Economy, Family & Community
Review of state’s pandemic response includes warnings
To better prepare for future pandemics, state lawmakers conducted a review this week of state and local government responses to COVID-19. Among the takeaways: Many challenges early in the pandemic were the result of the government itself.
Education
Many Norman parents unhappy with district’s handling of back-to-school learning
Initially, Norman Public Schools offered parents a back-to-school choice of on-site, virtual, or “blended” curriculum for K-12 students. In mid-August, the decision was abruptly made to start the year with virtual classes only. After only a couple of weeks the guidelines changed again.
Education
AG Hunter’s school-choice defense draws national praise
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has been honored by his peers for his office’s defense of school-choice programs that empower parents.
Good Government
Recall effort highlights Norman mayor’s unpopularity
Citizen efforts to force a recall election of Norman Mayor Breea Clark have fallen short, yet the recall effort also showed broad public displeasure with Clark’s performance. The number of citizens who supported Clark’s ouster was 153-percent greater than the number of citizens who voted to elect Clark mayor in 2019.
Budget & Tax, Economy
Oklahoma lawmakers oppose federal bailout of states
Twenty-three Oklahoma state legislators have joined colleagues from across the country to oppose additional federal bailouts for state governments.
Education, Health Care
Teachers union, parents, in opposition
As parents across Oklahoma call for local schools to reopen and provide in-person instruction, one of the most vocal opponents they face is the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA), the state affiliate of the National Education Association.
Criminal Justice
Does SQ 805 allow criminals to break into your home with impunity?
“Property crime” is an umbrella term that encompasses everything from destruction of property to robbery to embezzlement. Because SQ 805 would apply to many property crimes, it’s not uncommon for people to get confused about what that means.
Criminal Justice
Myth vs. Fact: SQ 805 and sexual crimes
As it turns out, child prostitution and human trafficking are included on the list of violent offenses. They remain untouched by SQ 805.