Oklahoma in the News
Oklahoma Watch granted tax-exempt status by IRS (Tulsa World, 12/8/13)
Oklahoma education officials say repeal of Common Core ‘unlikely’ (Tulsa World, 12/8/13)
State worker pay low, benefits high, a study finds (Tulsa World, 12/7/13)
Dems target Christie in ads ahead of fundraiser with Fallin (AP, 12/6/13)
Oklahoma releases private study on state employee compensation (The Oklahoman, 12/6/13)
NJ Gov. Christie endorses Fallin for re-election (Tulsa World, 12/6/13)
Chris Christie endorses Gov. Fallin but misses OKC fundraiser (Tulsa World, 12/6/13)
Gov. Fallin warns feds on ‘control’ of state education (Tulsa World, 12/5/13)
Records on state prison reforms are released (Tulsa World, 12/5/13)
Oklahoma proves popular spot for GOP superstars (Tulsa World, 12/5/13)
Okla. House Speaker T.W. Shannon sets a priority on judicial reform in upcoming session (Tulsa World, 12/5/13)
Increases in sales, motor vehicle tax collections drive state revenue up (Tulsa World, 12/4/13)
Fallin order supports divisive education standards (AP, 12/4/13)
Lawsuits by Okla. AG Scott Pruitt, others challenge Obamacare subsidies (NewsOK, 12/4/13)
VIDEO: Some Oklahoma City churches bless same-sex unions, urge state to legalize gay marriage (KOCO, 12/4/13)
OK. Gov. Fallin signs executive order supplementing Common Core standards in education (NewsOK, 12/4/13)
Fallin issues order barring feds from state’s academic standards (Tulsa World, 12/4/13)
Okla. governor’s executive order to improve communication between DHS and tribes (NewsOK, 12/3/13)
Mary Fallin warns of $60M spike in health care costs (Huff Post Politics, 12/3/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin’s order lets DHS, tribes collaborate better (Tulsa World, 12/3/13)
Gov. Fallin warns: Little extra to be found in FY 2015 budget (Tulsa World, 12/3/13)
Oklahoma marriage program has spent $70M in mostly welfare dollars (Tulsa World, 12/2/13)
A-F study called ‘misleading’ by Okla. Education Dept officials (Tulsa World, 12/2/13)
OK Watch: Effectiveness of Oklahoma marriage initiative is questioned by some (NewsOK, 12/1/13)
NOVEMBER 2013
Former state senator’s new firm to focus on ‘liberty issues’ (Tulsa World, 11/30/13)
Gov. Fallin’s office responds to queries about play built on biblical satire (Tulsa World, 11/27/13)
Oklahomophobic? OK’s governor denies marriage benefits to National Guard members (The Daily Beast, 11/27/13)
Claremore Democrat Sean Burrage, the OK Senate’s minority leader, won’t seek re-election (Tulsa World, 11/26/13)
Tribal agreement expected to spur investment in Oklahoma (The Oklahoman, 11/26/13)
Democrats go after Chris Christie for Oklahoma governor fundraiser (Star-Ledger, 11/25/13)
Oklahoma, tribes working on new tobacco tax deals (The Oklahoman, 11/24/13)
Governor Fallin’s top lawyer responds to secrecy claims (Public Radio Tulsa, 11/24/13)
Oklahoma drops spouse benefits for all soldiers rather than offer them to gay ones (Politix, 11/24/13)
Rep. Jim Bridenstine says Democrats ‘wanted the shutdown’ (Tulsa World, 11/23/13)
Fallin draws national criticism over military benefits (Tulsa World, 11/23/13)
Oklahoma officials say eight-day ACA extension not enough (Tulsa World, 11/23/13)
Lawmaker urges more use of private prisons to relieve pressure on Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections (Tulsa World, 11/22/13)
‘The Colbert Report’ targets Fallin over spousal benefits for guard members (Tulsa World, 11/22/13)
Barresi promises no double-testing as state prepares for Common Core (Tulsa World, 11/21/13)
Group formed to fight Okla. pension overhaul (AP, 11/20/13)
State salary review shows workers paid 20 percent below market (Tulsa World, 11/20/13)
Fallin: OK will no longer process benefits for National Guard couples (KRMG, 11/20/13)
Republican governor denies benefits to all soldiers to discriminate against gay ones (Slate, 11/20/13)
Oklahoma employees’ salary-to-benefit ratio called ‘out of whack’ (NewsOK, 11/20/13)
NJ Gov. Christie to attend Mary Fallin fundraiser (AP, 11/19/13)
Bridenstine scores 44% approval in Tulsa poll (Tulsa World, 11/19/13)
Bridenstine wants Constitutional amendment to end income tax (Tulsa World, 11/19/13)
Bridenstine moves to repeal federal income tax (Tulsa World, 11/18/13)
Collaboration is called essential to helping drug-endangered children in Oklahoma (NewsOK, 11/18/13)
District A-F grades released (Tulsa World, 11/15/13)
Workers comp law should be tossed, Oklahoma Supreme Court justices told (Tulsa World, 11/15/13)
Oklahoma’s Medicaid agency needs $150M in new funds (Tulsa World, 11/15/13)
About 7,000 Oklahomans complete ACA applications (Tulsa World, 11/14/13)
Supreme Court lets ruling against Oklahoma ultrasound law stand (Tulsa World, 11/13/13)
Improve Our Tulsa passes by wide margin (Tulsa World, 11/12/13)
Supreme Court lets stand ruling declaring another Oklahoma abortion law unconstitutional (Tulsa World, 11/12/13)
Sen. Jim Inhofe’s son, Perry Inhofe, killed in plane crash (Tulsa World, 11/11/13)
COMMENTARY: Grades take focus off school funding issue (Tulsa World, 11/9/13)
Study: 250,000 Oklahomans eligible for health insurance subsidies (Tulsa World, 11/8/13)
Barresi gets an F from state education association (Tulsa World, 11/8/13)
Performance survey deals Oklahoma education leader Janet Barresi a failing grade (NewsOK, 11/8/13)
Election Board sought change in early voting (Tulsa World, 11/8/13)
Fallin halts spouse benefit applications at state-owned National Guard facilities (Tulsa World, 11/7/13)
State budget-shortfall fears addressed at Tulsa Regional Chamber event (Tulsa World, 11/7/13)
Legislative leaders outline 2014 priorities (Tulsa World, 11/6/13)
No threat intended over opposition to A-F system, Fallin aide says (Tulsa World, 11/6/13)
US Supreme Court dismisses appeal of abortion ruling (Tulsa World, 11/5/13)
Hopefuls lining up to challenge OK Schools Superintendent Janet Barresi (CapitolBeatOK, 11/5/13)
Fallin touts ‘new minimum’ at New Mexico summit (AP, 11/4/13)
High court ends Oklahoma bid to limit drug abortions (Tulsa World, 11/4/13)
Gov. Fallin counters critics of A-F system for grading schools (Tulsa World, 11/3/13)
State superintendent race attracting campaign donors (Tulsa World, 11/2/13)
State may sue over Defense Department order to Guard on same-sex couples (Tulsa World, 11/2/13)
State eyes legal options after Hagel order to Guard units (Tulsa World, 11/1/13)
House panel told state’s judges are attacking legislative branch (Tulsa World, 11/1/13)
State superintendent challenger out-raises Barresi in third quarter (Tulsa World, 11/1/13)
OCTOBER 2013
Fallin to address summit in New Mexico (AP, 10/31/13)
Okla. Gov. Mary Fallin accused of violating Open Records Act (NewsOK, 10/31/13)
Ex-lawmaker Randy Terrill convicted of political bribery (Tulsa World, 10/30/13)
State high court answers abortion law questions for US Supreme Court (Tulsa World, 10/30/13)
Oklahoma abortion ruling sets stage for US Supreme Court to step in (Christian Science Monitor, 10/29/13)
Education Department to request $175M more in funding next year (Tulsa World, 10/29/13)
Ex-Oklahoma lawmaker denies offering bribe, job (AP, 10/29/13)
Open carry in Oklahoma: Nearly 40,000 applications approved in 2012 (Tulsa World, 10/28/13)
Political notebook: Report says Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System is financially sound (Tulsa World, 10/27/13)
Jurors at political bribery trial see negative side of Oklahoma Legislature (NewsOK, 10/27/13)
State Education Dept postpones release of A-F grades for schools (Tulsa World, 10/25/13)
Barresi: Problems with school grades fixed (Tulsa World, 10/19/13)
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin kicks off re-election campaign (Tulsa World, 10/18/13)
School storm shelter petitioners seek ballot rewrite (NewsOK, 10/18/13)
Glitches fixed in schools’ A-F reports, Barresi says (Tulsa World, 10/18/13)
After shutdown ends, affected programs in Oklahoma need time to recover (Tulsa World, 10/18/13)
A-F school grades statewide released with errors (Tulsa World, 10/18/13)
