Blog Archives

Gov. Stitt announces $10M in funding to supply OK schools with PPE

7/30/2020

GOVERNOR STITT, SEC. BROWN, EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS ANNOUNCE PPE ASSISTANCE FOR OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 30, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the State of Oklahoma is allocating $10 million in federal CARES Act funding to supply Oklahoma schools with PPE in order to open safely for in-person learning.

Joined by Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Justin Brown and education stakeholders from across the state, Gov. Stitt stressed the importance of the health and safety of students and teachers while highlighting the need for schools to resume.

“Schools are an essential part of our society,” said Gov. Stitt. “It is critically important that they operate safely and effectively for all students. I am committed to providing our schools with the resources and support they need in order to welcome students back to the classroom while also prioritizing their health.”

Based on personnel data and requests from the State Department of Education, the State will be providing the following PPE to Oklahoma schools:
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by Muskogee Politico - July 30, 2020 at 09:32PM

Gov. Stitt announces $10M in funding to supply OK schools with PPE
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Hern votes for WRDA bill includes funds for Tulsa Arkansas River Navigation System projects

7/30/2020

Hern votes for WRDA, includes funds for Tulsa projects

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement in support of HR 7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the House by unanimous consent this afternoon.

“There’s a lot to be happy about in the WRDA that passed today,” said Rep. Hern. “Included in the bill were funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to make upgrades on the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levee System. Last year, a flood decimated parts of Tulsa. Had the aging levees failed, the devastation would have been much worse. It’s been 12 years since the levees were rated ‘unacceptable’ and at ‘very high risk’ of failure. Updates are long overdue, but it’s great to see those funds included in this bill. Also included in the WRDA are funds to clear the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) from silt deposits as a result of the 2019 floods and other updates and security measures for MKARNS. Our waterways are important in Oklahoma, and I’m glad to see much-needed funding allocated to Oklahoma projects with the WRDA.”

Background Information
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by Muskogee Politico - July 30, 2020 at 08:45PM

Hern votes for WRDA bill, includes funds for Tulsa, Arkansas River Navigation System projects
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OK Dep't of Agriculture warns about unsolicited seeds from China

7/30/2020

Unsolicited Seeds from Foreign Countries Impacting Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has received numerous reports from Oklahoman’s stating they have received unsolicited seeds from foreign countries. These seeds are sent in packages usually stating the contents are jewelry.

This act is known as agriculture smuggling. Although these items appear to be harmless, there is a potential of hidden threats in these seeds that could seriously threaten U.S. agriculture and our natural resources. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.

If you receive a package of these seeds that you did not order, please carefully follow the following instructions:
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by Muskogee Politico - July 30, 2020 at 08:02PM

OK Dep't of Agriculture warns about unsolicited seeds from China
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA decries gaming compact ruling

7/29/2020

Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in response to a judge’s declaration that a little-known, unelected state agency triggered auto-renewal of casino gaming compacts for another 15 years.

OCPA comment on compact ruling

The judge’s ruling demonstrates what a horrible deal previous Oklahoma politicians schemed about 15 years ago with casino operators in Oklahoma.

As things stand now, a working family in Oklahoma will pay a significantly higher state-local sales tax rate on the purchase of groceries than what the operators of the world’s largest casino share in fees on slot machine revenue. The extremely low rates imposed on casino gambling are indirectly responsible for the levying of far higher tax rates on Oklahoma’s working families to fund state government.

Oklahoma is at a crossroads. Within in a month two federal courts have issued rulings that allow two sets of rules for Oklahomans, depending on their race and where they live. Oklahoma cannot survive if one group of citizens has to follow a different set of rules than other Oklahomans, especially as it relates to taxation, regulation, public safety, the environment, the economy and commerce.
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by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 05:26PM

OCPA decries gaming compact ruling
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Stitt: court rulings show Oklahoma faces "a question of constitutional proportions" for future

7/29/2020

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR STITT REGARDING U.S. DISTRICT COURT RULING

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 28, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after today’s ruling in U.S. District Court regarding tribal gaming in Oklahoma:

“I am deeply disappointed by the federal court’s ruling. It confirms my fears, and the fears of many fellow Oklahomans, that the State entered into a poorly negotiated deal and now we must bear the cost of this mistake. The federal court determined that the 2004 Gaming Compact autorenewed for 15 years because of an action taken by an agency’s unelected board to reissue licenses for gaming at horse racing tracks. This decision, coupled with the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on McGirt, means Oklahomans have important questions to face regarding our future. Among other things, we will need to explore the challenges of who will pay taxes and who won’t, of how we will guarantee a competitive marketplace, and of how the State will fund core public services into the next generation. In short, we face a question of constitutional proportions about what it means to be the state of Oklahoma and how we regulate and oversee all business in our state.

“When I came into office, I inherited letters from tribes saying the compacts were set to expire on January 1, 2020. In my first six months, I traveled across the state listening to tribal leaders and to leaders from many sectors of Oklahoma’s economy about these compacts. What I heard and what I learned is that only a few tribes were receiving most of the benefit from gaming; the one-size-fits-all approach to the Model Gaming Compact was clearly broken. As your Governor, I was driven by a conviction that we could look to the future and generate new, sustainable opportunities for the next generation of Oklahomans.
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by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 02:30PM

Stitt: court rulings show Oklahoma faces "a question of constitutional proportions" for future
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

1889 Institute op-ed: Why I am not Pro-Business

7/29/2020

Why I Am Not Pro-Business

By Byron Schlomach

Most who consider themselves conservative, even many with libertarian leanings, are comfortable with describing themselves as pro-business.

Not me.

Just because I’m not pro-business doesn’t mean I’m anti-business, though. I’m pro-free enterprise.

Chambers of Commerce across the nation are pro-business, especially pro-BIG business. They are established to represent their business members, with large corporations usually the most influential amongst their numbers. Chambers of Commerce almost always favor business subsidies, special tax breaks for certain businesses that small businesses don’t get, or exempt only certain businesses from regulation. They specialize in persuading gullible politicians anxious to get their faces in the news at ribbon-cutting ceremonies to favor these policies.
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by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 11:45AM

1889 Institute op-ed: Why I am not Pro-Business
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process

7/29/2020

Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 23rd) – Senate leaders Thursday announced more details of the process the Oklahoma Senate Select Committee on Redistricting will use as the Senate prepares for redistricting next year upon receipt of data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

The moves will ensure the general public’s role in the upcoming redistricting process in the Senate, said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

“Redistricting will be one of the most important issues considered by the Legislature next year. The Senate has been working on redistricting for months and we are preparing for the culmination of that work by taking steps to ensure the general public’s role in the process. The Senate is committed to an open and transparent process as we conduct our constitutional duty to draw state legislative and congressional districts in Oklahoma using data from the 2020 Census,” Treat said.

Senator Lonnie Paxton, chair of the Redistricting Committee, said the public will have an important role in redistricting and that the Senate redistricting process will include:

Public hearings at locations across the state with the opportunity for the public to offer comments at the hearings;
The public submission of proposed maps of state legislative and congressional districts; and
Public notice given before action taken by the committee.

If needed, Paxton said the Senate redistricting committee would take steps such as providing remote participation to accommodate social distancing necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the Senate will also make its resources available to local officials if they so choose to help them draw county commission districts, city council districts, and local school board districts.

“The Senate is committed to transparency in the redistricting process and holding public hearings and accepting maps from the public will help us achieve that goal,” Paxton said.

More details about public hearings and the process for submission of proposed maps by the public will be announced later this year, Paxton said.

Treat emphasized the important role that Census data plays in redistricting.

“Census data from the federal government will be used to draw the new district lines,” Treat said. “The best thing the public can do right now for redistricting is complete the Census.”

To complete the 2020 U.S. Census, visit https://my2020census.gov/.

by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 09:22AM

Oklahoma Senate leaders announce more details of Senate redistricting process
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority rolling out 80mph speed limit in select zones

7/29/2020

TURNPIKE SPEED CHANGE UPDATE:

(Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, July 28th) Rural segments of several Oklahoma turnpikes now have the green light for a higher maximum speed limit. While this won’t impact urban areas on these routes, all drivers should still keep a close eye on their speedometers as changes are made over the next several months.

OTA approved the proposal to raise posted speeds from 75 mph to 80 mph on rural segments of five turnpikes, and to establish an 80 mph maximum speed limit on the Kickapoo Turnpike, which is scheduled to open later this year. These locations total 104 miles and include:

Turner Turnpike from mile marker (MM) 203 to MM 216, between Bristow and Sapulpa, 13 miles
Muskogee Turnpike from MM 2 to MM 33, between Muskogee and Tulsa, 31 miles
Cherokee Turnpike from MM 3 to MM 28, 25 miles
Indian Nation Turnpike from MM 93 to MM 104, between SH-9 and I-40, 11 miles
H.E. Bailey Turnpike (Norman Spur) from MM 102 to MM 107, 5 miles
Kickapoo Turnpike (scheduled to open later this year) from MM 130 to MM 149, between I-40 and the Turner Turnpike, 19 miles

Existing speed limits on rural turnpikes like the Will Rogers Turnpike, main segment of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike, Cimarron Turnpike and Chickasaw Turnpike will not be changed as part of this action, based on factors considered.

With today’s approval, work can begin to manufacture and install the new 80 mph signs for each of these corridors. This process could take several months to complete. Until the new signs are in place, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it will be enforcing the current posted speed limit. Drivers will need to pay attention in the corridors before revving up or else they’ll risk a ticket.

by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 08:20AM

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority rolling out 80mph speed limit in select zones
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gloves off in CD5: Neese tears into Bice for misrepresenting VP's support

7/29/2020

After a fairly tame primary, the 5th District GOP runoff is heating up, in multiple ways. Terry Neese is going after Stephanie Bice for claiming an endorsement from Vice President Mike Pence... who rather unhelpfully sent a campaign donation and letter to both candidates.

STEPHANIE BICE LIES TO VOTERS (AGAIN), PUSHES FAKE ENDORSEMENT FROM VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Oklahoma City, OK -- On July 23rd, Terry Neese received a letter from Vice President Mike Pence, along with a $1,500.00 campaign contribution, which thanked Terry for her support and partnership with the Trump Administration for the past three and a half years. Both the letter and campaign contribution amount was identical to what Stephanie Bice received on June 30th -- but Bice used her letter to imply an endorsement was made by Vice President Pence in the 5th District congressional race.

For the past twelve days, Stephanie Bice and top campaign surrogates have knowingly pushed this false endorsement to voters as a means to distract them from her tax-raising, dangerous record as a career politician.
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by Muskogee Politico - July 29, 2020 at 07:44AM

Gloves off in CD5: Neese tears into Bice for misrepresenting VP's support
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OKGOP Chairman calls out redistricting petition head on transparency hypocrisy

7/29/2020

GOP CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR REDISTRICTING PETITIONS HEAD TO STEP DOWN FROM FIO POST, RELEASE DONORS, EXPENSES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, July 27, 2020 – The chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party called today for Andy Moore, the executive director of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, to resign his position and immediately release the names of all donors and expenses to SQ 804 and SQ 810, the initiative petitions to change Oklahoma’s redistricting process of which Moore heads. SQ 804 was ruled invalid by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and SQ 810 was recently withdrawn.

“The irony of Mr. Moore’s conflict of interest is beyond comprehension, and must be brought to light,” said David McLain. “On one hand, he heads an organization whose mission statement is ‘promoting open and transparent government in Oklahoma.’ On the other hand, he also has led two initiative petition campaigns which have never made public who their liberal, and likely out-of-state, donors and key supporters are. This is blatant hypocrisy, and while I seriously doubt Mr. Moore will comply, I call on him to promptly release all donors and expenses to SQ 804 and SQ 810, and resign from his position with FIO. If he fails to do either, I request FIO’s Board of Directors immediately remove him.”
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by Muskogee Politico - July 28, 2020 at 11:35PM

OKGOP Chairman calls out redistricting petition head on transparency hypocrisy
Click this headline to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Muskogee Politico
Jamison Faught

MuskogeePolitico.com is operated by blogger Jamison Faught, and was started on July 31st 2008.
Faught is a lifelong Muskogee resident, and is a homeschool graduate. He and Kristen got married in September of 2012. They are the parents of a energetic daughter (2015) and son (2017).
On the political side, Faught has volunteered on numerous campaigns, served as the chairman and organizer of the Muskogee Tea Party, and has been involved in both the Muskogee County Republican Party and the Oklahoma Republican Party for almost a decade.
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee) was the doctor who delivered him, and his father (George Faught) has served four terms as the first Republican state representative in House District 14.

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