"I suggest you devote increased energy and focus on improving the test scores and reading proficiency of Oklahoma Students," Drummond wrote. "The people of this state entrusted you with the critical responsibility of administering and managing public education. Fulfilling that responsibility should be your only focus."

Read the full letter.

Thompson's food safety bill advances to OK Senate floor

Senator Kristen Thompson’s Food Safety Bill Advances in Senate

SB 4 Prohibits Harmful Food Additives Linked to Health Risks

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 3rd) – The Oklahoma Senate Committee on Agriculture and Wildlife has passed Senate Bill 4, legislation by Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, aimed at protecting public health by banning certain harmful food additives.

Senate Bill 4 prohibits the manufacturing, sale and distribution of 21 substances commonly found in processed foods that have been linked to health risks, including hyperactivity in children, hormonal disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects.

Small: Seven ways to boost reading outcomes

Seven ways to boost reading outcomes

By Jonathan Small

I’ve written about Oklahoma’s appalling reading outcomes, which have fallen dramatically and are now among the worst in the nation.

Fortunately, lawmakers have banned the use of “three cuing” instruction that mostly involves teaching a child to guess rather than sound out words.

But more can be done. Here are seven policy steps to improve reading proficiency in Oklahoma.