Fallin announces re-election campaign in Tulsa (Tulsa World, 10/17/13)
State pension plan reforms debated (Tulsa World, 10/17/13)
Okla. legislators will not receive a pay raise this year (Tulsa World, 10/16/13)
Poll shows wide support in Oklahoma for immigration reform package (The Oklahoman, 10/16/13)
EDITORIAL: Democrats embrace lawsuit reform? (The Oklahoman, 10/16/13)
Fallin to announce re-election plans (Tulsa World, 10/15/13)
Fallin: Nearly 400 state employees face furloughs this week (Tulsa World, 10/15/13)
Governor bans use of state money for federal programs during shutdown (Tulsa World, 10/15/13)
Governor warns of looming state layoffs (Tulsa World, 10/14/13)
State school spending now last in seven-state region (Tulsa World, 10/13/13)
6,900 low-income Oklahomans falling into Insure Oklahoma gap (Tulsa World, 10/13/13)
Ways to resist Affordable Care Act discussed by Tulsa County GOP panel (Tulsa World, 10/10/13)
Governor’s Energy Conference gives boost to sector (Tulsa World, 10/10/13)
Fallin kicks off Governor’s Energy Conference (Tulsa World, 10/9/13)
Sen. Inhofe has open-heart surgery in Tulsa (Tulsa World, 10/8/13)
Lawmakers cite housing shortage in rural Oklahoma (AP, 10/8/13)
Petition to cut smoking still planned, but on hold for now (Tulsa World, 10/7/13)
Oklahoma businesses report confusion over health-care law (Tulsa World, 10/6/13)
Medicaid expansion: Just the facts (Tulsa World, 10/6/13)
EDITORIAL: Are school storm shelters a $500M priority? (Tulsa World, 10/6/13)
Oklahoma’s Republican leaders look to end pensions for new state workers (AP, 10/6/13)
COMMENTARY: A chance to help Oklahoma families and businesses (Tulsa World, 10/6/13)
Political notebook: Workers comp (Tulsa World, 10/6/13)
COMMENTARY: Oklahoma’s failure at proactiveness stings during shutdown (CapitolBeatOK, 10/4/13)
State revenues set 12-month record (Tulsa World, 10/3/13)
Okla. Teachers Retirement System trustees fire executive director (Tulsa World, 10/3/13)
Married gay couples can’t use federal returns for state taxes, state tax panel says (Tulsa World, 10/3/13)
Govt shutdown affects thousands in Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 10/2/13)
Higher pay for judiciary urged; could lead to raise for state officials (Tulsa World, 10/2/13)
Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of special-needs vouchers (Tulsa World, 10/2/13)
Strong interests, long delays mark uneven start for Affordable Care Act enrollment (Tulsa World, 10/2/13)
Federal job furloughs could affect thousands of Oklahomans (Tulsa World, 10/1/13)
Early shutdown effects modest in Okla., as analysts debate impact (CapitolBeatOK, 10/1/13)
SEPTEMBER 2013
Gov. Fallin joins Colo. Gov. Hickenlooper, asking Congress to avert shutdown (CapitolBeatOK, 9/30/13)
Fallin not endorsing bond-issue vote (Tulsa World, 9/30/13)
Fallin, governors’ association urge Congress to avoid shutdown (Tulsa World, 9/30/13)
State will refer insurance questions to feds (Tulsa World, 9/29/13)
State employees given script to answer Affordable Care Act questions (Tulsa World, 9/29/13)
Fallin not endorsing statewide ballot on school storm shelters (Tulsa World, 9/29/13)
Oklahoma now only state without a census lead agency (Tulsa World, 9/29/13)
Public pensions: For a sustainable, predictable future (Tulsa World, 9/28/13)
State school board to have new member (Tulsa World, 9/28/13)
ScissorTales: On pensions, Oklahoma alarmists ramp up their assault (The Oklahoman, 9/28/13)
Fallin appoints new state Board of Education member (Tulsa World, 9/27/13)
Inhofe dismissed report on climate change (Tulsa World, 9/27/13)
Sooner Poll: Oklahomans don’t want a government shutdown (NewsOK, 9/26/13)
Private prison firms under scrutiny after Oklahoma escape (AP, 9/25/13)
An open letter to Gov. Mary Fallin about military benefits for gay couples (NewsOK, 9/25/13)
Gov. Fallin seeks halt to Baby Veronica’s father’s extradition to South Carolina (Tulsa World, 9/25/13)
‘Obamacare’ won’t harm Oklahoma’s business environment, feds maintain (Tulsa World, 9/25/13)
Report: Oklahoma health-care rates will be 20-30 percent below US average under ACA (Tulsa World, 9/25/13)
Fallin announces federal grant for research, rural health care (Tulsa World, 9/24/13)
Sen. Jim Inhofe says tea party group making false statement about him (NewsOK, 9/24/13)
Fallin announces $20.3M grant for medical research (Tulsa World, 9/23/13)
Thousands of Oklahomans will remain uninsured after Affordable Care Act takes effect (Tulsa World, 9/22/13)
New workers’ comp system challenged in OK courts (CapitolBeatOK, 9/20/13)
Services to help poor in Oklahoma in demand as number living in poverty remains high (Tulsa World, 9/20/13)
Oklahoma college and university chiefs call for immigration reform (The Oklahoman, 9/19/13)
School-shelter backers begin amendment effort (Tulsa World, 9/19/13)
Firefighters’ union-backed lawsuit opposes Oklahoma’s workers comp law (Tulsa World, 9/19/13)
State Chamber starts effort for school choice, seeks Walton Family Foundation grant (Tulsa World, 9/19/13)
Cherokee Nation’s $1.3B impact on Oklahoma cited by economist (Tulsa World, 9/18/13)
Change in state lottery split again suggested (Tulsa World, 9/18/13)
Oklahoma National Guard reverses stance on same-sex couple benefits (NewsOK, 9/17/13)
More new voters register as independents (Tulsa World, 9/16/13)
Analysis: Oklahomans’ insurance rates average $143 to $673 under Affordable Care Act (Tulsa World, 9/15/13)
Political notebook: Fallin’s road show (Tulsa World, 9/15/13)
Petition planned for bond issue on Oklahoma storm shelters (Tulsa World, 9/15/13)
Number of registered independent voters on rise in Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 9/15/13)
Oklahoma law would ban all drug-induced abortions, group contends (The Oklahoman, 9/14/13)
Oklahoma responds to ACLU lawsuit opposing Ten Commandments at Capitol (Tulsa World, 9/14/13)
Study: Oklahoma tops cuts to per-pupil spending since recession (Tulsa World, 9/13/13)
Report: Oklahoma leads nation in cuts in per-pupil spending (Tulsa World, 9/12/13)
Oklahoma schools consider fortifying gyms as storm shelters (The Oklahoman, 9/12/13)
Corrections Dept may have to pay more to house inmates in Oklahoma county jails (NewsOK, 9/12/13)
Ten percent drop in Oklahoma revenue collections called an anomaly (Tulsa World, 9/11/13)
Will the certificate of merit hold up to the state Constitution? (NewsOK, 9/11/13)
Oklahoma’s insurance chief John Doak claims rates will skyrocket under ACA (Tulsa World, 9/11/13)
Oklahoma Legislature passes 25 lawsuit reform bills to end week-long special session (Tulsa World, 9/10/13)
Oklahoma lawmakers conclude special session (NewsOK, 9/9/13)
Gov. Fallin describes OSU allegations as ‘disturbing’ (Tulsa World, 9/9/13)
DHS looking into growing number of kids in custody (Tulsa World, 9/9/13)
Oklahoma leaders rejoice over another year for Insure Oklahoma (CapitolBeatOK, 9/6/13)
Sooner Tea Party leader to be tried for blackmail (NewsOK, 9/6/13)
Insure Oklahoma, premium support program, gets one year extension (CapitolBeatOK, 9/6/13)
Oklahoma lawsuit reform bills pass initial hurdles (The Oklahoman, 9/6/13)
Insure Oklahoma granted a one year extension (NewsOK, 9/6/13)
State pension liabilities top $4 trillion (CapitolBeatOk, 9/5/13)
Okla. Democratic Party chairman: Brad Henry pondering race (AP, 9/5/13)
Lawsuit debate begins in OK special session (AP, 9/5/13)
Okla. Legislature: Bills aim to eliminate frivolous lawsuits, limit court awards (NewsOK, 9/5/13)
COMMENTARY: For Oklahoma, the good news is the bad news from Kansas was wrong (CapitolBeatOK, 9/5/13)
Term limits cited by some in number of laws ruled unconstitutional (Tulsa World, 9/4/13)
Bid to expand special session rebuffed (Tulsa World, 9/4/13)
Under the dome: Bills under consideration for the special session (CapitolBeatOK, 9/3/13)
Governor says lawsuit reform vital as lawmakers return to Capitol (Tulsa World, 9/3/13)
Views vary on motivation for special legislative session (Tulsa World, 9/3/13)
