AGRICULTURE & WATER 

OKFB announces 2025 priority issues (Oklahoma Farm Bureau) — The Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) has released its priority issues for the 2025 legislative session, focusing on securing private property rights, reforming state water policy, and enhancing educational and research programs in agriculture. Key initiatives include protecting property from improper eminent domain use, commissioning a study by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on groundwater management, and boosting funding for OSU's agricultural research, including wheat and veterinary programs. These priorities were formulated based on policies created and approved by OKFB members.

New warnings go out to poultry owners (Pauls Valley Democrat) — Animal health specialists at Oklahoma State University Extension are urging poultry producers across Oklahoma to increase biosecurity after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in a commercial operation in Adair County. With the ongoing migration of birds enhancing the risk, authorities have established a control area in Adair and Delaware counties and initiated enhanced surveillance and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Symptoms in infected birds can include sudden death, coughing, and swelling among others. The public is advised to take preventative steps such as restricting access to poultry farms and using dedicated clothing and footwear when near birds. Poultry owners should report suspected cases to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

'We have no choice.' Canoo's capital woes led to furloughs, pause at OKC factory (The Oklahoman) — Canoo is experiencing severe capital issues, leading to the furlough of 82 employees and the idling of its factories in Oklahoma City and Pryor. Previously, Canoo had furloughed 23% of its workforce in November, shortly after expressing plans for expansion. The company faces the possibility of needing to return incentive money to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce due to not meeting job creation targets attached to a $113 million incentive package. Canoo continues to seek financial solutions and is in discussions with potential investors.

Canoo could be required to repay Oklahoma incentive money (The Frontier) — Electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo Inc. may have to return $1 million in job creation incentives to Oklahoma after shutting down its facilities in Oklahoma City and Pryor. The company was given these incentives in January for creating over 100 new jobs in the state, under a program meant to attract new businesses. Canoo's agreement stipulates the repayment if it cannot maintain at least 80% of these positions for 18 months. Recently, Canoo furloughed 82 workers and cited the need for substantial additional capital to continue operations. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has expressed intentions to reclaim the funds if necessary.

Governor Stitt, Commerce Returns from Successful Trip to Asia (Oklahoma Department of Commerce (.gov)) — Governor Kevin Stitt and representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce have concluded a successful diplomatic and trade mission to Asia, visiting Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. The trip emphasized discussions on aerospace, energy, and trade, leading to the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding, particularly with Taiwan. Meetings with key industry executives and governmental heads were conducted to attract investments and partnerships to Oklahoma. The mission confirmed ongoing relationships and economic contributions of Asian companies within Oklahoma, noting significant employment and export figures.

OKJobMatch to Cease Operations December 31; New Employment System Launching January 13

(OESC) - The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is announcing the OKJobMatch.com system will officially shut down on December 31, 2024 at 5pm CST. A new, more advanced job-matching platform will take its place and is anticipated to launch on January 13, 2025. OKJobMatch.com has been a valuable tool for job seekers, employers, and training providers, allowing users to access free resources for job searching, recruitment, and workforce training. Registration on OKJobMatch.com has also been a mandatory requirement for filing an unemployment claim.

EDUCATION 

Students with disabilities are spending more time in general education. Are teachers being prepared? (KGOU) — In Edmond, Oklahoma, Kellen Hedler, a 4th-grade student with Down Syndrome, demonstrates the significant impact of effective inclusive education at Frontier Elementary. Spending over 80% of his day in general education, Kellen's academic performance has vastly improved since transferring schools, showcasing the benefits of specialized support and adapted teaching methods. However, his teacher, Adam Frederick, highlights a gap in teacher preparation for inclusive education, stressing the need for more comprehensive training in university programs. The article underscores the growing trend of including students with disabilities in general classrooms and the ensuing challenges in teacher preparedness.

Signing bonus program attracts 61 teachers to rural Oklahoma schools (Oklahoma Voice) — A $1.2 million signing bonus program initiated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education has successfully attracted 61 teachers to rural schools across the state, offering up to $25,000 for certified secondary math and science teachers. The program aimed to fill positions in areas experiencing significant shortage and included checks on applicant eligibility to mitigate prior issues with erroneous payments. The initiative also faces legal challenges from a previous round, with ongoing litigation over demanded repayments from teachers wrongly awarded bonuses.

