Articles
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Education
Oklahoma Democrats say public school improvement could take years—but want to block students’ emergency exit
Democrats insist the Parental Choice Tax Credit isn’t helping working-class Oklahomans, but the parents quoted in this story—widowed mothers, single dads, military families, rural couples, and households making under $50,000—tell a very different story.Ray Carter | January 30, 2026
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Budget & Tax
New Oklahoma data show rising school revenue—and a soaring cash pile
New data show Oklahoma public schools have far more money today than they did 15 years ago. Adjusted for inflation, per-pupil funding rose from $12,598 to $13,751. At the same time, districts have dramatically increased their unspent cash reserves.Curtis Shelton | January 30, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Welfare fraud is baked in. Here’s what Gov. Stitt’s review should tackle
National scandals have exposed how welfare programs are built on incentives that reward signing up more recipients and pushing out more money, while offering almost no accountability for fraud. Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered a review of Oklahoma’s welfare system. Here are some ideas.Trent England | January 29, 2026
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Education, Economy
Report: Oklahoma ranks 16th in school choice, trails Arkansas and Texas
A new report ranks Oklahoma 16th nationally for its student-centered funding programs, highlighting the strong performance of the Oklahoma Parental Tax Credit program—but also warning that the state’s $250 million cap is holding back thousands of families who want access to private-school options.Ray Carter | January 28, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Education
Stitt launches school choice hub, opts Oklahoma into new federal tax credit
Gov. Kevin Stitt marked National School Choice Week by ordering the creation of an Oklahoma School Choice Hub—an online, parent-friendly resource launching within 90 days—and announcing that Oklahoma will join a new federal tax-credit program that funds private-school scholarships.Ray Carter | January 27, 2026
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Good Government
Stitt orders fraud review of welfare programs
Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered a sweeping review of Oklahoma’s welfare programs. His executive order requires agencies to audit fraud safeguards, eligibility rules, and error rates across SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, and related programs.Ray Carter | January 27, 2026
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Education
Oklahoma public school funding soars, but less money reaches classrooms
State Superintendent Lindel Fields told lawmakers this week that Oklahoma’s per-pupil funding is up about 50 percent over the past decade and that average teacher pay, adjusted for cost of living, is $69,046. He said more school days could help lift student performance.Ray Carter | January 27, 2026
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Law & Principles
OCPA statement on SQ 836 signature submission
OCPA President Jonathan Small issued a statement regarding news that proponents of State Question 836 have submitted signatures to place the measure on Oklahoma's statewide ballot.Staff | January 26, 2026
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Law & Principles
Pro-SQ 836 group says nearly all Republican lawmakers ‘should be voted out’
After 114 Republican lawmakers warned voters about SQ 836, the Kirkpatrick Policy Group responded by thanking OCPA “for providing a list of the first politicians who should be voted out once SQ 836 passes.”Ray Carter | January 26, 2026
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Law & Principles
Oklahoma weighs tougher penalties for disrupting worship
Senate Bill 743, authored by state Sen. Todd Gollihare, would impose jail time and escalating fines for those who invade or obstruct religious gatherings. The bill is inspired by both national incidents and harassment at Gollihare’s own church.Ray Carter | January 23, 2026