News

Old Christmas trees can help birds

January 17, 2019 Trisha Gedon

STILLWATER – Before you put the Christmas tree on the curb for recycling, consider turning it into a combination lawn decoration and bird feeder. While the tree certainly added a festive flair to the home with its twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments, you can still get some enjoyment out of it, said David Hillock, Oklahoma…

Tax plan to aid Downtown

January 17, 2019

Mayor G.T. Bynum and the Tulsa City Council are formulating plans for a massive tax increase for more improvements in Downtown Tulsa. No details on the actual cost will be sought have been released to the public. Bynum, who is registered as a Republican, unveiled an 160-page document that calls for millions of dollars in…

Battle brewing over revenue surplus?

January 10, 2019

State revenues have been setting records every month for a year yet the State Board of Equalization has authorized a budget surplus of $612 million. Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to move slowly on allocating a surplus. Republican leaders urge caution because of the up-and-down nature of energy prices. And Democrats want a tax increase to…

No-cost medical care for illegals?

January 10, 2019

A bill has been filed Wednesday to eliminate a controversial program that provides free pregnancy-related care for illegal aliens. Sen. Paul Scott filed Senate Bill 40 hoping to stop state funds from providing healthcare to pregnant illegal immigrants under the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program (STBS). “I filed this bill to bring to light the fact that the…

Reform for state administrators?

January 10, 2019

Following public outcry about school funding and concern over high administrative salaries, Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation to make superintendent salaries a completely local decision. Senate Bill 60 would require superintendent salaries and fringe benefits to be paid with only district (ad valorem dollars) and dedicated local funds. The bill would stop any state appropriated…

Gann chairman of Rules Comm.

January 10, 2019

House Speaker Charles McCall announced the chairs and vice chairs for the standing House committees and appropriation subcommittees of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature. State Rep. Tom Gann was named chair of the House Administrative Rules Committee by McCall. “I look forward to this assignment,” said Gann, R-Inola. “This committee can be very effective in making…

Virtual Charter School reforms

January 10, 2019

Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation to modify several Virtual Charter School laws in Oklahoma. The 40-year retired educator said his bills are an effort to increase virtual charter school accountability and oversight. “There has been public outcry in recent years to improve public education and that includes virtual charter schools where millions of taxpayer dollars…

State treasurer is officially sworn in

January 10, 2019

Randy McDaniel has become Oklahoma’s 19th state treasurer. During a ceremony attended by family and friends, McDaniel was administered the oath of office by State Supreme Court Justice James Winchester on Wednesday morning at the State Capitol Building. McDaniel has 24 years of private sector experience as a financial advisor and banker. He also served…

HUD report claims homelessness decreased in Oklahoma

January 10, 2019

Local communities throughout Oklahoma report homelessness decreased in 2018, according to the latest national estimate by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s 2018 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress found that 3,871 people in Oklahoma experienced homelessness on a single night in 2018, a decrease of 7.8 percent since last year….

Stitt names former Sen. Mazzei as ‘secretary of Budget’

January 10, 2019

Gov. Kevin Stitt has nominated Mike Mazzei as the Secretary of Budget, a newly created cabinet position that will require Senate confirmation. As Secretary of Budget, Mazzei will be responsible for preparing and finalizing the governor’s annual state budget, providing oversight of its implementation and giving counsel for the state’s financial strategy. “Mike Mazzei brings…