Increased Security for Supervised Visits Becomes Law

Starting on November 1 of this year, volunteers who oversee the safety of children during supervised visitations will need to provide a Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminal history background check and other information. Senate Bill…

OICA: An Estimated 35,000 Oklahoma Children Qualify for SoonerCare, But Not Enrolled

By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman As of March 2024, 502,221 Oklahoma children were enrolled in SoonerCare, just over half the estimated number of children living in the state. Additionally, the state estimates…

Stitt Considers Veto of Budget with No Income Tax Cut

Governor Kevin Stitt might use his veto pen on the eventual state budget if an income tax cut doesn’t make it across the finish line. The Tulsa World’s Steve Matzer writes Stitt indicated in his weekly…

House Passes McCall/Treat Immigration Bill

The Oklahoma House approved House Bill 4156 by a margin of 77 to 20 setting the stage of the Senate to take on illegal immigration in the state. House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro…

Senate Approves Bill to Strengthen Child Pornography Laws

On Wednesday, the Senate passed House Bill 3642 by a measure of 42 to zero to strengthen the state’s child pornography law. The changes include increased sentences and fines, as well as language to prosecute those…

Increased Security for Supervised Visits Becomes Law

Starting on November 1 of this year, volunteers who oversee the safety of children during supervised visitations will need to provide a Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation criminal history background check and other information. Senate Bill…

Cole: Becoming the First Native American Appropriations Committee Chairman

By Congressman Tom Cole On April 10th, I was ratified by the House Republican Conference as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee – but not only did I just become the new Chairman, I…

OICA: An Estimated 35,000 Oklahoma Children Qualify for SoonerCare, But Not Enrolled

By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman As of March 2024, 502,221 Oklahoma children were enrolled in SoonerCare, just over half the estimated number of children living in the state. Additionally, the state estimates…

Stitt Considers Veto of Budget with No Income Tax Cut

Governor Kevin Stitt might use his veto pen on the eventual state budget if an income tax cut doesn’t make it across the finish line. The Tulsa World’s Steve Matzer writes Stitt indicated in his weekly…

Ukraine Aid Vote Splits Oklahoma House Delegation

The U.S. House vote to send aid to Ukraine split the Oklahoma House Delegation’s vote on Saturday. U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, and Stephanie Bice voted for the measure, while Congressmen Kevin Hern and Josh…

Senate Administrative Rules Committee Reviews Education Dept Rules

While questions were limited, the Senate Administrative Rules Committee reviewed some of the proposed permanent rules from the Oklahoma Department of Education. They include changes to accreditation standards. Tulsa World’s Melissa Jacques writes that Democrats believe…

Baker Not Running for Reelection

House Education Committee Chair Representative Rhonda Baker is not running for reelection after eight years in the Legislature. “It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the people of House District 60 for the past eight…

Waits Appointed to OU Board of Regents

Mewbourne Oil Company President and CEO Kenneth Waits has been appointed to the University of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents by Governor Kevin Stitt. Waits is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. “Serving my alma mater…

OICA: Civics Education Necessary for a Brighter Future

By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman Our public schools provide an array of opportunities for students to become good citizens, from student government to civics education. In fact, America recently celebrated “Civics Education…

Senate Budget Resolution Passes

Trying a new method of budgeting in the name of transparency, the Oklahoma Senate passed a non-binding budget resolution. That figure will be used as the starting point for budget negotiations with the House. In the…

Mike McCarville Teen Correspondent, Oklahoma City Times 1957-58 U. S. Army 1958-61 507th U. S. Army Security Agency, Heilbronn, Germany U. S. Army Engineer Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va, host of “Fort Belvoir In Review” on WWDC…