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4-day school week rules

Tulsa Beacon

Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison, said new rules released by the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE) to govern schools wishing to continue four-day school weeks are “unfair” and “unobtainable.” Last year, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 441, which allows school districts, beginning in the 2021-22 school year, to adopt an hours-only schedule – 1,080 instructional…

Slowing down recidivism

Tulsa Beacon

As work continues to reform the state’s criminal justice system and release more prisoners, Sen. Adam Pugh has filed two bills to ensure inmates are better prepared to re-enter society.  The Edmond Republican said his plans will improve community relations, protect public safety and lower recidivism rates by providing offenders with a plan of action…

Changing drug policies

Tulsa Beacon

Oklahoma could soon join the growing number of states backing away from using Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to administer prescription-drug programs.  Sen. Paul Scott, R-Duncan, has filed Senate Bill 1901 to replace the state’s third-party PBMs with a direct-to-pharmacy payment system – a move he said could save the state millions and help significantly lower…

Veterans praise Sen. Dahm

Tulsa Beacon

BOISE – A bipartisan group of Afghanistan and Iraq war era veterans praised State Sen. Nathan Dahm for introducing legislation requiring that Oklahoma’s National Guard units cannot be deployed for foreign combat or combat support duties unless Congress has formally adopted a declaration of war as provided by the U.S. Constitution. “As veterans, we strongly…

Rep. Fetgatter selected

Tulsa Beacon

State Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, was named assistant majority floor leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. “Representative Fetgatter has proven to be a spokesman that others in the House look to for leadership and advice,” said House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “I know he will be a valuable member of the…

Rader is GOP caucus chair

Tulsa Beacon

Senate Republicans have elected Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, caucus chair and Senator Greg McCortney caucus vice chair, the President Pro Tempore’s Office announced. The elections were necessary due to the resignation of Senator Jason Smalley, who previously served as caucus chair. Rader previously served as caucus vice chair. McCortney, R-Ada, recently was appointed chair of…

State purchasing reforms

Tulsa Beacon

Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson has filed a bill to reform the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.  Thompson, R-Okemah, said the legislation will create government efficiencies while modernizing state agency spending. The Central Purchasing Act sets limitations on agency spending.  Although this section of the statutes has been amended in fragments over the past 20 years,…

Will Rogers HS bricks recreate some lasting memories

Tulsa Beacon

“Beloved Paw Paw,” reads one brick. “Stay Gold,” says another. Alumni and other friends are donating engraved commemorative bricks to the new athletic stadium that is being built on the Will Rogers High School campus. Donors are creating a permanent addition to Rogers Ropers history with the dedications and memories in their bricks. “We have…

State health officials monitor the coronavirus from China

Tulsa Beacon

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is actively monitoring the outbreak of a 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in Wuhan, China, and has resulted in cases detected in several countries, including laboratory-confirmed cases in the United States. Public health officials at the OSDH remain in contact with local, state and federal partners including…

New director for medical authority

Tulsa Beacon

Oklahoma native Travis Kirkpatrick is the new director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Kirkpatrick has served as interim director for the last 90 days. Health Commissioner Gary Cox said he made the decision based on Kirkpatrick’s leadership at the authority over the last few months. “During his three months, Kirkpatrick has reopened the call…