Ryan Walters announces proposed new social studies standards after promised 'overhaul' (The Oklahoman) — State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced a proposed overhaul of Oklahoma's social studies standards, aiming to incorporate stronger civics and constitutional studies, and a significant emphasis on the Bible and historical impact of Christianity in schools. These proposed standards, praised by Walters as a model for pro-America and anti-woke education aligned with former President Trump's educational policies, must undergo public comment and legislative approval before implementation. Critics, however, question the necessity of changing the current standards, which are highly rated nationally and include comprehensive treatments of Native American histories.

OSDE releases new social studies standards for Oklahoma schools (fox23.com) — The Oklahoma State Department of Education has introduced new social studies standards emphasizing a pro-American viewpoint, the significance of tribal and African American history in Oklahoma, particularly Tulsa's Greenwood District and the legacy of Black Wall Street. These standards, which heavily incorporate references to the Bible, aim to reflect the educational values promoted during President Trump's presidency, as articulated by State Superintendent Ryan Walters. The standards are open for public comment and require legislative approval before they can be officially adopted.

Ryan Walters, OSDE announce new social studies standards for Oklahoma schools (KOCO) — The Oklahoma State Department of Education, under State Superintendent Ryan Walters, has introduced new social studies standards that emphasize pro-American values and the teaching of religious history, including the Bible. These updated standards aim to provide students with a stronger understanding of the Constitution and America's founding principles. Notably, the standards include over 50 references to the Bible and Christianity, marking a significant increase from the previous two references, making Oklahoma a leader in incorporating religious education in public schools.

Oklahoma education department releases controversial K-12 social studies standards (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Department of Education has released controversial new social studies standards for K-12 students, raising eyebrows with their emphasis on religious teachings and patriotism. Starting in first grade, students will be taught stories from ancient Israel that influenced American culture and the Founders. They will also learn flag etiquette, significance of the Pledge of Allegiance, and ways to demonstrate patriotism. High school students are offered electives on totalitarianism and courses emphasizing religion's role in American government. Public reaction to the new standards is mixed, with some educators voicing concerns anonymously.

Walters reveals new pro-Bible standards for history classes (Oklahoma Voice) — Oklahoma education chief, Ryan Walters, has proposed new K-12 social studies academic standards that include mandatory instruction on biblical principles and patriotic ideals. These new standards, set for review in 2025, require approval from both the Oklahoma State Board of Education and the state Legislature. Walters aims to reintegrate the Bible into public school curricula, citing a need to counteract "radical woke influences" and promote American patriotism from a young age. The standards would introduce biblical stories in the first grade and expand into more complex religious and patriotic themes through all school levels. Public feedback is being collected on these proposed standards until January 21.

Oklahoma’s Education Head Seeks to Impose Rule Targeting Undocumented Students (Truthout) — Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has proposed rule changes that could affect undocumented students, asking for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status during school enrollment. This move could discourage enrollment due to fears of deportation. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and Supreme Court precedents ensuring education for all students, regardless of status. Additionally, Walters proposes other nationalist policies, including changes to social studies standards and requirements for teachers and flags at schools. These proposals have sparked considerable controversy.

Oklahoma education department proposal would track immigration status upon enrollment (KOSU) — A new proposal from the Oklahoma State Department of Education aims to monitor the immigration status of K-12 students by requiring proof of legal status from their parents or legal guardians upon school enrollment. The rule demands various documents as evidence of lawful presence, but faces criticism for potentially oversimplifying the complex legal situation of migrant families. The proposal, underpinned by State Superintendent Ryan Walters' concerns about the costs of educating undocumented students, seeks to quantify this impact on Oklahoma's public schools.

Oklahoma education chief proposes checking students’ immigration status (Oklahoma Voice) — A proposed rule from the Oklahoma State Department of Education would require public schools to ask for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status during student enrollment. It also mandates recording and reporting the number of undocumented students without revealing their identities. This proposal, aimed at aligning with broader federal immigration goals, has sparked concerns amongst advocates who argue it could deter immigrant families from enrolling their children in school. Public hearings are scheduled for January 17, with the rule requiring approval from both the State Board of Education and the state Legislature. Critics argue the measure could foster fear within Oklahoma's immigrant communities and potentially conflict with federal guidelines that prohibit schools from checking immigration status.

Ryan Walters' proposed rules could require schools to report number of undocumented students (The Oklahoman) — Oklahoma schools may be mandated to report the number of undocumented students if a proposed rule by the State Department of Education, led by Ryan Walters, is passed. This rule would require students to show proof of citizenship for enrollment, purportedly to assess educational needs and allocate resources appropriately. Critics argue it politicizes education. The legality, upheld by the state attorney general, does not permit individual student statuses to be recorded. Public comment is open until January 2025.

Proposed Rules Would Require Students to Prove Citizenship or Legal Immigration Status (Oklahoma Watch) — New rules proposed by the Oklahoma Department of Education would require public school students to show U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status for enrollment. Critics argue this may conflict with federal laws, which prevent schools from asking about immigration status due to potential chilling effects on enrollment of undocumented or mixed-status family students. Despite not denying enrollment, the proposed rules could deter participation and are seen by some as possibly unconstitutional. The rules intend to aid in assessing educational needs, though their necessity is contested by legal experts and educational leaders.

OKCPS superintendent says district will not collect immigration status of students, families (The Oklahoman) — Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Jamie Polk has assured parents and teachers that the district will not collect immigration status information from students or their families. This declaration comes after Oklahoma State Board of Education, led by Superintendent Ryan Walters, proposed rules requiring schools to collect proof of citizenship upon student enrollment. The rules aim to help allocate resources for educational needs but have sparked concerns about their legality and potential effects on student enrollment and community trust, particularly amongst the Hispanic population, who form a significant part of OKCPS’s demographic. Public hearings on the proposed rules are scheduled for January 17.

Key Moments From The OSDE December Meeting (News 9) — The Oklahoma State Board of Education, during a recent meeting led by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, introduced proposed updates to the state's social studies standards. These changes, aiming to reflect "American exceptionalism," include an increased emphasis on Christianity with over 50 references in the curriculum, detailed education on Oklahoma's tribal history and civil rights, and new citizenship requirements for student enrollment. There are also proposals to track the numbers of undocumented students and to require teachers to pass a U.S. naturalization test. Public input on these proposals is open until January 17, 2025.

Oklahoma releases A-F grades for public school performance (Oklahoma Voice) — Oklahoma released its A-F State Report Cards for public schools, highlighting a purported shift toward better academic standards, despite minimal actual improvement from the previous year. The report shows artificial inflation in English and math proficiency rates by lowering the benchmarks for student achievement, which played a crucial role in the grading. The state maintained a C grade for academic achievement and growth, with a significant increase in reported English and math proficiency scores. However, internal documents revealed these changes were due to altered performance expectations, not genuine academic progress. Additional minor improvements were noted in graduation rates and postsecondary opportunity exposure.

Ryan Walters' proposed rule changes concerns open records advocates (The Oklahoman) — Proposed changes to the Oklahoma State Department of Education's (OSDE) administrative rules, involving the Open Records Act, have stirred concerns among advocates for public access to records. These alterations include removing the requirement to fulfill records requests “promptly and reasonably” and directing record-seekers to use a form on the agency’s website, potentially hindering in-person requests. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed dissatisfaction with how the OSDE under Ryan Walters has handled open records requests, citing numerous complaints of unresponsiveness. Critics argue these changes could restrict public accessibility to government documents and discourage transparent governance.

Pro Tem-Elect Paxton and Sen. Thompson to Refile Legislation to limit Virtual Days in Public Education

(OK Senate) - Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle and Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today announced their plans to refile legislation to reduce the use of virtual school days in public education. Filed last session, Senate Bill 1768 limited virtual classroom instruction to only take place in the event of inclement weather, staff shortages, illness, building maintenance issues, or if deemed necessary by school administrators and approved by the State Department of Education. “This is necessary legislation to ensure students are getting the best education possible, which is in-person and in the classroom,” Sen. Thompson said. “I have seen firsthand the lack of quality instruction that occurs on a remote learning day. We have a responsibility to our children that they get the best education possible. I look forward to filing this measure again.”

ELECTIONS

Two Oklahoma legislators step down for positions in Tulsa County (Oklahoma Voice) — Two Oklahoma legislators, Reps. Amanda Swope and Mark Vancuren, are resigning from their positions to take up new roles in Tulsa County. Swope, affiliated with the Democratic Party from Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee Nation, will become the director of tribal policy and partnerships in Mayor Monroe Nichols’ administration. Vancuren, a Republican from Owasso, will serve as deputy commissioner under Tulsa County District 2 Commissioner Lonnie Sims. Their departures will prompt special elections to fill the vacated seats in the state legislature.

Rep. Mark Vancuren to join Sims at Tulsa County, trigger another special election (NonDoc Media) — Rep. Mark Vancuren, an Owasso Republican and former educator, is leaving the Oklahoma House to become chief deputy to newly-elected Tulsa County Commissioner Lonnie Sims starting 2025. This decision, heralding Vancuren's exit, triggers another special election for his House District 74 seat. Vancuren and Sims, serving in the House since 2019, have both focused on policies improving transparency and funding core services including education. Vancuren's wife, Sheila, plans to run for his soon-to-be-vacant legislative seat. Their past cooperation and shared service goals point toward continued efforts in advancing county-level governance in Tulsa.

What could Ryan Walters do next after being bypassed by Donald Trump? He has options (The Oklahoman) — Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's Republican state schools Superintendent, faces new career choices after not being selected for a position in Donald Trump's administration, despite his public support for Trump and his efforts to align closely with the former president’s policies. Walters has openly expressed his desire to join Trump in Washington, potentially as the U.S. education secretary, and has spent considerable state funds on national publicity campaigns. His controversial strategies include pushing for the mandatory teaching of the Bible in Oklahoma schools and challenging local school board authority on library content. Despite being overshadowed during Trump's recent endorsement decisions, Walters continues to engage extensively with national media, promoting what he perceives as the Trump education agenda.

ENERGY

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt Threatens to ‘Unplug’ from SPP (RTO Insider) — In a recent television interview, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt threatened to "unplug" from the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a regional transmission organization responsible for grid management in parts of the central United States, including Oklahoma. This statement has been taken seriously by the SPP, headquartered in Arkansas, emphasizing the benefits of being part of the regional grid for stability and efficiency. The implications of such a move could be significant for Oklahoma's energy landscape.

SWEPCO’s Oklahoma wind farm won’t be operational for another year (Oklahoma Energy Today) — Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) has announced that its large 598-megawatt Wagon Wheel Wind facility in northern Oklahoma won't be operational until December 2025. The wind farm, covering multiple counties including Garfield and Noble, forms part of the utility's efforts to bolster its renewable energy capacities. While expanding renewable projects, SWEPCO is also pursuing natural gas facilities in Texas, reflecting a broader strategy to meet increasing energy demands through a diversified portfolio. This development emphasizes an investment in both traditional and renewable energy sources to address long-term needs and regulatory requirements.

‘Good riddance’ says Oklahoma governor as DOE nixes 7 national transmission corridors, refines 3 (Utility Dive) — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently refined and named three potential national interest electric transmission corridor designations from an original list of ten. The remaining corridors are the Lake Erie-Canada Corridor, the Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor (which includes a segment in western Oklahoma), and the Tribal Energy Access Corridor. These corridors aim to enhance the reliability, resiliency, and accessibility of transmission infrastructure, which is crucial for mitigating electricity price spikes, reducing outages, and integrating renewable energy sources. The announcement opens a 60-day public comment period to finalize details.

Corporation Commissioner tells Governor winter storm bond audits are “fakes” (Oklahoma Energy Today) — Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony, soon to leave office due to term limits, has accused the Corporation Commission of presenting "fake" audits related to the securitization bonds issued for covering utilities' costs from the 2021 winter storm Uri. Anthony contends these one-page audits do not fulfill statutory audit requirements and suggests that additional submitted documentation was meant to mislead regarding the audits' validity. His communications targeted Gov. Kevin Stitt and other legislative leaders, urging awareness and action on these alleged discrepancies in compliance with the Oklahoma Accountancy Act.

