Podcasts about Oklahoma Legislature

i. Constitution We Believe 1. We believe the First Amendment's Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a federal government-sponsored or preferred religion, not to separate God from our government or to remove religion from public life; therefore, we affirm our right under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to exercise our freedom of speech including religious speech. 2. We believe the Second Amendment is an individual right of the citizens of the United States to keep and bear arms; therefore, we oppose any attempts, whether by law or regulation at any level of government, to restrict any citizen's right to keep and bear arms (open or concealed), to restrict access to ammunition, or to record the purchase thereof. 3. We believe the United States Constitution directs the judiciary to interpret law, not make law or create law through judicial activism. 4. We believe in the concept that Congress shall make no law that applies to citizens of the United States that does not apply to the Senators and Representatives. 5. We believe in the concept of nullification as a legitimate tool for adjudicating disputes between the states and the federal government when the federal government enacts a law clearly not in pursuance of the constitution and powers delegated in Art. I, Sec. 8. 6. We believe in the Tenth Amendment that provides "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people," and we oppose any attempt by the federal government to intrude on state's rights. 7. We believe the Constitution provides for a clear and distinct separation of powers among the three branches of government. Any governmental action that tends to promote or allow one branch of government to practice the power or powers of the other branches of government is a violation of the limits placed on government by the people. 8. We believe in the duty and obligation of the federal government and the State of Oklahoma to adhere to and respect treaties between the federal government and the Indian tribes. We Support 1. We support the display of Judeo-Christian religious symbols, including the Ten Commandments in public places. 2. We support legislation that will protect gun and ammunition manufacturers or resellers from lawsuits attempting to hold the manufacturers or resellers liable for misuse of guns. 3. We support requiring that candidates for president present public proof of qualification in accordance with the Constitution at the time of filing, through the election board of each state. 4. We support a US Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. 18 5. We support a US Constitutional Amendment instituting term limits for all elected members of Congress. 6. We support a U.S. Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. 7. We support a requirement that each piece of legislation only address one issue. 8. We support the review and minimization of the Endangered Species Act. 9. We support the abolishment, or reduction and restructuring, of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, IRS, CIA, ATF, FBI, FEMA, NSA, DHS, CDC, and the Department of Labor and their powers and responsibilities distributed to state authority. 10. We support the protection of public and private sector whistleblowers who have firsthand information. 11. We support union's refunding dues used for partisan political activity. 12. We support the right of private associations to admit or deny membership based on what each association's conscience dictates. 13. We support an English Language Act, which would make English our official language in the United States. 14. We support the idea that when U.S. Conference Committees meet, they should consider only those terms submitted from the House and Senate, with no additional expenditures and items added. 15. We support the preservation of the National Day of Prayer. 16. We support legislation to limit the power of federal regulatory agencies. 17. We support the identification of persons as citizens or non-citizens in the census. We Oppose 1. We oppose any federal taxation on firearms, ammunition, or accessories and/or confiscation of firearms, ammunition, or accessories. 2. We oppose universal background checks and red flag laws for firearm purchases. 3. We oppose any legislation that would require the use of trigger or other locking devices on firearms. 4. We oppose any so-called "assault" weapons ban and any effort to register or restrict firearms, ammunition, or magazines. 5. We oppose legislation that would require gun owners to purchase insurance policies covering the misuse of their firearms. 6. We oppose the Patriot Act and the NDAA' s Sections 1021 and 1022, which allow American citizens, 19 except for enemy combatants, to be held indefinitely without due process, and call for its repeal. 7. We oppose court decisions based on any foreign law, such as Sharia Law, U.N. regulations and other international organizations, instead of U.S. law and Constitutional doctrine. 8. We oppose the creation of a new federal internal security force. 9. We oppose federal wage caps. 10. We oppose Statehood for the District of Columbia and allowing its representative a vote in Congress. 11. We oppose the appointment and funding of presidential "czars." 12. We oppose any attempts by the Federal Government to reinstitute the "Fairness Doctrine" or institute "Net Neutrality." 13. We oppose the construct of "Free Speech or Safe Zones." 14. We oppose national injunctions by federal district courts. 15. We oppose the use and sharing of data from Automated License Plate Readers as an infringement on our 4th amendment protected rights. ii. Criminal Justice We Believe 1. The rights of victims and their families must be protected in criminal proceedings, with notice and opportunity to attend all proceedings related to the crime(s) against them. 2. Restitution by the convicted criminal should be ordered to be made to the victim (or his estate) to compensate for losses and damages incurred as a result of the crime(s) committed. 3. The death penalty must be retained as an available punishment in appropriate cases. 4. Inmates who abuse the legal system by filing repeated frivolous claims should receive appropriate punishments for their misconduct. 5. Decisions on prison reform should be made by the Legislature after consultation with district attorneys, prison officials, and other interested parties, with the view towards stopping criminal behavior early, rather than adopting permissive treatment of low-level crimes which may deceive or encourage a young adult to continue on the wrong path under the mistaken assumption that there will be no consequences for criminal behavior. Consideration of incentives for first-time or youthful offenders who refrain from further misconduct may be a useful option to be considered in designing such reforms. 6. We believe in due process and that no one should be deprived of life, liberty, or property by the government or its agents without either being found guilty by a jury or pleading guilty of a crime. We therefore oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture. 20 We Support 1. We support the repeal of The Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program as it is unconstitutional at the state and federal level. We Oppose 1. We oppose the monitoring, surveillance and tracking of United States citizens without a lawfully obtained warrant. iii. Federal & State Elections Preamble: The foundation of our representative-republic is honest elections. The Oklahoma Republican Party is committed to preserving every legally eligible Oklahoman's right to vote. We support only day of in-person voting as written in the Constitutions with limited exceptions to protect voting rights for the elderly, the disabled, military members, and all other eligible voters. We urge all elected officials around our state to take all necessary steps to ensure that voters may cast their ballots in a timely and secure manner. Security and transparency shall take precedence over convenience to ensure honest and fair, local, state, and federal elections. We Believe 1. We believe in fair and honest election procedures. 2. We believe equal suffrage for all United States citizens of voting age. 3. We believe in the constitutional authority of state legislatures to regulate voting. We Support 1. We support a bit-by-bit forensic audit of all electronic devices, including but not limited to servers, ballot machines, and paper ballots throughout the state immediately before and after each election. 2. We support vigorous enforcement of all our election laws as written and oppose any laws, lawsuits, and judicial decisions that make voter fraud difficult to deter, detect, or prosecute. 3. We support full enforcement of all voter ID laws currently enacted. 4. We support felony status for willful violations of the election code and increasing penalty for voter fraud from a misdemeanor back to a felony. 5. We support consolidating elections to primary, runoff, special, and general election. 6. We support sequentially numbered and signed ballots to deter counterfeiting. 7. We support expanding the Attorney General's staff for investigating election crimes and restoring the ability of the Attorney General to prosecute any election crimes. 8. We support the ability for civil lawsuits to be filed for election fraud or officials' failure to follow the Oklahoma Election Code. 21 9. We support allowing trained poll watchers from anywhere in Oklahoma with local party or candidate approval. 10. We support creating processes that will allow rapid adjudication of election law violations. 11. We support requiring voters to re-register if they have not voted in a five-year period. 12. We support requiring proof of residency, citizenship, and voter registration via photo ID for each voter. 13. We support retaining the 25-day registration deadline. 14. We support requiring a list of certified deaths be provided to the Secretary of State for the names of deceased voters to be removed from the list of registered voters, with checks every third year of the voter rolls to ensure all currently registered voters are eligible. 15. We support giving the Secretary of State enforcement authority to ensure county registrar compliance with Secretary of State directives. 16. We support protecting the integrity of the Republican Primary Election by requiring a closed primary system in Oklahoma. 17. We support drawing districts based on eligible voters, not pure population. Districts should be geographically compact when possible 18. We support hand counting of ballots. 19. We support recalls, audits, recounts, and irregularity and fraud investigations requested within 45 days of an election. 20. We support verification of United States citizenship for voting or registering to vote. 21. We support elections run by United States citizens. 22. We support counts to be posted on Precinct doors. We Oppose 1. We oppose internet voting, the use of tabulation machines and electronic voting machines of any kind for public office and any ballot measure. 2. We oppose all motor voter laws, automatic voter registration (AVR), and all forms of electronic databases, such as ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) and all third-party registration vendors. 