EDITORIAL: Now is the time to deal with lawsuit reform (Tulsa World, 9/3/13)
Something special: OK lawsuit reform restoration to require 31 bills (Oklahoma Watchdog, 9/3/13)
Justice reforms in Oklahoma, N. Carolina: A tale of two states (Tulsa Watch, 9/2/13)
State lawmakers to address lawsuit reform law in special session (Tulsa World, 9/2/13)
COMMENTARY: Sharia law is another imagined threat (Tulsa World, 9/1/13)
Oklahoma’s drug screening of welfare applicants proves costly (The Oklahoman, 9/1/13)
Groups gear up to help Oklahomans enroll in health insurance plans (Tulsa World, 9/1/13)
AUGUST 2013
Ivan Holmes, former OK Dem Party chair, announces campaign for state superintendent (Tulsa World, 8/30/13)
Campaign, lobbying rules still on track for revamp, state Ethics Commission director says (Tulsa World, 8/30/13)
Petition would call for statewide vote on school storm shelter funding (Tulsa World, 8/29/13)
Gov. Fallin says she’s satisfied with White House statement on Duncan slaying (NewsOK, 8/26/13)
Fallin gets health-sector funding lift (Tulsa World, 8/26/13)
A look at donations to Fallin’s campaign by beneficiaries of tort reform (Tulsa World, 8/25/13)
Fallin points to frivolous cases as need for special session (Tulsa World, 8/25/13)
Plaintiff in ‘frivolous lawsuit’ disputes being characterized that way by Fallin (Tulsa World, 8/25/13)
COMMENTARY: Unsuitable forecasts for higher education (Tulsa World, 8/25/13)
Fallin: Oklahoma negotiating for Medicaid waiver (Tulsa World, 8/24/13)
Sen. Tom Coburn’s comments on impeachment draw fire (NewsOK, 8/24/13)
State prosecuted doctor Fallin cites among ‘frivolous lawsuits’ (Tulsa World, 8/24/13)
Barresi to state school boards association: Teachers should get $2,000 raise (Tulsa World, 8/24/13)
Coburn joins call for constitutional convention (Tulsa World, 8/22/13)
Coburn calls on Oklahomans to push for national constitutional convention (Tulsa World, 8/21/13)
Oklahoma’s emergency contraceptive law is put on hold by judge (Tulsa World, 8/20/13)
ACLU sues to remove Ten Commandments monument from Capitol grounds (Tulsa World, 8/20/13)
Okla. unemployment rate at 5.3%, highest so far in 2013 (Tulsa World, 8/20/13)
Okla. Speaker Shannon says lawsuit reform fix may take 26-28 bills, 6-8 days (Oklahoma Watchdog, 8/20/13)
VIDEO: Judge blocks Oklahoma ‘morning after’ pill law (NewsOK, 8/19/13)
State Superintendent Janet Barresi’s controversial style both loved and hated (Tulsa World, 8/18/13)
Opinions sharply divided over Superintendent Barresi (Tulsa World, 8/17/13)
State funding for Oklahoma Youth Expo upheld as judge tosses lawsuit (Tulsa World, 8/17/13)
Oklahoma governor names Teague as Energy Secretary (AP, 8/16/13)
Pruitt bypasses controversy on defunding ‘Obamacare’ (Tulsa World, 8/16/13)
Oklahoma’s ban on sharia law thrown out by federal judge (Tulsa World, 8/16/13)
COMMENTARY: Smart-ALEC? OK Gov. Mary Fallin is no Thomas Jefferson (CapitolBeatOK, 8/13/13)
Oklahoma lawmaker wants to use ‘rainy day’ fund for Medical Examiner’s Office emergency (Tulsa World, 8/8/13)
New study: Cost of prison reforms hits states’ ability to fund welfare programs (Tulsa World, 8/7/13)
EDITORIAL: Governor has chance to lead by example (Tulsa World, 8/7/13)
Could ‘Obamacare’ be accepted in Oklahoma by another name? (Tulsa World, 8/7/13)
OK Watch: State employees enjoy ‘way rich’ health insurance (Tulsa World, 8/6/13)
EDITORIAL: Profitable energy companies are good for Oklahoma (The Oklahoman, 8/3/13)
GOP House member starts website critical of Speaker Shannon (Tulsa World, 8/2/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin’s re-election campaign has raised $1.1M (Tulsa World, 8/2/13)
Fallin makes entrance as NGA chairwoman on Harley (Tulsa World, 8/2/13)
EDITORIAL: Concerns about Gov. Mary Fallin’s ‘power grab’ are overstated (NewsOK, 8/2/13)
Barresi reports $182,000 campaign coffer; undeclared GOP rival raises $146,000 (Tulsa World, 8/2/13)
Fallin war chest nears $1 million (Tulsa World, 8/1/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin approaches $1M in 2014 campaign war chest (AP, 8/1/13)
EDITORIAL: Common core big picture becoming fuzzier as implementation nears (The Oklahoman, 8/1/13)
‘Obamacare’ can’t be enforced by IRS, Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt says (Tulsa World, 8/1/13)
JULY 2013
Fallin says Insure Oklahoma won’t be in special session (Tulsa World, 7/31/13)
Candidates for statewide office hard to find in Oklahoma (Enid News & Eagle, 7/31/13)
Oklahoma Democrats continue to seek challenger to Republican Gov. Mary Fallin (The Oklahoman, 7/31/13)
EDITORIAL: No easy answer for state’s prison problems (Tulsa World, 7/31/13)
Spirit AeroSystems got $2.55M in Okla. tax incentives just before layoffs announced (Tulsa World, 7/31/13)
Filing in Okla. marriage equality suit claims same-sex ban arguments ‘now meritless’ (Tulsa World, 7/30/13)
Oklahoma special session likely, despite opposition (CapitolBeatOK, 7/30/13)
Big-name Oklahoma Dems missing from 2014 elections (AP, 7/30/13)
Prison staffing called a ‘crisis’ in Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 7/29/13)
Oklahoma governor flexes muscle to gain influence (The Oklahoman, 7/28/13)
Janet Barresi defends settlement with testing vendor, but educators find flaws (Tulsa World, 7/27/13)
Group of Tulsans urge Fallin to accept Medicaid expansion funds (NewsOn6, 7/27/13)
Okla. education dept settles with testing vendor in deal valued at more than $1.2M (Tulsa World, 7/26/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin readies to take over National Governors Association (NewsOK, 7/26/13)
State officials bringing future passenger rail plans to public (Tulsa World, 7/26/13)
Oklahoma senator fears that special session would focus on judiciary curbs (Tulsa World, 7/26/13)
Fallin spokesman says no judicial selection talks (AP, 7/25/13)
Appeals Court rejects appeal from Oklahoma death row (AP, 7/25/13)
Oklahoma House Dem leader: Tort reform special session ‘waste of time’ (Insurance Journal, 7/24/13)
Oklahoma governor leaning toward single topic in special session (NewsOK, 7/24/13)
EDITORIAL: Attention – State tort reform fix is urgent (Tulsa World, 7/24/13)
Former lawmaker Glenn Coffee: Oklahoma citizens, businesses, can’t afford no special session on lawsuit reform (NewsOK, 7/24/13)
Do state spending trends elevate Mary Fallin’s national status? (Tulsa World, 7/24/13)
Supreme Court rulings on Oklahoma cases to have impact scholars say (Tulsa World, 7/23/13)
Oklahoma Democratic leaders say a special session would be a waste of money (Tulsa World, 7/23/13)
Affordable Care Act fans plans ‘Motorcade for Medicaid’ (Tulsa World, 7/22/13)
Oklahoma’s economic dynamism — in the eyes of the beholders? (CapitolBeatOK, 7/22/13)
OK Watch: Many Oklahomans still not likely to get health care (Tulsa World, 7/22/13)
Okla. legislator Rep. Arthure Hulbert suggests rural areas will hurt regardless of health plans (Tulsa World, 7/18/13)
Push for special session of Oklahoma Legislature picks up steam (Tulsa World, 7/18/13)
Internet sales tax backed by new study (Tulsa World, 7/18/13)
Legislator predicts hospital closings (Tulsa World, 7/17/13)
E-cigarette regulation and taxes once again on the front burner at the Capitol (Tulsa World, 7/16/13)
Oklahoma AG leads multi-state lawsuit against EPA (AP, 7/16/13)
Analysis: AG Pruitt presses newly invigorated arguments against ‘Obamacare’ (CapitolBeatOK, 7/15/13)
Alternate health insurance plan for poor could cost more than Medicaid expansion (Tulsa World, 7/14/13)
Fallin says the state is trying to get a one-year extension of the Insure Oklahoma program (Tulsa World, 7/13/13)
Okla. House speaker approves requests for 68 interim studies (Tulsa World, 7/13/13)
Fallin says she’s considering special session for Oklahoma legislators (Tulsa World, 7/13/13)
Lawmakers explore issues with interim studies (AP, 7/13/13)
‘Obamacare’ delay proves law is harmful, Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt tells federal judge (Tulsa World, 7/12/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin seeks audit of Oklahoma DOC after change in leadership (Tulsa World, 7/12/13)
