Workers' comp success helps Oklahoma move up in economic ranking

The  American Legislative Exchange Council recently released its annual publication on state competitiveness, Rich States, Poor States.

Economists differ on Oklahoma’s budget future

Despite approval of roughly $1 billion in tax increases over the last three years, a new report claims Oklahoma will face “persistent” shortfalls that reach more than $1 billion by 2030 and “draconian cuts” to state services will occur unless lawmakers approve additional large tax increases.

But some economic experts say policymakers should view such claims with caution.

Amid doctor shortage, TSET spending draws lawmakers’ concern

New data shows the state’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, has spent as much of Oklahoma’s tobacco-settlement funds on promoting bars and supporting a boathouse as on recruiting doctors to rural areas. That has lawmakers questioning the trust’s effectiveness.

Federal-funds transparency measure advancing in Legislature

Senate Bill 271, by Sen. Nathan Dahm and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, requires state agencies to report “all federal funds” used by the agency in a transparent manner.

More people moving out of Oklahoma than moving in

A recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City shows more people moving out of Oklahoma than moving in. This has closely followed the business cycle of the oil industry and changes to the personal income tax.

State tax collections continue to climb

Total Gross Receipts collected in March 2019 were $1.06 billion—an increase of 10.3 percent, or $101 million, from the same month in the prior year.

Misplaced priorities at TSET