3. We oppose all federal legislation, including but not limited to the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, which nullifies the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights. 22 4. We oppose unlawful voting, illegal assistance, or ineligible people voting in our national, state, and local elections. 5. We oppose ranked choice voting. 6. We oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin, creed, sexuality, or lifestyle choices and oppose the use of any such identification for the purposes of creating voting districts. We urge that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 be repealed. 7. We oppose any redistricting map that is unfair to conservative candidates in the Primary or the General Election. 8. We oppose the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and any other scheme to abolish or distort the procedures of the Electoral College. 9. We oppose after-hours voting C. Natural Resources We Believe 1. We believe dependence on foreign energy sources is a national security issue. 2. We believe governments should ease restrictions in the search for energy and other natural resources. 3. We believe the federal agricultural appropriations should accurately show the percentage of money set aside for non-agricultural programs such as school lunch programs and food stamps. 4. We believe the responsible use of natural resources is essential for the benefit of future generations. We Support 1. We support the creation and enactment of a national energy policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources. 2. We support the private expansion of oil and gas exploration and refining capacity. 3. We support the exportation of U.S. petroleum products. 4. We support labeling of all food and fiber with country-of-origin labeling. Further, only products born, raised, slaughtered, and processed or sprouted, harvested, grown, and processed in this country should receive a U.S. label. 5. We support energy policy based on private development, efficient use and expansion of current resources such as fossil fuels, clean coal, and nuclear energy; and exploration and efficient use of other resources such as biofuels, wind, solar and water energy. 6. We support ending all federal and state subsidies, including tax credits, for industrial renewable 23 energy, including but not limited to, wind and solar. 7. We support the rights of individuals and businesses to refuse the installation of smart meters without penalties. 8. We support the right of states to provide water for present and future use within their borders by state residents before they can be designated for use to other states. 9. We support environmental recommendations that are based on sound science, that respect and protect the rights of property owners, and that do not impose unreasonable burdens on Oklahoma citizens or businesses. 10. We support more use of coal and natural gas to be used in the production of electricity. 11. We support the use of modular nuclear, or small natural gas fired generation facilities to be built close to high demand facilities to greatly reduce the need for long and expensive transmission lines. 12. We support mandatory country-of-origin labeling of meat products and that a country-of-origin label that states in any way that it is a product of the USA must be of the following requirements: Born, raised, harvested, packaged & processed in the USA. 13. We support The Packers and Stockyards Act and the enforcement of anti-trust laws. 14. We support private property rights and call for appropriate legislation to prohibit the use of eminent domain by private companies. 15. We stand with Oklahoma and her property owners against the Green Agenda. We Oppose 1. We oppose government curbs, moratoriums, punitive taxes and fees on our domestic oil and gas industry. 2. We oppose states selling water rights to out-of-state buyers. 3. We oppose the use of eminent domain for any water sale. 4. We oppose human rights for animals. 5. We oppose livestock taxation. 6. We oppose legislation that restricts or regulates family farms or farmers' markets. 7. We oppose restrictive regulation of carbon and particulate matter emissions in agriculture. 8. We oppose the "Cap and Trade" system for carbon dioxide. 9. We oppose the UN's Agenda 21, aka UN 2030, as a coordinated effort to relinquish the sovereignty of the United States to foreign powers. 24 10. We oppose the purchase or ownership of land by a foreign government or entity. 11. We oppose the production, selling, and labeling of a product that is an alternative protein source claiming to be meat, otherwise known as or referred to as fake meat, and labeling such product as meat, beef, burger, steak, or any other name given to an actual meat protein source derived from the production and slaughter of livestock. 12. We oppose current regulations that allow foreign beef to enter the U.S. and be packaged, repackaged, or commingled with domestic product and then labeled a product of the USA. 13. We oppose the theory that cow flatulence, belching, or any process of enteric fermentation that is said to emit methane or a greenhouse gas that some link to the theory of global warming is some sort of detriment threat to the environment. 14. We oppose any form of carbon tracking solutions imposed on farmers and ranchers that will ultimately lead to more costly and burdensome regulations. 15. We oppose NACs (natural asset companies) or similar companies derived by investors, the SEC, or any other entity that wishes to monetize, trade natural outputs, or otherwise maximize ecological performance in such a way that any company can control the management of public or private lands quantifying outputs of natural resources such as air and water. 16. We oppose any effort of the federal government to have any role in animal care or husbandry. 17. We oppose mandates or restrictions on the use of antibiotics for farm or veterinary use. 18. We oppose mandatory Electronic Identification device (EID) tags on livestock, birds, and animals. D. National Issues i. Defense We Believe 1. We believe that a strong national defense should be fully funded, provide sufficient compensation, educational opportunities, quality training, and the best equipment for our armed forces. 2. We believe any educational institution that inhibits the normal operations of ROTC or military recruiters should be ineligible for government funding. 3. We believe foreign enemies who have committed or planned acts of aggression against the U.S. are unlawful enemy combatants and are not entitled to citizenship rights under the U.S. Constitution. We believe they should be held in detention facilities such as Guantanamo Bay, not the U.S. Prisons Systems, and their cases adjudicated by military tribunals, not by U.S. Criminal Courts. 4. We believe Congress and the President should refrain from weakening the military through changes to the Uniform Coe of Military Justice. The military should be allowed to maintain its high level of honesty, integrity, morality, and operational capabilities. 25 5. We believe in the complete accounting of all MIAs and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the United States. We Support 1. We support maintaining a strong national defense and advocate "peace through strength", with a combat ready and capable force. 2. We support the right of the military's internal determination of who is qualified to perform the various roles and functions of each branch of the uniformed armed services. 3. We support veterans' and survivors' benefits, and to receive top quality health care. We support the reform of the Veteran's Administration and the use of private facilities when appropriate. 4. We support helping our veterans to succeed in their return to civilian life in medical care, mental health care, education, housing, and employment assistance. 5. We support the freedom of military chaplains to provide religious services including freedom of worship according to their faith. 6. We support and encourage continued public and privately funded exploration of space. 7. We support returning to "Don't Ask Don't Tell" for the military of the United States. We Oppose 1. We oppose re-instituting the draft except in time of war as declared by Congress. 2. We oppose drafting females into U.S. military service. 3. We oppose the military use of U.S. troops under foreign command except joint operations. 4. We oppose the erosion of our military's readiness through "gender norming" for training and promotion. 5. We oppose the further reduction of benefits and entitlements to service members, former service members, and their families. 6. We oppose halting military pay during US government shutdowns. ii. Foreign Relations We Support 1. We support economic stability be it in the U.S. or Internationally 2. We support the dollar as the principal currency of the world. 3. We support equal access of U.S. products to global markets and the elimination of trade barriers. 26 4. We support withdrawing from treaties and agreements, such as the Kyoto Treaty, and the Paris Climate Accord, that hamper the U.S. economy and compromises freedoms We Oppose 1. We oppose the Chinese Communist Party and any other governments that are manipulators of the U.S. dollar and exchange rates at the expense of U.S. National Security as well as economic stability. 2. We oppose paying into UN programs that are against American principles and freedoms. 3. We oppose any doctrines that infringe upon U.S. Sovereignty and the Sovereignty of U.S. allies such as Israel, the Ukraine, and Taiwan. 4. We oppose terrorism and any nations that sponsor terroristic organizations and groups that are anti-U.S. such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. 5. We oppose the sale of technology by U.S. Corporations to terrorist and enemy nations. 6. We oppose the transfer of U.S. taxpayer wealth to any foreign governments under the umbrella of foreign, humanitarian aid, scientific research, and military assistance for non-U.S. interests. 7. We oppose the principles of the World Economic Forum to devalue the U.S. dollar and do not accept them as a body of global governance. 8. We oppose the creation of the Transatlantic Common Market 9. We oppose any United Nations Programs that seek a "world order" over the Earth's population and U.N. policies that are forced over the world's nations. 10. We oppose the World Health Organization's policies over U.S. citizens and setting precedent for the U.S. medical community. 11. We oppose foreign control over any ports or bases within the jurisdiction of the United States. 12. We oppose any actions taken by previous administrations that relinquish U.S. sovereignty and control over U.S. data and private communications. iii. Immigration We Support 1. We support limited legal immigration and embrace legal immigrants who choose to assimilate to our American culture, language, and values. 2. We support securing our borders against illegal immigrants and potential enemies of the United States including building a wall or barrier on our southern border. 3. We support legal requirements for citizenship, excluding provisions for birthright citizenship to children of illegal residents. 