Dec. up 13.4%, ‘18 up 13.2% State revenues increased by 13.2 percent – more than $1.5 billion – in 2018 compared to 2017, according to new State Treasurer Randy McDaniel. The state took in a little less than $13 billion in taxes in 2018, with $1.1 billion coming in December. December 2018 was $135 million…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The U.S. House on December 12 passed The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 conference report, also known as the 2018 farm bill. “Oklahoma family farmers and ranchers today rest a little easier thanks to Congress’ action in passing the 2018 farm bill this week, even as our state’s agricultural producers face the constant threats of…
Sen. John Haste has been chosen to serve on several key committees in the Oklahoma State Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat announced the appointments. The freshman Republican will serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services as well as the Retirement and Insurance, Education, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committees. “I’m…
Oklahoma has a ban on tobacco products for public and private school buildings and vehicles. After conducting an interim study this fall, state Sen. J.J. Dossett has filed legislation for the 2019 session that would extend that ban to vaping. “If you look at the studies coming out from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and…
Enough unborn babies have died in Oklahoma. State Sen. Joseph Silk, a hero in the truest sense of the word, has introduced a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature to criminalize abortion by placing it in the state statues on felony homicide. Senate Bill 13, the Abolition of Abortion in Oklahoma Act, would make abortion a…