Lawmakers Appeal OG&E rate increase; Ask OK Supreme Court to Rule on Hiett’s Failure to Disqualify and OCC’s One-Page Audits (OK House) - Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola; Kevin West, R-Moore; and Rick West, R-Heavener, issued the following statement today: "Less than two weeks ago, on December 9, the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied our petition seeking to prohibit Todd Hiett from hearing Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims/witnesses of his alleged crimes. But we were encouraged by comments in the justices’ written opinions." Two days later, in response to comments from Justice Dana Kuehn, Gann sent the Oklahoma Ethics Commission a six-page supplement to his original Sept. 10 complaint filed against Commissioner Hiett. It documents with 250 pages of exhibits more than 15 additional occasions of Hiett allegedly violating State Ethics Rule 4.7 since the original complaint was filed. Ethics Rule 4.7 prohibits state officers from participating in matters in which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. "Today, in response to comments from Justice Douglas L. Combs made on December 9, we have filed an appeal at the Oklahoma Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s recent order granting Oklahoma Gas and Electric a $127 million rate increase. Hiett cast the deciding vote in that case, even though we believe state ethics rules say he should not have participated. OG&E employs attorneys who hosted a party on June 21, 2023, where Hiett is alleged to have committed multiple criminal acts, including drunk driving, sexual harassment and indecent exposure. "In this appeal, we also are challenging the OCC’s one-page audits of the utilities' 2021 Winter Storm bonds. Although all three of us voted against the securitization legislation in April 2021, we do not believe the law allows the Corporation Commission to invent its own definition of the word 'audit,' or meant for the utilities to audit themselves. The Oklahoma Accountancy Act provides auditing standards for a reason.

HEALTH CARE 

CMS Announces Participating States in The Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (Healthcare Innovation) — Oklahoma is one of the states selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model. This program, set to commence on January 1, 2025, aims to enhance both behavioral and physical health outcomes for Medicare/Medicaid populations by integrating services and aligning payments between Medicaid and Medicare. Oklahoma plans to implement the IBH model statewide, focusing on screening and assessing patients for various health and mental health conditions.

HUMAN SERVICES

Some Oklahoma parents turn kids over to the state after struggling to get mental health care for them (The Frontier) — In Oklahoma, a significant issue is arising as parents struggling to secure mental health care for their children are increasingly abandoning them to state custody. This often results in these youth spending time in shelters like the one operated by Youth Services of Tulsa, or aging out of foster care without a permanent family. Mental health challenges among these youth include anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, often compounded by developmental disabilities. Despite a decrease in overall state custody cases, the rate of abandonment remains steady, with around 12% of cases related to this issue. The lack of family reunification for these children can lead to higher risks of homelessness, substance abuse, and criminal justice system involvement as they transition into adulthood.

Online enrollment period for the winter heating Energy Assistance program opens today (Oklahoma City Free Press) — Oklahoma Human Services has opened the online enrollment for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps eligible families with winter heating bills. Applications must be submitted online at OKDHSLive.org. LIHEAP is available during winter and summer, with additional crisis assistance programs throughout the year. Eligibility is based on household income, with maximum income thresholds set for different family sizes. Payments are designated for the primary heating source, and Native American households have the choice to apply through OKDHSLive.org or their respective tribes.

STATE BUDGET

Drummond declares lack of confidence in Stitt budget projections, calls for increased legislative involvement (AG) - Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced shortly before today’s Board of Equalization meeting that he lacks confidence in the budget numbers provided by the Stitt Administration, calling instead for increased legislative involvement in the process. “I come from the private sector, where you don’t play games with your budget,” Drummond said. “After sitting through several of these meetings, as well as briefings from the Governor’s chosen staff, I can tell you that I have no confidence in the accuracy or completeness of the Governor’s budget numbers.” Drummond cited recent examples of discrepancies and inaccuracies that eroded his confidence. In December of 2023, the Board of Equalization was told there would be $8,976,523,862 available for appropriation in FY25. By February, 10 days after the Governor laid out his budget priorities, that number had increased to $9,037,537,501. This increase bolstered the Governor’s argument for a proposed income tax cut. Now those same February numbers are projected to be off by $390 million, while the Oklahoma Tax Commission is reporting that expected revenue will drop by $528 million.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Speaker-Elect Hilbert Announces Committee Membership for the 60th Legislature

(OK House) - House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert announced appointments to committees for the 60th Legislature. Click here to see the full list.

Pro Tem-Elect Paxton Announces Full List of Senate Committee Assignments

(OK Senate) - Senate Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, announced the full list of committee assignments for the Oklahoma Senate for the upcoming 60th Legislature that begins in February. Click here to see the full list.

Stitt issues Executive Order to end state employee telework options (Oklahoma Watch) — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order requiring all state employees to return to the office by February 2025, ending the telework options introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision aligns with similar federal-level pushes for increased office attendance to enhance government efficiency and accountability. Exceptions to this policy will be allowed for certain agencies and employees with non-standard work hours. The move is part of Stitt's broader effort to ensure that government operations are fully accountable to taxpayers and effectively deliver services.

State House criminal justice chair loses seat on the committee (fox23.com) — State Representative J.J. Humphrey of Atoka County, known for his critical stance on Oklahoma state agencies such as the Department of Corrections, has been removed as chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Humphrey believes his demotion is a result of his outspoken claims against state agency misconduct, which he insists includes severe accusations like human rights violations within the ODOC. Although his leadership role has been altered, Humphrey remains determined to continue his advocacy against these issues and stresses that he still holds significant influence as an elected official, now serving as vice chair on a public safety committee.

Governor Stitt Announces Aaron Morris as New Chief Financial Officer, Thanks John Laws for his Service

(Governor) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced Aaron Morris as the new chief financial officer (CFO) for the State of Oklahoma. Morris brings more than 20 years of public service experience, including serving as chief financial officer for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) since 2018. Since 2018, Morris has served as OHCA’s CFO, where he was responsible for financial strategy and management, including budgeting, fiscal planning, general accounting, and financial reporting and analysis. He also oversaw the agency’s technology and program integrity functions, helping OHCA achieve its goals while improving efficiency and accountability.

Reconnecting Families with Lost Life Insurance Benefits

(OID) - Many families have experienced the loss of a loved one only to discover later that a life insurance policy existed tucked away in old files, forgotten about or just unknown to the beneficiaries. Life insurance provides a financial lifeline during those most difficult times, but beneficiaries can miss out on the support they need when benefits go unclaimed. The Life Insurance Policy Locator (LIPL) can help in these situations. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has helped to connect thousands of Oklahomans with millions in unclaimed life insurance policy benefits since we launched this transformative tool in 2016. I want to share more about the LIPL and how it can help you.

Top Ten stories of 2024 (Part One) (KGOU) — The top stories in Oklahoma politics and policy include the adoption of a transparent legislative budget process, a significant allocation for deferred maintenance across state agencies and educational institutions, legal challenges to Governor Stitt's cabinet appointments, and an improvement in Governor Stitt’s relationships with tribal nations, marked by successful negotiations on tax compacts. These developments reflect a year of legislative transparency, fiscal investment in infrastructure, judicial clarification of executive powers, and more cooperative state-tribal interactions.

TRIBAL RELATIONS

Muscogee Nation, Tulsa weigh potential settlement in federal lawsuit (KOSU) — In response to a federal lawsuit filed by the Muscogee Creek Nation against the city of Tulsa, discussions for a potential settlement are ongoing. The lawsuit, which centers on a traffic ticket issued to a Muscogee citizen, challenges the city's jurisdiction following the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision. This decision insists on exclusive tribal jurisdiction over its members within their territories. Tulsa's new mayor, Monroe Nichols, advocates for co-governance with the tribal nations, aiming to facilitate collaboration. A federal judge has paused the continued legal actions for 30 days to allow for further negotiations.

Osage Nation transfers over 40K acres into trust (Pawhuska Journal Capital) — The Osage Nation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior, successfully completed the transfer of over 40,000 acres of former Turner ranch property into a trust, enhancing tribal control and long-term security. This move, recognized as the second-largest land transfer to a tribe, was celebrated in a signing ceremony at the Osage Casino in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Osage Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear highlighted the historical importance and the reversal of land loss for the Osage people. The land, acquired in 2016 for $74 million from Ted Turner, is fully paid off, emphasizing the tribe's rapid financial accountability and dedication to reclamation of historically significant territories.

Choctaw Nation Becomes First Tribe To Earn AEDO Accreditation (The Journal Record) — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has earned the status of an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) from the International Economic Development Council, becoming the first Native American tribe to receive this accreditation. This places the Choctaw Nation among the top 1% of economic development organizations in the U.S., joining only three other entities in Oklahoma with this status. In their economic initiatives, the tribe has facilitated 38 site selection requests and hosted seven site visits last year, resulting in the creation of 120 new jobs and $93 million in capital investments within their communities. This accreditation affirms the tribe's effective strategies in promoting economic growth and community development.

Tom Cole reaffirms commitment to address MMIW crisis (ICT News) — Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma has reiterated his commitment to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis, highlighting the importance of collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. During his recent statements, Cole emphasized the ongoing challenges and the critical need for a coordinated approach to tackle this crisis effectively. This continuation of support reflects a growing acknowledgment of the MMIW issue within political circles and law enforcement agencies.