"Dear church family and community, 

I am aware of a campaign mailer that went out with my name and picture on it in support of Senate candidate Bryan Logan. While I strongly believe that Bryan Logan's platform aligns best with biblical values, and will be voting for him, there was a simple miscommunication between us. As a pastor, it's not been my policy to publicly endorse candidates.

Mr. Logan has apologized for the mistake, which I accept. I sincerely hope that no one will hold this misunderstanding against him."

-- Pastor Tim Turner

This Tuesday includes elections in three state legislative seats - House Districts 71 and 74 and Senate District 8. Below is an announcement from HD74 Republican candidate Kevin Norwood.

Norwood is one of five Republican candidates running, including 'World of Weed' dispensary owner Brand Peixotto (aka "The Cannabis King" according to his self-published books on the topic), Sheila Vancuren (wife of the representative who resigned, forcing the special election), Maggie Stearman (26 year-old mother of two, daughter-in-law of former conservative Rep. Wendi Stearman), and Marine vet and nonprofit leader Johnathon Shepherd.

Peixotto and Vancuren have the definite money edge ("Cannabis King" Peixotto loaned his campaign $60k), so conservatives will need to consolidate behind a candidate (Norwood or Stearman) in order to make it into the runoff. I'd go with Norwood.

Owasso, OK - Dr. Kevin Norwood announced significant endorsements in support of his campaign, adding 100 Faith & Youth and Community Leaders who serve our local communities and serve around the state. Many have worked with Kevin in his ministry, leader mentorship programs, or community and youth mentorship outreaches. Several shared their own “Kevin Norwood story” of how he has truly transformed lives with his mentorship throughout the campaign.

As the parent of a child with a severe food allergy, I can appreciate this bill. Most people don't know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis (it's not always airway restriction) or how to respond to severe reactions.

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 26th) – A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools is moving forward in the Oklahoma Legislature. House Bill 2047, authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, would require schools to call 911 as soon as possible when epinephrine is administered to a student. The measure also mandates annual training for teachers and staff on food allergies, recognizing anaphylaxis, and properly administering epinephrine.

The legislation, also known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act, is named in honor of a young girl who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in January 2023. Emerson Cole experienced anaphylaxis on January 17 of that year, but epinephrine was not administered. She passed away two days later. Her story has since become a call to action for stronger policies ensuring that life-saving measures are taken promptly in schools.

“This bill is about making sure that when a child has a severe allergic reaction, there is no hesitation in responding,” Stinson said. “Food allergies affect millions of children nationwide, by ensuring schools have clear protocols and that staff are properly trained, we can help prevent tragedies and keep students safe."

Under HB 2047, school employees could administer epinephrine for a suspected anaphylactic reaction, preventing delays in critical care for life-threatening allergies. The legislation ensures school personnel receive the training and tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives.

HB2047 would standardize emergency procedures for anaphylaxis to help ensure a consistent response to allergic reactions, which can impact children nationwide.

A similar bill was introduced last year as House Bill 3034 but did not make it to the Senate floor for a vote. Stinson is determined to push the measure forward this year, emphasizing the importance of protecting students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions while at school.

“This bill is about giving parents peace of mind,” Stinson added. “No parent should have to worry whether their child will receive life-saving care in an emergency. With proper training and swift action, we can make Oklahoma schools safer for every student.”

HB2047 passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 92-0 and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two significant bills aimed at legalizing sports betting and enhancing the state's gaming compact with tribal partners.

House Bill 1047, authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, authorizes sports betting in Oklahoma. The bill also maintains the existing funding for the treatment of compulsive gambling, ensuring the monthly allocation to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services remains at $20,833. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for tribes interested in entering into gaming compact supplements to accept the state's offer for sports betting.

House Bill 1101, also authored by Luttrell, establishes a voter referendum for the approval of sports wagering in the state. It mirrors many of the provisions in HB1047 and provides a path for tribes to adopt the state’s gaming compact supplements.

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, has introduced a concurrent resolution proclaiming “Christ is King” in Oklahoma, a resounding acknowledgment of the state’s deep spiritual heritage and the faith that sustains its people. The resolution reaffirms Oklahoma’s legacy of resilience, moral clarity, and unapologetic commitment to the values that uplift its citizens.

Drawing from the state’s rich history, the resolution recognizes the phrase “Christ is King” as a powerful declaration of faith embraced by millions of Oklahomans and Christians globally, symbolizing the sovereignty of Jesus Christ as a beacon of hope, unity, and moral guidance. It stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Christian belief in shaping Oklahoma’s culture and communities.

It’s not unusual for school programs to benefit all

In one important aspect, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program, which helps families send children to private school, operates just like the public school system: The program is open to all.

Opponents act as though this is a major flaw yet never say a peep about the much larger taxpayer benefit provided to the “rich” who use public schools.

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27th) – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, has passed legislation further enhancing the integrity of Oklahoma's electoral process.

If House Bill 1005 becomes law, all voter identification cards must include a photo of the voter beginning in 2027. Under the bill, Service Oklahoma would be tasked with working with the Secretary of the State Election Board to develop and provide a free photo identification card that meets HB1005's requirements.

Senator Hamilton Secures Passage of Legislation to Ensure Death Penalty Option for Child Rapists

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 27th)  - Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, today successfully passed legislation off the Senate Floor (SB 599) to ensure the death penalty is a prosecutorial option for criminals convicted of child sex abuse after a first offense. 

“There should be no second chances for an individual so depraved to rape a child,” Senator Hamilton said. “The state of Oklahoma has collectively made the decision through ballot initiatives or legislation to make it easier for individuals to get second chances, and I agree in part that some people deserve a second chance for making a mistake. But we should all draw a hard line when it comes to raping a child. For individuals who commit these types of horrific acts - there is no form of effective rehabilitation, and there is no amount of therapy or programming to make them better or make up for this crime. That is why the death penalty and life without parole are the only punishments allowed by law that are appropriate for these predators. 

“When we tuck our children into bed at night, we try to convince them monsters don’t exist. We try our best to shield them from the evils, and horrors of the world. But unfortunately, monsters do exist. Child rapists are those monsters, and they should be dealt with accordingly. 

House Releases Updated Budget Transparency Portal

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives released today updated budget numbers in its online transparency portal, detailing the House position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted.

The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public.

The numbers are a starting point for negotiations with the Senate and Governor over the FY26 budget.

This past week, State Superintendent Ryan Walters reached a settlement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission regarding the usage of what he's dubbed as his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, but that walked the line of being an official state government account. Under the settlement, Walters agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, change his @RyanWaltersSupt username on the social media network to remove reference to Superintendent, among a few other items.

Perhaps an unintended consequence of this is that the old, highly publicized and referenced @RyanWaltersSupt username became available to be claimed by anyone on the social media network. A Walters foe evidently did so in rapid fashion, tagging the account as "parody" in order to get by the Terms Of Service against impersonation on Twitter/X, and is now using the account to call for protests at the Walters' home early Sunday morning, posting what appears to be their personal address.