Fallin says special session possible (Tulsa World, 7/12/13)
GOP lawmaker criticizes Fallin over GRDA panel formation (Tulsa World, 7/11/13)
Corrections Dept. welcomes governor-requested audit (Tulsa World, 7/11/13)
GRDA yields to Fallin on plant upgrades during confrontational board meeting (StateImpact/Oklahoma, 7/11/13)
Drilling tax breaks questioned amid tight state revenue collections (Tulsa World, 7/11/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin requests audit of Oklahoma Corrections Dept (NewsOK, 7/10/13)
Phyllis Hudecki resigns as Oklahoma secretary of education (Tulsa World, 7/10/13)
Tension grows as governor’s office tries to stop GRDA vote on plant upgrades (StateImpact/Oklahoma, 7/9/13)
Governor and GRDA split (KWGS, 7/9/13)
State education secretary stepping down (Tulsa World, 7/9/13)
Federal filing says recent events have hurt Oklahoma’s case against ACA (Tulsa World, 7/9/13)
Fallin plans task force study of GRDA (Tulsa World, 7/9/13)
Attorney maintains that Oklahoma income tax cut bill is unconstitutional (AP, 7/9/13)
OK public school leaders upset at State Superintendent Barresi over testing-failure blame (Tulsa World, 7/9/13)
More school officials find fault with Barresi’s fault-finding (Tulsa World, 7/8/13)
Governor orders task force to study GRDA (Tulsa World, 7/8/13)
Okla. Gov. Mary Fallin gets ready for re-election bid (NewsOK, 7/8/13)
Oklahoma Tax Commission asks state high court to overturn ruling that could cost state $450M (Tulsa World, 7/6/13)
Oklahoma pushes to boost taxes on tribal tobacco sales (NewsOK, 7/5/13)
Critics of ‘ObamaCare’ skeptical of Leavitt Partners’ Medicaid recommendations (CapitolBeatOK, 7/3/13)
Some Oklahoma educators furious over Janet Barresi’s reasoning on testing (Tulsa World, 7/3/13)
Sierra Club criticizes Gov. Fallin’s plan to combine energy and environment posts (StateImpact/Oklahoma, 7/3/13)
Fallin plan to combine energy, environment cabinet posts draws fire (The Oklahoman, 7/3/13)
Fallin looking for legal health care plan (Edmond Sun, 7/3/13)
Has identifying as a conservative in Oklahoma plateaued? (CapitolBeatOK, 7/2/13)
Public school leaders left wondering about future tests, mad about Barresi claims (Tulsa World, 7/2/13)
Hobby Lobby ruling may help state’s suit against health-care law (Tulsa World, 7/2/13)
Oklahoma to drop testing consortium, develop own tests, Barresi says (Tulsa World, 7/2/13)
A healthy citizenry is also a target of Oklahoma health reform (Tulsa World, 7/1/13)
COMMENTARY: Fallin: Aerospace industry will continue to lift Oklahoma economy (Edmond Sun, 7/1/13)
Lucas tells constituents he’s ‘under fire’ from ‘special interest groups’ (Tulsa World, 7/1/13)
JUNE 2013
Abortion measures multiply under GOP-controlled Oklahoma Legislature (Tulsa World, 6/30/13)
COMMENTARY: Political Report: State’s gay marriage ban has contentious history (Tulsa World, 6/30/13)
Abortion will continue to be on forefront of Legislature’s agenda (Tulsa World, 6/29/13)
Leavitt report on Medicaid options gets support of business leaders (Tulsa World, 6/29/13)
Poll shows support for extending Insure Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 6/28/13)
Gov. Fallin highlights job growth in state (Edmond Sun, 6/28/13)
Okla. environment secretary stepping down (Tulsa World, 6/28/13)
Supreme Court weighs Oklahoma abortion law case (Tulsa World, 6/28/13)
Pending end of Insure Oklahoma worries working poor (Tulsa World, 6/27/13)
State advised to use ‘enhanced federal funding’ to ease uninsured numbers (Tulsa World, 6/27/13)
Oklahoma AG says he welcomes Supreme Court review of anti-abortion law (AP, 6/27/13)
Supreme Court sends abortion drug case back to Oklahoma (AP, 6/27/13)
Oklahomans react to court’s gay marriage rulings, but little immediate impact foreseen (Tulsa World, 6/27/13)
VIDEO: Fallin: Marriage still only between a man and a woman in Oklahoma (KTUL, 6/26/13)
OPINION: Former Dem lawmaker: Gov. Fallin should not have rejected Medicaid expansion (NewsOK, 6/26/13)
VIDEO: Gov. Mary Fallin, AG Scott Pruitt respond to US Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage (NewsOK, 6/26/13)
Gov. Fallin steadfastly opposed to gay marriage; Tulsa’s Equality Center celebrates rulings (Tulsa World, 6/26/13)
AG petitions federal officials to reinstate Insure Oklahoma funds (Tulsa World, 6/26/13)
EDITORIAL: Oklahoman governors weigh mercy, justice in death penalty decisions (The Oklahoman, 6/25/13)
‘Flexible federalism’ themes likely for OK Gov. Fallin in National Press Club speech (CapitolBeatOK, 6/25/13)
Oklahoma’s federal health care concerns remain unresolved (Tulsa World, 6/24/13)
Gov. Fallin says Oklahoma execution will go on Tuesday (AP, 6/24/13)
Oklahoma lawmakers requests studies on variety of issues (Tulsa World, 6/23/13)
Corrections board, Fallin staff discuss search for new director (Tulsa World, 6/22/13)
State says it has right to challenge Obamacare in federal court (Tulsa World, 6/21/13)
Okla. Superintendent Janet Barresi blasts teacher evaluation delay (Tulsa World, 6/20/13)
State’s challenge to federal health care law to go before judge (Tulsa World, 6/20/13)
Corrections professionals connect DOC’ exec’s resignation to private prison lobbying (Tulsa World, 6/19/13)
Man who threatened sheriff, Gov. Fallin’s child has lost ‘everything’ (The Oklahoman, 6/19/13)
For Oklahoma, more time and fresh opportunity for prison reform (CapitolBeatOK, 6/18/13)
Unused state property up for bid (Tulsa World, 6/16/13)
Recent legislation in Oklahoma could fall victim to logrolling (Tulsa World, 6/16/13)
COMMENTARY: Role reversal: Rise of the Republicans, retreat of the Democrats (CapitolBeatOK, 6/15/13)
Fallin asks Obama administration to reconsider Insure Oklahoma decision (Tulsa World, 6/13/13)
JC Watts talks about GOP efforts to woo minorities and forgiving his Oklahoma ‘nemesis’ (Tulsa World, 6/13/13)
Gov. Fallin and tribal leaders meet to discuss rules for tribal smoke shops (Tulsa World, 6/12/13)
Rise of the OK Republicans: Getting started (CapitolBeatOK, 6/12/13)
Fallin to tour Moore for update on cleanup effort (AP, 6/12/13)
Fallin to lead Oklahoma delegation to Paris Air Show (Tulsa World, 6/11/13)
Study to delve into state employee pay levels, raises (Tulsa World, 6/10/13)
Oklahoma governor has plan for pension system changes (The Oklahoman, 6/10/13)
Capitol Report: Governor, Speaker at odds — or is it war? (Tulsa World, 6/9/13)
A look back at Oklahoma’s legislative session (Tulsa World, 6/9/13)
Oklahoma House to start its remodeling projects soon (Tulsa World, 6/8/13)
Judicial term limits to be studied by Oklahoma House (Tulsa World, 6/8/13)
End of Insure Oklahoma means end of health insurance for many (Tulsa World, 6/8/13)
OKC attorney challenges tax-cut bill (Tulsa World, 6/7/13)
Gov. Fallin vetoes Tax Commission bill (Tulsa World, 6/7/13)
Huckabee urges state leaders to keep Common Core standards (Tulsa World, 6/7/13)
Study says Affordable Care Act will leave many uninsured (Tulsa World, 6/7/13)
Oklahoma governor acts on last bill of session (The Oklahoman, 6/6/13)
Report: Thousands of uninsured Oklahomans will be left out of ‘Obamacare’ programs (Tulsa World, 6/6/13)
Treasurer: Oklahoma revenue collections keep growing (AP, 6/5/13)
OK AG Scott Pruitt criticizes Okla. Supreme Court rulings on abortion (The Oklahoman, 6/5/13)
State Supreme Court invalidates ’09 lawsuit reform law, calls it logrolling (Tulsa World, 6/5/13)
Fallin files court papers detailing basis for withholding emails (Tulsa World, 6/4/13)
Oklahoma lawsuit reform measure tossed out (NewOK, 6/4/13)
Pensions to be primary topic next session (The Oklahoman, 6/3/13)
State leaders laud their performance at end of 2013 legislative session — and give themselves an “A” (CapitolBeatOK, 6/3/13)
MAY 2013
State Rep. Doug Cox: The GOP and abortion legislation (NewsOK, 5/29/13)
At a glance: Oklahoma Legislature session (NewsOK, 5/26/13)
Despite tiffs, Oklahoma’s Republican legislative leaders, governor proud of successes (The Oklahoman, 5/26/13)
