Oklahoma CareerTech student organization state officers visited the Capitol February 28 to talk to legislators about career and technology education. Kyrstan Cook, Collegiate DECA vice president, said, “Being able to get all CTSO state officer teams together is a great way to show success throughout the state, and how important it is to have a…
With inflation remaining at a 40-year high, House Republicans advanced five new options the Legislature can choose from to provide tax relief to Oklahomans this session. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said, “With President Biden’s policies driving inflation up and more states cutting taxes – especially income taxes – last year than any year since…
The Oklahoma Senate approved a resolution affirming the historical ties between the state and the people of Ukraine and supporting their fight against the violent and illegal Russian invasion. “We stand with the people of Ukraine and call on the citizens of Oklahoma to join us in praying for their safety and freedom. We have…
To keep punishment decisions for the most heinous crimes out of the hands of political appointees and with courts and juries, where they belong, Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, advanced legislation restricting the Pardon and Parole Board from exceeding its jurisdiction on death penalty and life without parole cases. “The Pardon and Parole Board’s controversial, unprecedented…
Legislation creating a fund to help counties and municipalities impacted by natural disasters passed its House committee. House Bill 3819, authored by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, would create the Oklahoma Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Matching Fund. This fund would be appropriated $5 million to aid counties and communities impacted by natural disasters or at risk…
Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, saod House Bill 3718 has passed through the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. The bill, authored by Roberts, adds an enforcement clause to last year’s legislation banning COVID-19 vaccines mandates, mask mandates and vaccine passports as a condition of admittance to, or attendance at, a state school. “Last year, the…
The Senate voted to prohibit anyone without a disability or who is not trained to assist those with disabilities from fraudulently representing a pet as a service animal. Senate Bill 1223 was introduced by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. “Sadly, there are some in our society who will take advantage of the benefits of a service…
Legislation to change government notices to the public unanimously passed the House County and Municipal Government Committee. House Bill 3062, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, expands the availability of legal notices by requiring municipalities to post them online in addition to the current requirement to publish in a daily or weekly newspaper. “This legislation…
Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, commented on the passage of House Bill 3677 through the Elections and Ethics Committee. HB 3677, authored by Roberts, deals with securing Oklahoma elections. The bill would require the Secretary of State to verify voters driver license and/or social security numbers when registering to vote. The bill also makes it a…
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) “70 Percent-Plus Outreach Initiative” is a focused effort by ODVA to connect, through in-person presentations, direct mail, radio spots and word of mouth, with the 53,000 Oklahoma veterans who are 70 percent or higher in their service-connected disability to reach those who need long-term care. Veterans with a…