27 4. We support a strictly regulated and enforced guest worker program. Legal guest workers should assume social costs, such as education and health care for themselves and their dependents. 5. We support the method for determining the number of immigrants and temporary visa holders allowed in the United States should be revised to prevent an adverse effect on our national security, wages, housing, environment, medical care, or schools. 6. We support that the U.S. government should vigorously enforce and demand that all local law enforcement agencies uphold and enforce all federal laws concerning illegal immigration. We particularly support the work of the men and women of Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and US Border Patrol and Protection. 7. We support the elimination of sanctuary cities for illegal aliens and the defunding of any government entity which declares itself a sanctuary city. 8. We support strong enforcement of state and federal laws dealing with illegal aliens. 9. We support substantial state fines for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. 10. We support issuing driver's license only to citizens and others who reside here legally, and not to illegal aliens. We Oppose 1. We oppose illegal aliens being given the same privileges as U.S. citizens or legal aliens, including entitlements such as Social Security, health care (excepting trauma care), education, and earned income tax credits. State government social programs should be available only to citizens and legal residents of the United States. 2. We oppose any form of blanket amnesty. 3. We oppose legal immigrants overstaying their visas. 4. We oppose a "path to citizenship" that would grant citizenship to illegal aliens faster than to immigrants who have come to the United States through legal means. E. State Issues i. State Legislature We Believe 1. We believe all bills should be limited to one issue. 2. We believe that it is the responsibility of individual legislators to read and to be knowledgeable of all pieces of legislation prior to voting. 3. We believe that all state-tribal compacts and agreements should require the approval of both houses of the legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. 28 4. We believe Oklahoma shall participate only in programs or plans that protect private property rights and encourage citizens to develop their property in a manner that does not harm others. 5. We believe Oklahoma should not participate in any global ID initiatives and should prohibit the introduction of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) in any state-issued identification card. 6. We believe the Oklahoma Lottery should be repealed. 7. We believe a fee shall be defined as funds collected for voluntary use of government service, be used exclusively for that service, and not to exceed the cost of that service. We Support 1. We support any legislation that protects our rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. 2. We support an explanation of the specific Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutional authority when filing a bill. 3. We support full funding of all state retirement systems. 4. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma's previous calls for a U.S. Constitutional Convention. 5. We support the state and any county, municipality, city, town, school or any other political subdivision to display, in its public buildings and on its grounds, replicas of United States historical documents including, but not limited to, the Ten Commandments, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Oklahoma Constitution and other historically significant documents in the form of statues, monuments, memorials, tablets or any other display that respects the dignity and solemnity of such documents. Such documents shall be displayed in a manner consistent with the context of other documents contained in such display. 6. We support full protection of U.S. Second Amendment rights in Oklahoma by amending the Oklahoma Constitution to mirror the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. 7. We support maintaining the Constitutional Carry law in Oklahoma statute. 8. We support the ability of state law enforcement to restore the peace and protect Oklahoma citizens through the arrest and prosecution of any persons/agents attempting to inflict unconstitutional laws/mandates on its citizens. 9. We support the fundamental right to own and to enjoy our private property and we oppose restrictions or losses of that right. 10. We support fair, just, and timely compensation for property owners when governmental regulations limit property use. 11. We support driver's license photos of a lower resolution that is perfectly adequate for visual identification, but not for biometric tracking. 12. We support the repeal of mandatory fingerprinting or other traceable biometric information, and 29 we oppose the maintenance of a biometric database, in connection with an application for a driver's license or government ID. 13. We support lawsuit reform including but not limited to "loser pays". 14. We support amending the current Right to Farm law to explicitly allow for expansion, production, technological changes, and measures to protect these activities. 15. We support the Unmanned Surveillance Act which prohibits the use of a drone when no warrant has been issued. 16. We support a state constitutional amendment requiring judges to inform jurors of their duty to judge the law (nullification); and prohibiting judges and district attorneys from infringing on the rights of the defense to inform the jury of this duty. 17. We support amending the Oklahoma Constitution to remove the unelected Judicial Nominating Commission and adopt the federal model authorizing the Governor to appoint Oklahoma appellate judges with confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate. 18. We support the oversight and regulation of the medical marijuana industry for medical purposes only. 19. We support the state and its citizens maintaining control of all transportation instead of selling or leasing control of that right to foreign entities, corporations, private/public partnerships, or other states. 20. We support efficient and necessary spending on our state, county, and local roads and bridges because they are essential for economic growth and development. 21. We support a moratorium on creation of additional turnpikes in Oklahoma until existing turnpikes in Oklahoma have generated enough toll revenue based upon an independent audit to repay their original costs, are conveyed to state ownership, and converted to toll-free roads. 22. We support the elimination of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and all tolls. We Oppose 1. We oppose the final passage of any legislation before the full text has been read. 2. We oppose the concept of claiming property as "blighted" as a reason for taking land. 3. We oppose allowing state agencies to hire lobbyists to lobby other state agencies or the legislature. 4. We oppose animal ID programs by the government, leaving it up to the free market. 5. We oppose the expansion of gambling in any form in Oklahoma. 30 ii. State Agencies, State, County, and Local Government We Believe 1. We believe in transparent and honest government in the Oklahoma Legislature, all legislative committees, and in state and county agencies. 2. We believe all state agencies should be made accountable for maintenance of their records and accurate enforcement of rules, policies, and regulations. 3. We believe all government officials, including judges, who act in violation of the U.S. or Oklahoma Constitution should be impeached and removed from office in a timely manner. 4. We believe the Attorney General should be removed from the District Attorney's Council so that locally elected officials have the proper degree of autonomy. 5. We believe that no governmental agency or private business should require from any citizen any information that is not essential to the direct performance of the agency's/ business's operation or mandate. We Support 1. We support reducing the size of state government to allow citizens to do those things that people can do best for themselves. 2. We support legislative efforts to repeal outdated and irrelevant statutes in keeping with the philosophy of smaller government and support the elimination or consolidation of redundant authorities, boards, commissions, and agencies. 3. We support providing an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings and Records Act and with audit findings. 4. We support external annual performance and financial audits. The auditor shall not be selected by the audited agencies. 5. We support public disclosure of all financial records of public institutions including trusts, authorities, libraries, community foundations, all state retirement funds, and teacher retirement funds. 6. We support the Whistleblower Act which protects all public employees, including higher education employees. 7. We support all elected and appointed officials to aggressively uncover, remedy, and prosecute all waste, fraud, and abuse in government including the elimination of all unnecessary state agencies. 8. We support the repeal of Title 11, Section 22-104.1 of the OK Statutes, which enables a municipal corporation to engage in any business it is authorized to license. 9. We support mandatory random drug testing for all employees of the State of Oklahoma and recipients of public assistance with sanctions for positive test results. 31 10. We support and call on the Attorney General to vigorously enforce Article XXII, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution which prohibits foreign governments from owning businesses or real estate in Oklahoma. 11. We support that the state of Oklahoma shall not exercise any eminent domain action until at least 90% of affected property holders/interests has been acquired without the threat of eminent domain. 12. We support enforcement of state and federal Anti-Trust laws regulating the mergers of domestic and foreign corporations that create monopolies resulting in a loss of competition, and detrimental to Oklahoma entities. We Oppose 1. We oppose any exemptions to the current Open Meetings and Open Records Act. 2. We oppose unfunded mandates by the State Legislature and state agencies. 3. We oppose the declaration of a United Nations Day in Oklahoma. 4. We oppose legislative actions that would alter current county government structures (i.e. Home Rule). 5. We oppose self-serving legislation and conflict of interest legislation. 32   2025 Oklahoma Republican Party Platform Committee Casey Wooley, Chair Lori Gracey , Vice-Chair Patricia Pope – Blaine Bryan Morris – Canadian Rachel Ruiz – Canadian John Spencer – Canadian LeRoss Apple – Cimarron Bruce Fleming – Cleveland Sherrie Hamilton – Haskell Gary Voelkers – Kay Julie Collier – McClain Leslie Mahan – Oklahoma Ruth Foote – Oklahoma Mark Harris – Oklahoma Robert Scott – Okmulgee Jason Shilling – Payne Mishela DeBoer – Rogers Patricia Lyle – Rogers John Doak – Tulsa April Dawn Brown – Garvin Amanda Bergerson – Logan Michelle Wax – Carter Jana Belcher – Grady

The first regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature is now in the books, with final work concluded by the governor's office.

We're just a week away from the Oklahoma Legislature adjourning sine die, and that means (1) they have a budget and (2) they're going to ram through a few more contentious bills, like SB1027, which makes significant changes to the initiative petition process.

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we'll be discussing the 340B drug discount program and its essential role in strengthening the healthcare safety net, especially in rural areas. Trent Bourland, CEO of Coal County General Hospital, and Jay Johnson, president and CEO of DRH Health, Duncan, join us to talk about the 340B program, its impact on hospitals and healthcare providers, and how it affects patients, especially those who rely on it for access to the healthcare they need. We also discuss House Bill 2048, the 340B protection bill now moving through the Oklahoma Legislature.www.insidethe1581.com

The 60th Oklahoma Legislature has officially convened, bill writing is underway, and session will be starting in just a few weeks. Let's get caught up on where things stand as we enter the next few months. Transcript: Hello and welcome to Let's Pod This, my name is Andy Moore and we have a jam-packed episode for you today. At the end I will highlight some important upcoming events, so while you're listening, be sure to grab a pen and paper to write those down.But first, let's begin with our legislative update: Tuesday was Organizational Day for the Oklahoma legislature, which is the day when the members come together to formally elect the leaders of each caucus and each chamber, vote on the rules the bodies will use to operate for the next year, and, I think, to take new headshots. I've seen a lot of folks post them online, at least. More on this later. I'm honestly not clear on when the Legislative session *officially* begins. Organizational Day seems like the official start, but some people say that the legislature isn't REALLY in session until the first Monday in February; this year that falls on February 3rd. That's the day the Governor gives his State of the State address and when the Legislature formally gavels into session. Ah, wait…I think that's it - I think Organizational Day is the first day of the Legislature - this year begins the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, and remember that each Legislature is a two-year cohort or lineup - and each Legislature will have multiple sessions. There are at least two “regular” sessions, one each year, and the first regular session of the 60th legislature begins on February 3rd. And then there maybe some “extraordinary” or special sessions sprinkled in along the way. Anyway, on Organizational Day, The Senate published its schedule for chamber deadlines, and it is unusually detailed, particularly when it comes to bill filing. There are seven deadline dates in January, one for Organizational Day and the other six relate to bill filing and stipulate things as specific as “Final draft revisions due to drafters by Senators” by 4pm on January 15th. And then the schedule only lists six more deadlines for the entire duration of session, February to May. As of today, the House has not published their entire deadline schedule but they have published their Committee Schedule. At first I was surprised to see that the Appropriations & Budget Committee is scheduled to meet every day - the schedule has them listed on Monday mornings at 9am AND 10:30am, as well as Monday afternoon, Tuesday afternoon, AND Wednesday afternoon, all at 4:30pm, and then one more time on Thursdays at 1:30pm. BUT then I saw a footnote that says “The A&B Committee develops its own meeting schedule and that of the Subcommittees,” so we'll just wait and see what they do. It would be unusual for the A&B committee to meet so early on a Monday morning, as many rural legislators go home to their districts on the weekends and don't drive into the city until Monday. I'm not opposed to Monday morning meetings, though - I love to see legislators at the Capitol working on things. Plus, more meetings means, at least in theory, that there will be more time for thoughtful discussion about important issues…or it could just mean more time for inane shenanigans that distract the legislature (and the public!) away from important issues. Speaking of distraction, the Bill filing deadline is next Thursday, January 16th, and that means that over the next few weeks you will hear about many, many bad and ridiculous bills. And a few good ones, too, God willing, but, undoubtedly, the small cabal of legislators...

With new leaders in place, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate start work in the 60th Oklahoma Legislature.

This year has been a lot. Too much, actually. So let's go ahead and start looking toward 2025, the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, and the future we want to create for our state.

With the general election over, the new legislature is set to begin with lawmakers preparing for the 2025 legislative session.

On this episode, we discuss Home Defense and your Legal Rights with Jay Steagall from Cloverleaf Precision and the Oklahoma Legislature.Jay SteagallCloverLeaf Precision1134 Industrial DriveYukon, OK 73099YouTube:Honeycomb HollerFacebook:TOPS Bunker GroupTop Reads:Good Stress Bad Stress - Mastering the Art of Stress ResilienceSupport the showSupport the show

Since statehood, numerous elected officials have found themselves on the wrong side of the Oklahoma Legislature's good graces, which resulted in impeachment charges being filed. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss Oklahoma's constitutional requirements for impeachment, some of the officials who have been impeached in the state over the years, and the charges leveled against them. Their guest is former Oklahoma Senator Cal Hobson, who served in the legislature from 1978–2005 and was president pro tempore during the impeachment of Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher in 2004.

Oklahoma CareerTech oversees 29 technology centers across 60 campuses statewide. It takes about 500,000 yearly enrollments and offers courses to students in about 400 school districts and adults.And about 7,500 students are sitting on a waitlist to get in.To tackle the waitlist, the Oklahoma Legislature allocated $26.7 million in new one-time funds for the agency this year. The money was recently disbursed to schools and is now being used across the state for facility upgrades, expanded programming and more.CareerTech Director Brent Haken is grateful for the boost, but he cautions against considering it a windfall that would fully eliminate the waitlist. He plans to return to the legislature next year with the same pitch — that increasing base funding is the only way to fully reach the thousands of Oklahomans hoping for a spot in a CareerTech program.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

If nothing else, the Oklahoma Legislature's Republican supermajority has proven itself world-class at one thing: virtue signaling. Any piece of legislation they can remotely link to DEI or ESG … anything they can tar-and-feather as “Woke” … anything they think undermines the historical, patriarchal, white status quo … they attack like buzzards feasting on roadkill […]

When lawmakers adjourned sine die late last month, it wasn't just the end of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature. It was the end of a leadership era, too. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall are two of the longest serving top dawgs in their respective chambers in Oklahoma history – Treat […]

If the 59th Oklahoma Legislature is remembered for anything, it will be its preoccupation with 2SLGBTQ+ folks, especially transgender Oklahomans. This session, more than 50 bills were introduced that the American Civil Liberties Union identified as anti-2SLGBTQ+. Fortunately, few got so much as a hearing. What did gain traction was open hate speech – remember […]

Gov. Parson of Missouri follows up his talk with his pen | Oklahoma textbook regulations push radical agenda through education | Iowa study shows modern school choice increases tuition costs | Missouri Republicans Run Run Run from ranked-choice voting  | Kansas abortion providers are required to ask why, and they are fighting that law | Detroit is BACK in a big way, and it's more than just cars | Generations old local newspaper is sold as River Front Times ends in St. Louis | Memorial Day Is here and we have a few facts about the holidaySources Include: The Heartland Collective, Missouri Independent, Kansas City Star, Axios, Iowa Capitol Dispatch, St. Louis Public Radio, and today.com Gov. Parson of Missouri follows up his talk with his pen https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/20/parson-orders-state-agency-not-to-pay-legal-expenses-for-legislators-facing-defamation-suit/Oklahoma text book regulations push radical agenda through educationhttps://oklahomavoice.com/2024/05/21/new-criteria-for-oklahoma-textbooks-asks-for-traditional-gender-roles-reverence-for-religion/Iowa study shows modern school choice increases tuition costs https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/05/23/study-links-state-esa-program-to-spike-in-iowa-k-12-private-school-tuition/Missouri Republicans Run Run Run from ranked choice votinghttps://theheartlandcollective.com/2024/05/22/the-missouri-gop-doesnt-want-ranked-choice-voting/Kansas abortion providers are required to ask why, and they are fighting that lawhttps://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article288606572.htmlDetroit is BACK in a big way, and its more than just carshttps://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/05/20/detroits-brand-biggest-winner-of-population-increaseGenerations old local newspaper is sold as River Front Times ends in St. Louishttps://www.stlpr.org/2024-05-22/rft-sold-riverfront-times-rip-alt-weekly-staff-laid-offMemorial Day Is here and we have a few facts about the holiday https://www.today.com/life/holidays/memorial-day-facts-rcna143916 @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Gov. Parson of Missouri follows up his talk with his pen | Oklahoma textbook regulations push radical agenda through education | Iowa study shows modern school choice increases tuition costs | Missouri Republicans Run Run Run from ranked-choice voting  | Kansas abortion providers are required to ask why, and they are fighting that law | Detroit is BACK in a big way, and it's more than just cars | Generations old local newspaper is sold as River Front Times ends in St. Louis | Memorial Day Is here and we have a few facts about the holidaySources Include: The Heartland Collective, Missouri Independent, Kansas City Star, Axios, Iowa Capitol Dispatch, St. Louis Public Radio, and today.com Gov. Parson of Missouri follows up his talk with his pen https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/20/parson-orders-state-agency-not-to-pay-legal-expenses-for-legislators-facing-defamation-suit/Oklahoma text book regulations push radical agenda through educationhttps://oklahomavoice.com/2024/05/21/new-criteria-for-oklahoma-textbooks-asks-for-traditional-gender-roles-reverence-for-religion/Iowa study shows modern school choice increases tuition costs https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/05/23/study-links-state-esa-program-to-spike-in-iowa-k-12-private-school-tuition/Missouri Republicans Run Run Run from ranked choice votinghttps://theheartlandcollective.com/2024/05/22/the-missouri-gop-doesnt-want-ranked-choice-voting/Kansas abortion providers are required to ask why, and they are fighting that lawhttps://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article288606572.htmlDetroit is BACK in a big way, and its more than just carshttps://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/05/20/detroits-brand-biggest-winner-of-population-increaseGenerations old local newspaper is sold as River Front Times ends in St. Louishttps://www.stlpr.org/2024-05-22/rft-sold-riverfront-times-rip-alt-weekly-staff-laid-offMemorial Day Is here and we have a few facts about the holiday https://www.today.com/life/holidays/memorial-day-facts-rcna143916 @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

The Oklahoma Legislature's 2024 session has had plenty of headline-grabbing moments: thwarting an attack on judicial independence, undermining The People's initiative powers, embracing a show-me-your-papers expansion of police powers that could target almost anyone who's not lily-white. But it's often the legislation that flies beneath the radar that ends up with the potential to have […]

A special legislative session called by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will begin on Monday. Stitt hopes lawmakers will pass a quarter-cent income tax cut, though that appears unlikely. Leadership in the Oklahoma House of Representatives has indicated they'll pass the cut, calling it another step toward leading Oklahoma to zero income tax, but the Senate's leader says Stitt hasn't shown a detailed plan, and they won't vote in favor. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat told The Frontier that lawmakers could opt to take up the tax cut during the regular session, which starts Feb. 5.Oklahoma's current top income tax rate is 4.75%. Stitt's proposed cut would drop the top rate to 4.5%. The Oklahoma Legislature last passed an across-the-board quarter-percent tax cut in 2021. On this episode of Listen Frontier, we talk to House Speaker Charles McCall and Treat to get their takes on the upcoming special session.

Rep. J. J. Humphrey of District 19 tells KRMG that like most people, he was incredulous when he first began hearing about students in public schools who identified and/or wished to behave like animals.

The Indian Child Welfare Act's future is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. Lionel Ramos reports on how overturning the 1978 law would affect Oklahomans. Also: Whitney Bryen updates her investigation into a federally funded statewide nonprofit that auditors say misspent $585,000. Paul Monies delivers a wrap-up of the Oklahoma Legislature's regular session. Executive director Ted Streuli hosts.

Welcome back to the Friday 15! This week is a deadline week for the Oklahoma Legislature, with OAR bills advancing out of their committees. Hear from Will Gattenby, Bryson Panas, Will Roberts, and this week's guest, Government Affairs Committee Chair Josh Woodward, as they discuss HB1614 and HB2288 passing committee, the governor's first bill signing of the year, and State Question 820.

Oklahoma Watch's Democracy reporter Keaton Ross details a bill that would separate state and federal elections if national voting rights are enacted. Also: Ashlynd Huffman talks about slowing down Oklahoma's execution rate, and Lionel Ramos discusses Black History Day at the Capitol. Executive director Ted Streuli hosts.

In this episode: Podcast Update, Mastodon, Newsletter, Great Backyard Bird Count, LastPass Update, Oklahoma Legislature, and February Voting Show Notes:  

You never know what could happen during a session of the Oklahoma Legislature but one thing is a sure bet: The supermajority will zero in on a bogeyman to help whip up the culture wars. This year's target is trans Oklahomans, with at least a half dozen bigoted bills threatening gender care and individual liberty. […]

The 59th Oklahoma Legislature kicks off Feb. 6 with Republican supermajorities in both houses threatening to widen the state's already massive gulf between the Haves and the Have-Nots. Tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the rich. Vouchers that further starve underfunded public schools. Book bans. More restrictions on what can and can't be taught about history […]

Liz Truss abruptly resigned as Britain's prime minister on Thursday, after just 45 days in office — making her the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the United Kingdom.Hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills are moving through legislatures across the country,  many of which specifically target transgender people. Oklahoma House Representative Mauree Turner — the first out non-binary state lawmaker in the country and the first Muslim member of the Oklahoma Legislature — tells us how they've used their position to fight for their constituents and their communities.And in headlines: Ukrainians face rolling blackouts in the wake of Russian drone strikes, disgraced actor Kevin Spacey was found not liable for battery in a civil sex abuse case, and L.A. city council member Kevin de Léon said he won't resign.Show Notes:Vote Save America – https://votesaveamerica.com/TRANSform the Vote – https://transformthevote.org/ Mauree Turner for Oklahoma House District 88 – https://www.maureeturner.com/Crooked Coffee is officially here. Our first blend, What A Morning, is available in medium and dark roasts. Wake up with your own bag at crooked.com/coffeeFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/whataday/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

More than 85 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 11 countries, 25 million Americans brace for dangerous heat this weekend, federal judge blocks Biden administration from lifting Title 42, Oklahoma Legislature passes bill banning nearly all abortions, and the 4 longtime cast members expected to leave SNL.

The leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court that suggests the justices may soon overturn Roe v. Wade has made abortion one of the biggest political debates of the year. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a near-total ban on abortion. Our new PBS Newshour/NPR/Marist poll sheds new light on Americans' views on the subject. Lisa Desjardins walks us through some of the numbers. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court that suggests the justices may soon overturn Roe v. Wade has made abortion one of the biggest political debates of the year. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a near-total ban on abortion. Our new PBS Newshour/NPR/Marist poll sheds new light on Americans' views on the subject. Lisa Desjardins walks us through some of the numbers. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Oklahoma legislature passes bill banning abortions from the moment of fertilization. Listen for more details. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

In this episode, Ginnie Graham and Bob Doucette address homelessness in the Tulsa area, including proposed changes to a city ordinance that would make it easier for police officers to remove homeless people from the streets or other public rights of way and would subject them to fines and possible jail time or both. Are there housing solutions rather than just having police solve this? Also discussed: Roe vs. Wade: Can tribes provide abortion services in Oklahoma despite state law changes? If the SCOTUS decision overturned, it will cause a lot of uncertainty and debate. Several Oklahoma Supreme Court justices took state Attorney General John O’Connor to task for not being more active in what some view as a $760 million ratepayer-funded bailout of OG&E for its fuel costs from the February 2021 cold snap. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, an opinion column by Beverly Thompson says "I want people to know I am a face of mental illness." Data released in the past couple of weeks show Oklahoma far behind in per-pupil spending but making small steps in the rankings for teacher pay. However, the surrounding states are making greater investments in teacher salaries, opening the door to a backslide. Among the corrections sought in the unraveling of the Swadley’s Bar-B-Q state contract is a request from Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell to give power back to an oversight commission. The Oklahoma Legislature is considering Senate Joint Resolution 43, which would ask voters to repeal constitutional reforms put into place after a 1967 judicial scandal that gained national attention. Bob Doucette previews his weekend column on his go-to places to take people who are new to Tulsa Summer is here. PGA Championship events are next week at Tulsa's Southern Hills Related stories: 40% more people living on the streets in Tulsa, annual headcount finds Proposed local law would allow police to remove homeless people from sidewalks, other public rights of way Broad-daylight attack leaves ‘weird feeling’ in downtown Tulsa, says hotel manager still on medical leave Bob Doucette: We're failing our homeless, and we're failing ourselves Ginnie Graham: Complicated landscape for tribal nations wanting to offer abortion safe haven Political notebook: Oklahoma House of Representatives looks at the big picture Column: It's worth the journey of peaks and valleys to have good brain health Ginnie Graham: Oklahoma teachers showing gains in pay, but student investment sliding toward the bottom House committee opens investigation of state park restaurant deal Editorial: Solution to lack of budget oversight is reinstating power to a commission Column: Should the Oklahoma Legislature control the state's judicial branch? Fore and before: 18 destinations to aim for during PGA Championship week in Tulsa Contact the writers Editorial Editor Ginnie Graham: Email | Twitter | Follow her stories Editorial Writer Bob Doucette: Email | Twitter | Follow his stories Click here to submit a letter to the editorSupport the show: https://tulsaworld.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Oklahoma Legislature nears the end of session, final budget negotiations are underway. The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss. 

In episode 15 of season 2, Trevor Brown reports on the Oklahoma Legislature's candidate filing period and the plethora of uncontested races; Keaton Ross talks about a proposed bond measure to pay for a new Oklahoma County jail; Lionel Ramos investigates another failed proposal to form a state race and equality commission. Ted Streuli hosts.

The Oklahoma Legislature has passed a sweeping ban on abortions in the state, marking the latest in a national trend of red states implementing restrictive abortion laws. NewsHour's Adam Kemp reports from Oklahoma City, and Mary Ziegler, author of "Abortion and the Law in America: Roe v. Wade to the Present," joins Stephanie Sy to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Oklahoma Legislature has passed a sweeping ban on abortions in the state, marking the latest in a national trend of red states implementing restrictive abortion laws. NewsHour's Adam Kemp reports from Oklahoma City, and Mary Ziegler, author of "Abortion and the Law in America: Roe v. Wade to the Present," joins Stephanie Sy to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Oklahoma Legislature has passed a sweeping ban on abortions in the state, marking the latest in a national trend of red states implementing restrictive abortion laws. NewsHour's Adam Kemp reports from Oklahoma City, and Mary Ziegler, author of "Abortion and the Law in America: Roe v. Wade to the Present," joins Stephanie Sy to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

On this episode I chatted with Dr Kayse Shrum, President of Oklahoma State University. Dr. Kayse Shrum as the 19th president and the first woman to lead the University. Dr. Shrum has served as president of OSU's Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) since 2013, and her selection at the time made her the youngest and first female president and dean of a medical school in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum trained and served rural Oklahoma as a pediatrician before beginning her academic work at OSU-CHS after current OSU President Burns Hargis appointed her to lead the medical school. A native of Coweta, Oklahoma, Dr. Shrum is a fervent champion of rural health and primary care medicine and has made the creation of a sustainable, rural primary care physician pipeline a top priority. She launched innovative high school recruiting programs like Operation Orange and Blue Coat to White Coat, created the Rural Medical Track curriculum and expanded the number of residency training programs in rural Oklahoma by securing support from the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Her long list of awards and accolades includes being named The Journal Record's Woman of the Year in 2019. Dr. Shrum and her husband Darren still actively farm near Coweta. They have six adult children. Follow Dr Shrum on instagram www.instagram.com/drshrum This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof  #thisisoklahoma 

The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session on February 7th. Managing editor Logan Layden led a discussion with the StateImpact Oklahoma reporters on what they'll be covering, including how to deal with Medicaid expansion, new regulations on the marijuana industry, and the influence of state government on what's taught and read in schools.

Farm and Ranch News for Tuesday, November 16, 2021 In today's farm and ranch news, Ron Hays reports on the latest Crop Progress numbers- looks at the Oklahoma Legislature's Special Session now underway and provides an Ag Credit update from the Kansas City Federal Reserve.

The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up their 2021 legislative session this week, so that means our guru on all things happening at the Capitol, Amanda Ewing, returns for a final update and review of the myriad of impacts on education. Fried Okra also speaks with the executive director of the Council of American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma, Adam Soltani, who discusses the challenges our Muslim students face in school and the importance of fighting for the rights of all. You can find more information and resources at cairoklahoma.com.

By law, the Oklahoma legislature must end each year's legislative session by the last Friday in May at 5:00 p.m. The 2021 legislative session ended just a little early - the House and Senate each adjourned Sine Die on Thursday morning. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the final few days of the session in this week's Capitol Insider.

There are some house keeping announcments and a shout out at the begining... and then Joel kind of goes on a 15 minute rant about the Oklahoma Legislature. Eventually we get to a place where we pick out a writing prompt and through digital time travel then present two brand new original works we wrote over the weekend. Enjoy!

In part one, Oklahoma State Senator George Young joins Joel Harder and shares the experience of growing up through the Civil Rights Movement, the call to leadership as a pastor, and through elected office in the Oklahoma Legislature. For those interested in running for office one day, Senator Young talks about the process and reasons for moving from the Oklahoma House of Representatives to the State Senate, and the differences in the role and culture of the two chambers. In part two of the conversation, Senator Young shares the unique role of legislative caucuses and the work he has done through the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.

Oklahoma State Rep Trey Caldwell has started his second term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives- serving as the Deputy Majority Leader. He talks with host Ron Hays about his roots in agriculture and why he is serving in State Government. They discuss redistricting, rural healthcare, education and the state budget process that is making good progress here in 2021- despite the year of Pandemic. Caldwell is a rising star in the Oklahoma Legislature- and won the seat that was held for 12 years by Don Armes before he termed out.

The Cattlemen"s Congress will have a second edition in 2022 said Jarold Callahan, president of Express Ranches and a member of the Cattlemen"s Congress board of directors.

Oklahoma's 2021 legislative session officially began on organizational day, January 5, but the 58th Oklahoma Legislature returns to begin the bulk of its work on Monday, February 1. That day, Governor Kevin Stitt will provide his priorities for the year ahead and give lawmakers their first glimpse at the executive budget. While the executive budget is largely a ceremonial document, it lays out the governor's proposed guidelines for spending each year. KGOU will present a live broadcast the State of the State address beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 1. KGOU's Dick Pryor and Shawn Ashley discuss what to expect in this Capitol Insider.

In advance of his "State of the State" speech which will open the 58th Regular Session of the Oklahoma Legislature, KRMG had an opportunity to get the governor's thoughts on how 2021 could shape up for the state's residents.

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Friday January 22, 2020

In March of 2020, Oklahoma Legislature passed Ida’s Law to make it easier for law enforcement to investigate the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This month, we are going to cover four of those cases.  If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Ida Beard, call the El Reno Police Department at 405-262-2121 If you have any information regarding the murder of Susie Wahpekeche, call the Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1000. If you have any information regarding the murder of Regina Curtis, call the Oklahoma City PD at 405-231-2121. If you have any information regarding the murder of Angela “Sam” Maynahona, call the Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. Join me in donating https://oknaav.org/ Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! BetterHelp.com/crimelines Music by Scott Buckley Cover art by Lars Hacking of the Rusty Hinges podcast Sources can be found on the website at www.basementfortproductions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oklahoma voters rejected State Question 814. It would have taken payments away from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, which funds public health measures like tobacco cessation and cancer research, and put them toward Medicaid expansion. The state is expected to see a $1 billion infusion of federal health funding, but has to put in about $150 million first. Without that TSET funding, lawmakers will have to find another source.

A conversation with Speaker Charles McCall. His take on: the wrap up of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature, COVID-19 in Oklahoma, the greatest influences on his leadership, the unique role of the Speaker of the House, and how he works to cultivate a culture of civility in the Oklahoma State Capitol. www.capitolculture.com    www.WhenLeadersMatter.com    

The most unusual legislative session in the history of Oklahoma is now over. Legislators welcomed Sine Die Adjournment at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, although they had actually finished their work one week before. By law, the legislature must end the regular session by 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday in May, which they did, but this year the gavel fell without lawmakers in their chambers. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley look back at the session that will always be defined by COVID-19.

As the legislative session draws to a close, Governor Stitt had a busy week signing - and vetoing - a large number of bills. In doing so, the divide between the legislative and executive branches appears to be growing ever wider. What does that mean for the Governor's agenda...and for the state? The Oklahoma legislature ended both their regular session and their special session today. In doing so they voted to end CHEPA, the Governor’s catastrophic health emergency powers act, on May 30th.  Does that mean we should expect the Governor to end the state of emergency declaration soon as well? This morning Governor Stitt named Col. Lance Frye, MD, as the interim commissioner of health. As listeners may remember, current interim commissioner, Gary Cox, was not confirmed by the Senate because he lacks the academic credentials required by law for that position. On behalf of Let’s Pod This, we extend our appreciation to Gary Cox for his service and wish Col. Frye good luck as he takes the helm of the Dept of Health in the midst of a pandemic and with his agency facing an audit. Also this morning, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, which handles Oklahoma’s unemployment claims system, voted to consolidate its IT & business practices with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. This happened because OESC, like many state agencies, has an aging & outdated IT infrastructure that was woefully inadequate for the massive number of claims they’ve received over the last couple of months. There are three things that are ironic about this: Yet another state agency falling apart due to lack of investing in infrastructure. It’s 2020 - you can’t run a state government on Windows XP. OMES was created for just this purpose - to consolidate and house the IT and business operations of all the state agencies. That never really worked out as some agencies didn’t conform, so we have this very splintered system.  If memory serves, didn’t Governor Stitt previously say he wants to dismantle OMES and return those operations back to individual agencies so they can run more efficiently? Then, this afternoon news broke that the head of OESC, Robin Roberson, stepped down. She was just hired in January, before all this Covid mess started, and according to the Oklahoman, Roberson said she had five calls yesterday asking her to step down before the meeting. The Governor also had a busy week signing - and vetoing - a large number of bills. We don’t have time to discuss all ~134 approvals, but do want to mention the COLA for retired state employees was signed into law. And then, let's talk about the vetoes are certainly interesting. (https://nondoc.com/2020/05/20/stitt-vetoes-five-mccall-bills/) Let’s quickly run through all the vetoes: HB 2749 and HB 2750, which worked in conjunction to authorize an additional $161 million bond package to fund the state’s matching obligation for endowed chair positions at Oklahoma higher education institutions. The measures also functionally capped the state’s funding of endowed chairs. Stitt wants to end state funding for endowed chairs entirely.   2749 Veto override passed 94-3, 44-1 2750 Veto override passed 92-6, 44-1 HB3819 - made any contract from a state agency open to inspection by any member of the Oklahoma Legislature, and it also banned any agency from prohibiting an employee, contractor or other person to communicate with the Legislature. It passed the House 94-1 and the Senate 44-0. Stitt said the measure was duplicative, detailed concern about confidential information not being protected under the bill, and observed that the Legislature did not make its own contracts or employees available for inspection.  Veto override passed 94-3, 45-0 HB4018 - reated a Rural Broadband Expansion Council to study and map rural broadband access in the state of Oklahoma. Passed nearly unanimously. Stitt said it was... Support this podcast

The Oklahoma Legislature is required by law to finish each legislative session by the end of May. This year's work has been slowed due to COVID-19, but lawmakers and the governor are now making up for lost time. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss how they are moving quickly to complete "the people's business" on schedule.

Under strict health and safety measures, the Oklahoma Legislature convened for a historic special session on Monday, April 6 to respond to Gov. Kevin Stitt"s statewide health emergency declaration.

Pension reform and cost of living adjustments (COLAs) are a big topic this year in the Oklahoma Legislature, and in this episode of On Deck, Senator Treat tells us about a new COLA proposal making its way through the legislative process. The action in the Senate is focused on the floor as March 12 is the deadline for Senate bills to make it off the floor for them to remain alive this session. Senator Treat tells us what to expect this week on the Senate floor.

As the 2020 Oklahoma Legislative Session begins, the Speaker of the House in the Oklahoma Legislature, Charles McCall of House District 22, sat down with Host Ron Hays and talked about his eight years in the Legislature, his concerns with a State Question that may be considered by voters this fall that could radically change the Redistricting Process in the state, his Priorities for 2020 in the State House and More. Today's Episode is made possible by the Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

On this episode I sat down with Rep Cyndi Munson to talk a little about Oklahoma politics but mostly about her story, how she got into politics and how life in the house is in 2019. Munson became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. She has concentrated her legislative efforts on providing equal pay for equal work, strengthening the rights of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, assisting Oklahoma’s veterans, and working to make life easier for our loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia.Originally from Lawton, Cyndi developed her passion for public service at an early age. Her father’s military service taught Cyndi and her sister, Sandra, the importance of giving back. A first generation college student, Cyndi graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where she earned a Master of Science in Leadership Education. Cyndi also spent a semester of her college experience studying at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.Before her election to the Legislature, Cyndi spent a decade working and volunteering in Oklahoma City’s non-profit community. In her most recent work with Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, she provided leadership programs for thousands of girls in low-income schools, juvenile detention centers, and public housing.Cyndi is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 31 and an alumni member of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class VIII. She serves on the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, is a member of the Oklahoma Messages Project Board of Directors, and is the past chair of the Infant Crisis Services Young Professionals Group.Thanks for listening, follow Cyndi on Instagram here @cyndimunson Please leave a review, if you liked this episode I'd love to hear your thoughts. Cheers, Mike

The only full blood American Indian to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature, Enoch Kelly Haney was elected as a state legislator and a senator. He became the Vice Chair of Appropriations his second term in the House before becoming the Chairman of the Appropriations committee in the Oklahoma State Senate. After over twenty years in the state legislature from 1980 to 2002, Kelly became the Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma in 2005 and served a four-year term.Kelly Haney is an internationally recognized artist who has exhibited throughout the United States, England, Austria, and Asia and has received the title of Master Artist of the Five Civilized Tribes. In addition to decades of success as a painter, Kelly became the creator of the 22-foot bronze sculpture, The Guardian, that was chosen to top the Oklahoma State Capitol Dome. He was also commissioned to create the Chickasaw Warrior at the Chickasaw Nation Headquarters in Ada, Oklahoma. This comes from an artist who was never formally trained in sculpting and started at age six using the red clay from his front yard.

The latest OK Senate On Deck episode is here! In this week's podcast President Pro Tem Senator Greg Treat breaks down all of the latest Oklahoma Legislature accomplishments from this year that have furthered the fight for Criminal Justice Reform and also gives us a vision for the future in this area.

The 2019 Legislative Session came to a close last week, but not before some amazing accomplishments were completed by the Oklahoma Legislature! This week's On Deck podcast focuses on all the key legislative highlights that were accomplished this year to make our state even better! A few of the topics talked about this week are Education, Government Accountability, Criminal Justice Reform, and Budget Transparency. Let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at OnDeck@oksenate.gov!

The 2019 legislative session came to an end on Thursday and lawmakers took action on a criminal justice reform bill while failing to move forward on another. It ended a year when criminal justice reform was a major area of focus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Senate gave final approval to an 8.1 billion-dollar spending plan that includes teacher pay raises, pay bumps for state employees and builds on the education funding increase the legislature appropriated last year.  The spending plan heads to Governor Kevin Stitt's desk for final approval. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a huge freshman class and a promise for less gridlock, Oklahoma lawmakers filed more than 2,800 bills this legislative session. A third of the legislative session is now over - here's fifteen bills you should watch.

Andy and Scott are back from vacation! We take a quick look back at the 56th Oklahoma Legislature, discuss Governor Fallin's surprising vetoes of several bills, and give an update on the OSDH debacle. Then we lay out the plan ahead as we move into election season and head toward the 57th Legislature. Support this podcast

Major reforms are poised to pass—or not—as the Oklahoma Legislature wraps up. Do we want more or fewer people in prison and on welfare? And will we give local school districts more flexibility in using the money they already have? Trent gives us the details.

After months of gridlock and failed deal-making, the Oklahoma House and Senate have passed a nearly $450 million tax package designed to fund raises for teachers and avoid statewide school closures. Gov. Mary Fallin said she’ll sign the tax package, which fell short of teachers’ demands. Educators still plan to march at the Capitol April 2 to pressure lawmakers to spend more on schools and public employees and continue a debate that has highlighted growing gaps and frustrations over taxes and government.

On this week's show we talk about the possibility of Oklahoma cotton producers harvesting one million bales! Harvey Schroeder, Oklahoma Cotton Council, says it is a great crop. We also talk with State Sen. Paul Scott about the "abbreviated" special session of the Oklahoma Legislature and about his AFR Legislative Advocacy award.

On this week's show we talk about the possibility of Oklahoma cotton producers harvesting one million bales! Harvey Schroeder, Oklahoma Cotton Council, says it is a great crop. We also talk with State Sen. Paul Scott about the "abbreviated" special session of the Oklahoma Legislature and about his AFR Legislative Advocacy award.

On this week's show we talk about the impact of the Oklahoma Legislature going into a special session on Sept. 25 to resolve the state's budget issues. We talk with Steve Thompson, AFR government relations; State Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-19); and State Rep. and minority party leader Steve Kouplen (D-24).

On this week's show we talk about the impact of the Oklahoma Legislature going into a special session on Sept. 25 to resolve the state's budget issues. We talk with Steve Thompson, AFR government relations; State Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-19); and State Rep. and minority party leader Steve Kouplen (D-24).

Episode 54 – Collin Walke was one of several urban Democratic Party candidates in this year’s election cycle to buck the statewide trend of the Republican Party gaining an even bigger super majority in the Oklahoma Legislature. Running and losing the race to represent House District 87 in 2014, he persisted and won this time. … Continue reading Collin Walke – New Democratic Party representative in a Republican state →

Episode 43 – Nearly 40 episodes after Angela was our guest the first time, we talk about the progression of her public school advocacy into electoral politics. Leading up to the primaries in June, she formed a Facebook group that promotes candidates for the Oklahoma Legislature who openly and passionately support public schools. It got … Continue reading Angela Clark Little – Mom, public school advocate, political target →

Association sets Homecoming 2009 dates, Association membership provides Career Services discount, Help OSU at the Oklahoma Legislature and Chapters events.