Oklahoma governor appreciates Obama’s visit (Politico, 5/26/13)
Fallin: Need to cut through red tape (Politico, 5/26/13)
‘Obamacare’ to begin on time in Oklahoma, officials say (Tulsa World, 5/26/13)
Fallin signs bill to aid tornado recovery (Tulsa World, 5/25/13)
Republican lawmakers’ feud erupts on House floor (Tulsa World, 5/24/13)
House passes measure to ‘quarantine’ Insure Oklahoma, after Senate adjourns (Tulsa World, 5/24/13)
State Senate finishes its work for the year (Tulsa World, 5/24/13)
Oklahoma reopens emergency operations command center (AP, 5/23/13)
State House passes emergency aid bill for tornado response (Tulsa World, 5/23/13)
St. John’s plans layoffs, cites Gov. Mary Fallin’s rejection of Medicaid expansion (Tulsa World, 5/23/13)
Lawmakers benefit from private prison donations (Tulsa World, 5/19/13)
Fallin wants Insure Oklahoma reworked ahead of Affordable Care Act (Tulsa World, 5/18/13)
Oklahoma candidates who don’t follow rules find politics costly (NewsOK, 5/18/13)
Oklahoma leads pack in campaign reporting (NewsOK, 5/18/13)
Okla. governor urges state lawmakers to address health insurance issue (NewsOK, 5/18/13)
Rx drug bills sent to Oklahoma governor (NewsOK, 5/17/13)
Fallin asks lawmakers to save Insure Oklahoma before session ends (Tulsa World, 5/17/13)
Governor proposes plan to save Insure Oklahoma program (AP, 5/17/13)
State legislators ponder veto overrides (CapitolBeatOK, 5/16/13)
Fallin’s energy conference coming to Tulsa (Tulsa World, 5/16/13)
Fallin signs abortion reporting bill, 19 others (AP, 5/16/13)
Okla. school districts could opt out of state mandates under bill sent to governor (Tulsa World, 5/15/13)
COMMENTARY: Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good on pension reform (CapitolBeatOK, 5/15/13)
Senate clears omnibus budget, Gov. Fallin will sign soon (CapitolBeatOK, 5/15/13)
Gov. Fallin vetoes pension reform bill, HB 2077 (CapitolBeatOK, 5/14/13)
Gov. Fallin signs income tax cut to take effect in 2015 (CapitolBeatOK, 5/14/13)
Okla. governor signs tax-cut, driver’s license fee-hike bills (Tulsa World, 5/14/13)
Fallin signs tax cut measure (NewsOK, 5/14/13)
VIDEO: Mary Fallin signs Oklahoma state income tax cut into law (Huffington Post, 5/13/13)
OK governor approves fee increase for driver’s license (NewsOK, 5/13/13)
Governor signs tax cut for 2015 (Tulsa World, 5/13/13)
RNC’s Priebus says Oklahoma is model for ‘transformational’ Republican Party (CapitolBeatOK, 5/13/13)
Fallin signs pro-marriage public service ad bill (Tulsa World, 5/11/13)
OK Gov. Fallin sticks with decision to hold back on employee raises (NewsOK, 5/11/13)
State House sends $7.2B budget to Senate, ‘early’ adjournment discussed (CapitolBeatOK, 5/10/13)
Oklahoma House approves $7.1B state budget plan (Tulsa World, 5/10/13)
State officials deliberate on ways to preserve Insure Oklahoma (CapitolBeatOK, 5/10/13)
Oklahoma’s dynamic Medicaid discussion includes Florida pilot program (CapitolBeatOK, 5/10/13)
Governor signs marriage ad bill (Tulsa World, 5/10/13)
Oklahoma’s alternative to ‘Obamacare’ unlikely before January 2015, consultant says (Tulsa World, 5/10/13)
Alternate Medicaid funding bill sidelined for the rest of session (Tulsa World, 5/10/13)
Bill to take Medicaid money won’t be heard this year (Tulsa World, 5/9/13)
House passes bill to collect more abortion information (Tulsa World, 5/9/13)
Insure Oklahoma t lose federal funding unless it conforms to ‘Obamacare’ (Tulsa World, 5/9/13)
Obama administration denies extension of Insure Oklahoma program for working poor (CapitolBeatOK, 5/8/13)
Insure Oklahoma program in danger if changes aren’t made, officials say (Tulsa World, 5/8/13)
House Democrats want to end testing contract, sue CTB/McGraw-Hill (Tulsa World, 5/8/13)
Oklahoma House, Senate panels OK $7.1B budget bill (AP, 5/8/13)
Oklahoma House OKs bill adding abortion notification rules (Tulsa World, 5/7/13)
Gov. Fallin and legislators ponder next steps on state Medicaid program (CapitolBeatOK, 5/7/13)
Oklahoma House approves new state retirement option (AP, 5/7/13)
House Democrats designate 205-16 leadership (CapitolBeatOK, 5/7/13)
Income tax cut will boost economy, Okla. governor says (NewsOK, 5/5/13)
Oklahoma pension plan changes are tabled (NewsOK, 5/4/13)
Fallin, lawmakers announce $7B budget deal (Tulsa World, 5/3/13)
Okla. Legislature: Plan to combine pension boards on hold (AP, 5/3/13)
Oklahoma budget deal: No across-the-board increases or bonuses for state workers (NewsOK, 5/3/13)
Income tax collections drive state revenue to record (Tulsa World, 5/3/13)
Driven by education and health care, OK govt spending to jump at least $250M (CapitolBeatOK, 5/2/13)
Governor, leaders announce budget deal (Tulsa World, 5/2/13)
State lawmakers question validity of new testing program in public schools (Tulsa World, 5/2/13)
Oklahoma corrections officials misreported fund balances to governor (NewsOK, 5/2/13)
House Speaker’s infrastructure plan goes to Gov. Mary Fallin for enactment (CapitolBeatOK, 5/1/13)
Sooner Tea Party co-founder wins in court (NewsOK, 5/1/13)
Two state lawmakers work on new health-care plan (Tulsa World, 5/1/13)
Oklahoma House Democrats decry education funding (AP, 5/1/13)
APRIL 2013
Legislators propose plan to accept federal funds for insuring Oklahoma’s poor (Tulsa World, 4/30/13)
Senate sends workers comp bill on to Fallin (Tulsa World, 4/30/13)
Poll: 51% of Oklahomans support Medicaid expansion (Tulsa World, 4/30/13)
Oklahoma protest aims to block Keystone XL construction (NewsOK, 4/29/13)
Log-rolling rule may send Oklahoma tax cut to court (Tulsa World, 4/28/13)
Oklahoma reps say they’re left out of budget process (AP, 4/28/13)
Capitol Notebook: Pension reform (Tulsa World, 4/28/13)
COMMENTARY: Fallin hits three homes in one week (Tulsa World, 4/28/13)
Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon making name for himself (Tulsa World, 4/28/13)
ALEC to meet in Oklahoma City (NewsOK, 4/27/13)
Bill by Oklahoma lawmakers would restrict federal ammunition purchases (NewsOK, 4/27/13)
Oklahoma tribal leaders standing ground against Gov. Mary Fallin over tobacco compacts (Tulsa World, 4/27/13)
Gov. Fallin signs end-of-life measure (Tulsa World, 4/27/13)
School gun bill brought back to life by Oklahoma House (Tulsa World, 4/26/13)
Study of OSU Medical Center touts effects on health care and economy (Tulsa World, 4/26/13)
Gov. Fallin denies parole in crossbow killing case (Tulsa World, 4/25/13)
Amendment to arm school employees added to Senate bill (Tulsa World, 4/25/13)
Sooner Tea Party co-founder accused of violating grand jury secrecy order (NewsOK, 4/25/13)
State Board of Ed member resigns, considers run for state superintendent (Tulsa World, 4/24/13)
Fallin, Okla. lawmakers agree to 2015 income tax cut (Tulsa World, 4/24/13)
Okla. Senate OKs changes to school-grading program (Tulsa World, 4/24/13)
Governor, Speaker, Pro Tem announce accord on taxes, workers’ comp and infrastructure(CapitolBeatOK, 4/23/13)
Governor, legislative leaders announce tax cut, other plans (Tulsa World, 4/23/13)
Enid senator, Fallin at odds over resource center closing process (Tulsa World, 4/23/13)
Why did Okla. Dept of Corrections ask for money when it has a surplus? (NewsOK, 4/23/13)
Rally criticizes Okla. lawmakers on reproductive rights issues (Tulsa World, 4/23/13)
Oklahoma-Texas water dispute at high court (AP, 4/23/13)
Oklahoma parties disagree on characterization of SHOPP bill (Tulsa World, 4/22/13)
Oklahoma Republicans elect new leaders (NewsOK, 4/21/13)
Legislative leaders, Gov. Fallin say income tax cut, workers’ comp reform likely (CapitolBeatOK, 4/19/13)
Pay-raise bill for five state agencies approved by Oklahoma Senate (Tulsa World, 4/19/13)
Workers comp reform, tax-cut agreements hinted at (Tulsa World, 4/18/13)
At a glance: New Oklahoma school safety laws (NewsOK, 4/17/13)
OPINION: We hope several new measures will help create safe learning environments (Enid News & Eagle, 4/17/13)
VIDEO: Okla. Gov. Fallin signs four school security bills (NewsOK, 4/17/13)
Senate passes 3 abortion bills, measure to define marriage as between man, woman (Tulsa World,4/17/13)
Study outlines federal subsidies for Oklahomans under health care act (Tulsa World, 4/17/13)
VIDEO: Oklahoma Farm Bureau president concerned about budget cuts, inaction on farm policy(NewsOK, 4/16/13)
Okla. Gov. Mary Fallin urged to reconsider Medicaid decision (NewsOK, 4/16/13)
As state’s higher education officials tout economic impact, some doubts raised (CapitolBeatOK, 4/16/13)
Fallin signs school security laws (CapitolBeatOK, 4/16/13)
Okla. House Democrats renew call to expand Medicaid (Tulsa World, 4/16/13)
Gov. Fallin pushes income tax cut at Tulsa chamber event (Tulsa World, 4/16/13)
Fallin meets with Oklahoma GOP leaders over tax cut (AP, 4/15/13)
Secretive group spends thousands on Oklahoma political ads (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
Timeline of Okla. AG Scott Pruitt’s fight against Affordable Care Act (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
Feds, state at odds over health plan enrollment (Tulsa World, 4/15/13)
Oklahoma legislative leaders optimistic about tax cut, workers’ comp laws (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
VIDEO: Is Oklahoma going to run out of water? (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
AG Pruitt letter prickles Oklahoma governor’s office (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
Tea party pressure shows up in Oklahoma governor’s office emails about Obamacare (NewsOK, 4/15/13)
Secretive group, Oklahoma Works, opposes workers comp changes (Tulsa World, 4/14/13)
Workers comp rewrite still has a ways to go, lawmaker says (Tulsa World, 4/14/13)
Higher ed may face $24M shortfall unless Legislature picks up the tab on debt restructuring (Tulsa World, 4/14/13)
Group encourages Gov. Fallin to sign legislation banning foreign law precedents (CapitolBeatOK, 4/12/13)
School safety bills headed to governor (Tulsa World, 4/11/13)
Gov. Fallin vetoes storefront loan bill (Tulsa World, 4/10/13)
Education funding in Oklahoma lags, panel says (Tulsa World, 4/10/13)
Reforms proposed for school-performance grading system (Tulsa World, 4/10/13)
Sooner Tea Party co-founder faces blackmail charge (NewsOK, 4/9/13)
ACLU files suit over governor’s executive privilege claim (Tulsa World, 4/9/13)
Oklahoma GOP struggling to agree on tax-cut plan (NewsOK, 4/8/13)
GOP factions pressured Fallin and staff on ACA, Medicaid expansion, emails show (Tulsa World,4/7/13)
Records reveal debate leading to rejection of health insurance exchange by Gov. Mary Fallin (Tulsa World, 4/6/13)
State Senate panel passes income tax cut … with some differences (CapitolBeatOK, 4/4/13)
Senate committee OK’s income tax reduction (Tulsa World, 4/4/13)
GOP says income-tax-cut bill could be coming together (Tulsa World, 4/4/13)
Federal audit says state owes Medicaid up to $6 million (Tulsa World, 4/3/13)
Okla. state senator says Sooner Tea Party co-founder has no shame (NewsOK, 4/3/13)
Governor’s tax cut on hold in Senate committee (Tulsa World, 4/2/13)
Senate committee approves abortion measure (Tulsa World, 4/2/13)
House panel shoots down Tulsa senator’s tax-cut bill (Tulsa World, 4/2/13)
Oklahoma leaders maintain opposition to Medicaid expansion, as homegrown reform founders(CapitolBeatOK, 4/2/13)
Bill to allow Okla. educators to carry weapons in school fails to get hearing in Senate committee(Tulsa World, 4/2/13)
Bill to arm Okla. teachers won’t make it to Senate floor (Tulsa World, 4/1/13)
MARCH 2013
Bills to make government more transparent stall in OK Legislature (Tulsa World, 3/31/13)
Oklahoma OKs horse slaughter law (UPI, 3/31/13)
COMMENTARY: Horse law could nip Fallin’s re-election bid (Tulsa World, 3/31/13)
Governor releases thousands of records related to Affordable Care Act decisions (Tulsa World,3/29/13)
Fallin’s office: Emails on Medicaid rejection to be released (Tulsa World, 3/29/13)
Okla. House OKs pension cost-of-living bill for retired teachers, state workers (Tulsa World, 3/29/13)
Fallin signs horse slaughter bill (Tulsa World, 3/29/13)
Fallin prepares to release health care emails (NewsOK, 3/28/13)
ACLU Oklahoma demands governor release records (AP, 3/28/13)
Gov. Fallin to explain decision of turning down ObamaCare grants (NewsOn6, 3/28/13)
Anti-abortion group takes sanctity-of-life issues to Oklahoma Capitol (NewsOK, 3/26/13)
Okla. rep. pulls in-state tuition bill from panel (AP, 3/25/13)
Fallin supports making horse slaughter legal (Tulsa World, 3/25/13)
Fewer inmates being paroled since Fallin took office, records show (NewsOK, 3/25/13)
OK Senate panel OKs food stamp work mandates (AP, 3/25/13)
Oklahoma a model for ‘Obamacare’ opponents for challenging health-care overhaul (Tulsa World,3/23/13)
Oklahoma’s efforts have helped avoid Medicaid fraud, report says (Tulsa World, 3/23/13)
Health-care overhaul: Oklahoma insurance officials balk at increased federal oversight (Tulsa World, 3/22/13)
Oklahoma on notice: Feds to enforce ‘Obamacare’ insurance rules in state (Tulsa World, 3/21/13)
COMMENTARY: Action items for Oklahoma: Criminal Justice (CapitolBeatOK, 3/21/13)
Conservatives cheer as State Chamber of Oklahoma supports ‘Shannon-Fallin tax cut’(CapitolBeatOK, 3/21/13)
Undocumented college students express concern about tuition bill in the Okla. House of Representatives (NewsOK, 3/20/13)
Oklahomans still highly interested in guns, FBI records show (NewsOK, 3/20/13)
Hundreds of firefighters rally at Oklahoma Capitol to protest legislation (Tulsa World, 3/19/13)
Gov. Fallin wants to consolidate pension administration — firefighters oppose that and more(CapitolBeatOK, 3/19/13)
Pension reforms advance, including the firefighters fund (CapitolBeatOK, 3/19/13)
Oklahoma state treasurer in economy talks with White House (Tulsa World, 3/19/13)
Prison plan at center of controversy between reform advocates and governor’s staff (CapitolBeatOK, 3/18/13)
Oklahoma police chiefs endorse mental health checks for gun buyers (NewsOK, 3/18/13)
Prison reform has long history of failure (Tulsa World, 3/18/13)
Fallin to deliver keynote address at Harvard (AP, 3/18/13)
Medicaid expansion would cost Okla. $484 million through 2017, Heritage Foundation report says(Tulsa World, 3/16/13)
Okla. state insurance commissioner balks at enforcement of Affordable Care Act (NewsOK, 3/16/13)
Oklahoma governor’s two proposals remain alive in Legislature (NewsOK, 3/16/13)
VIDEO: Prater, Steel quit as chairman of justice reform working group following emotional meeting(NewsOK, 3/15/13)
EDITORIAL: Charges against parole board members may do more harm than good (NewsOK, 3/15/13)
Lawmaker expects education to see more funding (Tulsa World, 3/15/13)
Oklahoma House crams education bills on deadline (Tulsa World, 3/15/13)
Rejecting Medicaid expansion would hit Oklahoma employers hard, study shows (Tulsa World,3/15/13)
VIDEO: Oklahoma parole board members appear in court (NewsOK, 3/15/13)
VIDEO: Oklahoma educators wait to see how State Question 766 will affect funding (NewsOK, 3/14/13)
Gov. Fallin hails bill that revises Council overseeing prisoner re-entry programs (CapitolBeatOK, 3/14/13)
Okla. House passes religious speech bill (Tulsa World, 3/14/13)
House passes bill to block Affordable Care Act in state (Tulsa World, 3/14/13)
OETA defunding bill defeated in OK House (Tulsa World, 3/14/13)
VIDEO: Okla. bill on drone surveillance put on hold (KFOR, 3/13/13)
Oklahoma House OKs abortion bills, passes income-tax cut (Tulsa World, 3/13/13)
Midnight special: OK House advances bill to allow armed teachers (CapitolBeatOK, 3/13/13)
Oklahoma’s revenue falls amid natural gas production slump (Tulsa World, 3/13/13)
State House passes ‘political statement’ banning Affordable Care Act (Tulsa World, 3/13/13)
Okla. House passes three abortion measures (Tulsa World, 3/12/13)
State Senate passes income tax cut (Tulsa World, 3/12/13)
House passes bill to allow the arming of teachers (Tulsa World, 3/12/13)
House roundup: Bill would let parents opt out of schools with armed teachers (Tulsa World, 3/12/13)
VIDEO: Effort to sell Oklahoma’s unused building, properties continues (NewsOK, 3/10/13)
Fallin’s Medicaid decision based on politics, says Dem leader (Tulsa World, 3/9/13)
Oklahoma schools down 500 teachers in last 4 years (Tulsa World, 3/9/13)
Okla. governor acknowledges scientific, medical and engineering experts (NewsOK, 3/9/13)
Okla. House speaker scales back food stamp work requirement (NewsOK, 3/8/13)
Amid crowded jails, Oklahoma looks to boost felonies (NewsOK, 3/8/13)
Would administrative workers’ comp system save Oklahoma money? (NewsOK,3/8/13)
Okla. House Democrats say tax-cut plan will hurt schools (Tulsa World, 3/7/13)
Foreign law ban easily passes House but draws sharp critique (CapitolBeatOK, 3/7/13)
Okla. lawmaker invites Colo. arms manufacturer to Sooner state (Tulsa World, 3/7/13)
OK Senate passes ‘parent trigger’ bill on low-performing schools (Tulsa World, 3/7/13)
Bill triggered by voucher fight passes (Tulsa World, 3/6/13)
Public preschool’s test case (Wall Street Journal, 3/6/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin signs order for panel on developmental disabilities (Tulsa World, 3/6/13)
COMMENTARY: Medicaid expansion: Principle, people and peril (CapitolBeatOK, 3/6/13)
State GOP chairman stepping down (Tulsa World, 3/6/13)
First bill signed into law in 2013 undoes a law Chesapeake Energy helped write (StateImpact/OK, 3/6/13)
State of Oklahoma accepting CNG vehicles (AP, 3/6/13)
Bill to limit Oklahoma scholarships program ignites House battle (Tulsa World, 3/5/13)
Oklahoma taxpayers could help fund federal challenges (AP, 3/5/13)
Bill changing A-F school grading system passes OK House (AP, 3/5/13)
Senior freeze a property-tax bargain in Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 3/4/13)
Lawmakers argue benefits of early learning programs (Tulsa World, 3/4/13)
Oklahoma faces culture challenge with health care law (Tulsa World, 3/4/13)
Gov. Fallin’s team defends rebuff of prison reform funding (CapitolBeatOK, 3/4/13)
State lawmakers target federal aid programs (Tulsa World, 3/4/13)
State’s preschool programs in national spotlight (Tulsa World, 3/3/13)
Capitol report: Oklahoma’s state’s rights panel gets jeers and cheers (Tulsa World, 3/3/13)
Gov. Fallin calls for major overhaul of Oklahoma’s pension system (NewsOK, 3/2/13)
Okla. House speaker to address CPAC (Tulsa World, 3/2/13)
Oklahoma Justice Commission issues final report, adjourns (CapitolBeatOK, 3/1/13)
Still tough on crime, Sooner State seeks ’smart’ prison policy shift (CapitolBeatOK, 3/1/13)
Fallin says state prepared for sequestration (Tulsa World, 3/1/13)
Measures eliminating, consolidating dozens of Oklahoma state boards and committees advances(NewsOK, 3/1/13)
VIDEO: Oklahomans await news of looming budget cuts as sequestration deadline nears (KJRH, 3/1/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin speaks out on sequester and budget cuts, says state is prepared (KJRH, 3/1/13)
FEBRUARY 2013
A-F school grading system changes heard at state ed board meeting (Tulsa World, 2/28/13)
Chesapeake corporate governance bill sent to governor (StateImpact/OK, 2/28/13)
School safety institute proposed for Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 2/27/13)
Bill to outlaw Obamacare in state advances (Tulsa World, 2/27/13)
House panel supports easing of some school mandates (Tulsa World, 2/27/13)
EDITORIAL: Governor rebuffs justice reinvestment funds (Tulsa World, 2/27/13)
Gov. Fallin rebuffs Justice Reinvestment implementation funds (CapitolBeatOK, 2/26/13)
Two bills advance to cut Oklahoma’s income tax (NewOK, 2/26/13)
Bills restructuring food stamp eligibility advance in Oklahoma House (NewsOK, 2/26/13)
Governor-appointment reform bill advances (Tulsa World, 2/26/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin rebuffs Justice Reinvestment implementation funds (The City Sentinel, 2/26/13)
Thank God for Mississippi… or Oklahoma? (NewsOK, 2/26/13)
Mary Fallin keeps her gun control focus on mental health (Huffington Post, 2/26/13)
Workers’ comp overhaul hailed by Okla. GOP leaders (AP, 2/25/13)
States’ rights fight in Sooner State (CapitolBeatOK, 2/24/13)
Gov. Fallin to meet with president, talk about budget cuts (NewsOK, 2/23/13)
Abortion and contraception opt-out bill heads to Oklahoma Senate (Tulsa World, 2/22/13)
Barresi unveils proposed changes to A-F grading system (Tulsa World, 2/22/13)
Mary Fallin blames sequester on ‘everybody’ (Huffington Post, 2/22/13)
Okla. governor voices support for workers’ compensation overhaul (NewsOK, 2/22/13)
Oklahoma Senate panel passes bill to ignore federal contraceptive insurance law (Tulsa World,2/21/13)
Fallin remains firm on rejecting Medicaid expansion (Tulsa World, 2/21/13)
Oklahoma governor endorses workers’ comp overhaul (AP, 2/21/13)
Educators ask Barresi for response to A-F school report card study (Tulsa World, 2/20/13)
Okla. Gov. Fallin to lead smoking crackdown petition (Tulsa World, 2/20/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin to lead anti-smoking drive (NewsOK, 2/19/13)
Governor pushes initiative petition on smoking restrictions (Tulsa World, 2/19/13)
Oklahoma Legislature to have $7B to spend on budget (AP, 2/19/13)
Okla. pension reformers seek ’sustainability’ and ‘intergenerational fairness’ (CapitolBeatOK, 2/18/13)
Out-of-state budget origin of some Oklahoma bills criticized (Tulsa World, 2/17/13)
National conservative group’s ‘model legislation’ ends up becoming law in Oklahoma (NewsOK, 2/17/13)
Bill would eliminate Children First program in Oklahoma (Tulsa World, 2/16/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin joins OSU to boot up finished Cowboy Wind Farm (NewsOK, 2/16/13)
Group begins research on Oklahoma-grown Medicaid expansion plan (NewsOK, 2/15/13)
Fallin names OKC attorney Larry Parman as secretary of state (Tulsa World, 2/15/13)
Okla. Democrat calls for Medicaid reconsideration (AP, 2/15/13)
Governor to support OSU’s use of wind power (AP, 2/15/13)
Oklahoma budget outlook brightens amid tax panel’s report (Tulsa World, 2/15/13)
Oklahoma GOP lawmakers form counterterrorism caucus (NewsOK, 2/14/13)
State Superintendent erroneously tells parents experts recanted critical report (Tulsa World,2/14/13)
House panel advances two anti-abortion measures (Tulsa World, 2/13/13)
OPINION: Right thinking: Second-guessing the governor (The Journal Record, 2/13/13)
Oklahoma bill to allow some ex-felons to have guns (AP, 2/13/13)
Education committee advances bills to reform A-F system, expand teacher discipline efforts (Tulsa World, 2/13/13)
Oklahoma lawmaker’s bill would restrict divorces (Tulsa World, 2/12/13)
EDITORIAL: Gov. Mary Fallin’s support may make difference with smoke-free bill (NewsOK, 2/12/13)
Critics, taxpayers hesitant over proposed tax cut (AP, 2/11/13)
Report: Oklahoma 5th highest in US in sales tax report (Tulsa World, 2/11/13)
Fallin’s budget shorts corrections reforms (Tulsa World, 2/10/13)
State education influenced by corporations (Tulsa World, 2/10/13)
Fallin rejects request for special audit of Insurance Commissioner (Tulsa World, 2/9/13)
Okla. legislator wants all tax credits to undergo review (Tulsa World, 2/9/13)
Emails show how Doak, Fallin went from health-exchange fans to foes (Tulsa World, 2/9/13)
Pro-gun militia group tallies at Oklahoma Capitol (AP, 2/8/13)
Local school officials not thrilled with Mary Fallin’s State of the State address (Enid News, 2/8/13)
Gov. Fallin says recent history confirms income tax cuts yield higher long-term revenues(CapitolBeatOK, 2/8/13)
Grover Norquist’s tax cut advocacy comes to Oklahoma state Capitol (CapitolBeatOK, 2/8/13)
Senate bill would slash income tax to 4.75% (Tulsa World, 2/8/13)
Bill allowing armed teachers clears Okla. panel (AP, 2/6/13)
State revenue for month tops $1 billion for first time (Tulsa World, 2/6/13)
Hundreds protest Fallin’s rejection of ‘Obamacare’ funds for Medicaid expansion at OKC rally (Tulsa World, 2/6/13)
Education reform, workers comp top Senate agenda (Tulsa World, 2/6/13)
Reactions to Fallin’s ‘State of the State’ run the gamut (CapitolBeatOK, 2/6/13)
VIDEO: No pay raises for state workers in Oklahoma governor’s proposed budget (NewsOK, 2/5/13)
EDITORIAL: With 2013 agenda, Gov. Mary Fallin hopes to continue moving Oklahoma forward(NewsOK, 2/5/13)
Fallin calls for tax cut, hikes in education, DHS and mental health budgets (Tulsa World, 2/5/13)
Fallin explains her alternative to health-care law, endorses ability of cities to set own smoking regulations (Tulsa World, 2/5/13)
Governor’s budget proposal includes tax cut, some funding increases (Tulsa World, 2/5/13)
Crowd holds rally at Capitol in favor of ‘Obamacare’ (Tulsa World, 2/5/13)
State of the State: Doin’ fine, just OK, or not so good? (CapitolBeatOK, 2/5/13)
Oklahoma Democrats respond to Gov. Mary Fallin’s State of the State, 2014 budget (KJRH, 2/5/13)
Oklahoma Senate panel supports covenant marriage bill (AP, 2/5/13)
OK Gov. Mary Fallin seeks personal income tax cut, money for Capitol (NewsOK, 2/4/13)
Oklahoma County DA makes new allegation about Okla. Parole Board (NewsOK, 2/4/13)
Fallin proposes quarter point tax cut (Tulsa World, 2/4/13)
Legislature preview: New speaker hopes to capitalize on diversity of Republican caucus (Tulsa World,2/4/13)
Targeting new laws: Oklahoma legislators have more than 70 bills filed on gun rights (Tulsa World,2/3/13)
Legislative preview: New session brings on new set of solutions (Tulsa World, 2/3/13)
Overall health, not ‘Obamacare,’ to be focus on Fallin’s health plan (NewsOK, 2/3/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin: More prosperous state, more responsible government keys to 2013 agenda(NewsOK, 2/3/13)
Okla. House speaker downplays talk of fringe element in his GOP caucus (NewsOK, 2/3/13)
Oklahoma Senate Dems hopeful about coming session (NewsOK, 2/3/13)
COMMENTARY: Fallin hopes to KISS tax issue goodbye (Tulsa World, 2/3/13)
Legislature preview: Gov. Mary Fallin year in review (Tulsa World, 2/3/13)
Legislature preview: Taxes on the table once again (Tulsa World, 2/3/13)
Legislature preview: Targeting new laws (Tulsa World, 2/3/13)
State GOP leaders wrangle with growing caucuses (Muskogee Phoenix, 2/2/13)
Cautious optimism in Oklahoma on new health mandate (Muskogee Phoenix, 2/2/13)
Parole Board members refuse to step down (Tulsa World, 2/1/13)
Former director of Gov. Fallin’s Tulsa office sues over her firing (Tulsa World, 2/1/13)
Oklahoma treasurer wants lawmakers to cut his budget (AP, 2/1/13)
OK House Republicans release agenda for session (Tulsa World, 2/1/13)
Gov. Fallin names Michelle Day as interim sec of state (Tulsa World, 2/1/13)
Fallin says no plan to revisit Medicaid rejection (AP, 2/1/13)
Tulsa Chamber’s OneVoice agenda includes Medicaid expansion (Tulsa World, 2/1/13)
JANUARY 2013
Barresi wants lottery proceeds to fund school technology (Tulsa World, 1/31/13)
OK House Speaker on taxes, ‘right-sizing’ spending, and budget challenges in the 2013 session(CapitolBeatOK, 1/30/13)
Speaker says state should sell surplus sites (Tulsa World, 1/30/13)
Art funding the latest target of Oklahoma budget trimmers (NewsOK, 1/29/13)
Gun group offers free classes to Oklahoma teachers (AP, 1/29/13)
OETA losing support for state funds, lawmaker says (Tulsa World, 1/29/13)
Kansas’ self-inflicted shortfall a cautionary tale for Oklahoma (Kansas.com, 1/28/13)
Opposite Okla. bills seek nullification of Obamacare, mandated participation in Medicaid expansion(Tulsa World, 1/26/13)
Oklahoma can limit federal health-care rules, AG says (Tulsa World, 1/26/13)
Coburn: Senate rule changes allow majority to bypass filibuster (Tulsa World, 1/25/13)
Oklahoma needs more prison beds, corrections director says (The Oklahoman, 1/25/13)
Pruitt filing says health care rules trample on Oklahoma’s rights (Tulsa World, 1/25/13)
Barressi to request $37.7M in supplemental funding for schools (Tulsa World, 1/24/13)
Democrats to ignore tax cuts until state funds basic needs (Tulsa World, 1/24/13)
Fallin lays out plan for mental health increases (Tulsa World, 1/24/13)
Governor to ask lawmakers for more money for mental health (Tulsa World, 1/23/13)
Oklahoma legislative leaders spar over tax cut plan (AP, 1/23/13)
School security budgets should be priority, state commission told (Tulsa World, 1/23/13)
Oklahoma lawmakers begin agency budget hearings (AP, 1/21/13)
COMMENTARY: Changing Fallin’s mind on Medicaid won’t be easy (Tulsa World, 1/20/13)
By the numbers: 2455 pieces of legislation; GOP & Independent registrations surge (CapitolBeatOK, 1/19/13)
In wake of school shooting, area school personnel attend free handgun class Saturday (Tulsa World,1/19/13)
Gun control off-limits in Oklahoma school security talks (Tulsa World, 1/19/13)
VIDEO: One on one with Gov. Mary Fallin (KFOR-TV, 1/19/13)
Oklahoma lawmaker’s bill would defy federal gun laws (Tulsa World, 1/18/13)
More than 2,400 bills filed for 2013 Oklahoma session (AP, 1/18/13)
Experts slam A-F grading system for evaluating Oklahoma public schools (Tulsa World, 1/18/13)
Oklahoma governor applies for handgun permit (AP, 1/17/13)
New study: Oklahoma’s A-F school report cards ‘neither clear, nor comparable’ (Tulsa World,1/17/13)
Record sales-tax revenue erroneously reported by state (Tulsa World, 1/17/13)
Fallin embraces ‘all options’ for Capitol repairs (Tulsa World, 1/17/13)
First ‘personhood’ bill of session is filed (Tulsa World, 1/16/13)
EDITORIAL: ‘Personhood’ bill makes a return (Tulsa World, 1/16/13)
On the shoulders of giants — T.W. Shannon and black political power in Oklahoma (CapitolBeatOK, 1/15/13)
Oklahoma governor sings letter urging funding for Sandy victims (Tulsa World, 1/15/13)
Lawmakers may get another chance at ‘personhood’ legislation (Tulsa World, 1/15/13)
Former Oklahoma governor says Pakistan allegations are baseless (Tulsa World, 1/15/13)
Proposed measure would depoliticize Oklahoma superintendent office (Tulsa World, 1/14/13)
OK Watch: Governor’s decision on Medicaid leaves fate of health care in question for 200,000 in Oklahoma (The Oklahoman, 1/13/13)
OK House Democrats organize for 54th Legislature (CapitolBeatOK, 1/13/13)
OK Watch: Health care options for uninsured (The Oklahoman, 1/13/13)
Federal fiscal outlook is wild card in Oklahoma income tax dealings (The Oklahoman, 1/13/13)
Medicaid rejection prompts look for new options (AP, 1/12/13)
EDITORIAL: Gov. Fallin delivers wrong message in Washington (Tulsa World, 1/11/13)
Framing the picture: Speaker Shannon makes history, as outline of 2013 legislative session emerges(CapitolBeatOK, 1/11/13)
State to hire consultant to figure Medicaid costs (The Oklahoman, 1/11/13)
Bridenstine defends his controversial first votes (Tulsa World, 1/10/13)
Fallin faults federal fiscal fight in National Press Club speech (Tulsa World, 1/10/13)
GOP lawmaker files bill to replace state’s current income tax with flat tax (Enid News and Eagle,1/10/13)
Fallin, others sued over Oklahoma Youth Expo money (The Oklahoman, 1/10/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin says states should be partners in federal deficit reduction (The Oklahoman,1/10/13)
Fallin warns federal deficit could hurt state budgets (AP, 1/9/13)
Fallin: Don’t shift federal budget problems to states (Tulsa World, 1/9/13)
Gov. Mary Fallin waiting to announce position on guns for teachers bill (Huffington Post, 1/9/13)
TW Shannon formally elected as House speaker, calls for pro-business reforms from House (Tulsa World, 1/9/13)
Ex-Oklahoma Senate leader gets probation for bribery (AP, 1/8/13)
Flight time reviewed (The Oklahoman, 1/6/13)
The governor’s health insurance (The Oklahoman, 1/6/13)
Oklahoma legislator has plan to save on state employees’ health costs (Tulsa World, 1/6/13)
Insurance Commissioner Doak making use of state-owned planes (Tulsa World, 1/5/13)
Tom Colbert becomes Oklahoma Supreme Court’s first black chief justice (Tulsa World, 1/5/13)
Federal agencies slow to create health insurance exchange (Tulsa World, 1/4/13)
EDITORIAL: Juvenile justice support eroded in recent years (Tulsa World, 1/3/13)
Oklahoma Gubernatorial Headlines 2012 Archives