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The Tulsa Beacon

 

Legislative Update

The real cost of ‘top two’: Taxifornia shows us what happens

Tulsa Beacon

The claim has been made that State Question 836, which changes Oklahoma’s primary election to a “top-two” model, would benefit taxpayers. Real-world experience suggests otherwise. Since California adopted a “top-two” primary election system in 2010, the tax burden on Californians has skyrocketed. The 15 years preceding the implementation of the “top-two” primary saw a rate…

Oklahoma Sales Tax Holiday is August 1-3

Tulsa Beacon

Friday, August 1st – 3rd will be the Oklahoma Tax-Free Weekend in 2025.  All businesses are required to participate. Any person can purchase the tax-free merchandise from retailers in their stores from catalogs or online. Sales of any article of clothing or footwear designed to be worn on or about the human body and the…

SQ 832: National costs and local consequences

Tulsa Beacon

A new Oklahoma ballot proposal, State Question 832, would significantly increase the state’s minimum wage by tying it to the cost of living in expensive urban areas. The measure is on the ballot on June 16, 2026. Let us imagine that this ballot proposal would have passed, say, 10 years ago. If that were the…

Voter registration deadline

Tulsa Beacon

Friday, August 15, is the last day to apply for voter registration to be eligible to vote in the September 9 Special Bond Proposition Election for ISD-11 Owasso Public Schools. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary Gwen Freeman said today. Freeman said that persons who are United States Citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 17…

State of Oklahoma Treasurer Economic Report for June

Tulsa Beacon

Todd Russ, Oklahoma State Treasurer stated about the June economic report, “Oklahoma’s economy remains steady, with strong tax collections, low unemployment, and rising exports. Despite national headwinds, key industries like energy and manufacturing continue to support statewide growth.” When comparing June 2024 and June 2025 state income figures, Oklahoma is up in three of the…

Sample ballots available for June 10 Special Election- Districts 71 & 74

Tulsa Beacon

Sample ballots are now available for the June 10, Special General Election for State Representatives Districts 71 and 74.Voters can download a sample ballot using the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the Tulsa County Election Board during normal business hours. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary, Gwen…

Early voting begins Thursday, June 5

Tulsa Beacon

Early voting begins for the Special General Elections for State Representatives Districts 71 and 74, June 5 for voters in Tulsa County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election Board. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary, Gwen Freeman,…

Request an Emergency Ballot for the June 10 Election

Tulsa Beacon

Registered voters, who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 26 and cannot make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their ballot. Tulsa County Election Board Secretary, Gwen Freeman, said that state law permits voters who become emergency incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 26 to vote under special provisions….

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Change to Become Law

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today praised the governor’s signing of a bill that will save taxpayers money on vehicle registration. House Bill 1183 simplifies how motor vehicle excise tax is determined for vehicle purchases by requiring the tax to be based on the actual sales price of the vehicle. Any consideration to…

Bill to Prevent Men from Being Housed in Women’s Prisons Signed into Law

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill protecting the privacy rights of incarcerated women has been signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 418 requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to designate restrooms, changing areas and sleeping quarters exclusively for either female or male inmates. This legislation was authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie…