Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 12:54 PM

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Opinion

Cole Announces Changes to D.C. Legislative Staff

Cole Announces Changes to D.C. Legislative Staff

Shane Hand will be starting a new position at America’s Health Insurance Plans as the Vice President of Federal Affairs. Hand has served as Cole’s Legislative Director since December 2021 and formerly as Cole’s Senior Policy Advisor on Health in 2021 and Legislative Assistant handling health, education and tax issues, among others, from 2019-2021. 01/25/2024 05:00 AM

Unaffordable America

Unaffordable America

Democrats and the left-leaning media has certainly tried to paint a pretty picture of an economy on the mend over the last several months. However, their misguided reporting could not be further from the truth, and everyday Americans certainly know inflation is eating away at their hard-earned money. 01/25/2024 05:00 AM

Have introduced over 30 bills

Have introduced over 30 bills

We’ve been busy in recent weeks focusing on budget hearings in our various appropriations subcommittees. Our Health and Human Services subcommittee held two full days of meetings and met with our 13 agencies, commissions, and authorities. These include state entities like the Oklahoma Health Care Authority; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Office of Disability Concerns; the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; the Office of Juvenile Affairs; and the Departments of Human Services and Health. 01/25/2024 05:00 AM

After 3-year snow job, when will the truth about the 2021 winter storm be told?

After 3-year snow job, when will the truth about the 2021 winter storm be told?

In just two weeks of February 2021, Oklahoma’s largest public utilities incurred some $2.8 billion in fuel and purchased power costs (compared to $1.3 billion for all of 2020). Then lawmakers and two Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners allowed those utilities to tack on another $2 billion-plus of financing (aka “securitization”) expenses by issuing pricey ratepayer-backed bonds with terms as long as 28 years. 01/18/2024 05:00 AM

Bill would give tax credit for firearm safety

Bill would give tax credit for firearm safety

We’ve hit the ground running in 2024 with numerous budget hearings scheduled in the next two weeks as we continue work on the FY’25 budget. These are public and streamed live on the Senate website, so I encourage those who are interested in how our state agencies are using their current funding and what their plans are for the coming year to tune in. 01/18/2024 05:00 AM

Lack of leadership at the border

Lack of leadership at the border

The national security threat and humanitarian risk posed by the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border has brought our country to an important crossroads. It is far past time that we address President Joe Biden’s self-made border disaster, support our customs and border patrol (CBP) agents and provide reasonable reforms to a broken immigration system. 01/18/2024 05:00 AM

Stitt should not have opted out of USDA program that feeds hungry youth

Stitt should not have opted out of USDA program that feeds hungry youth

Gov. Kevin Stitt has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a decision to opt out of a federal program designed to alleviate childhood hunger this summer. 01/11/2024 05:00 AM

Hunger is a real problem among state’s children

Hunger is a real problem among state’s children

There has been a great deal of news coverage regarding Oklahoma’s refusal to accept federal funds to support children who qualify for free and reduced school lunches during the summer months. 01/11/2024 05:00 AM

Take time to thank military families

Take time to thank military families

On Christmas morning, 1776, as George Washington traversed the freezing waters of the Delaware River, his endeavor seemed more like a last-ditch-effort than a major battlefield operation. Under his command, the first year of America’s fight for independence had not gone his way, and after losing a string of key battles, Washington saw his targets on the other side of the Delaware as an opportunity to shift his luck. 01/04/2024 05:00 AM

Defense bill is big win for Oklahoma military

Defense bill is big win for Oklahoma military

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual national security bill that allows Congress to meet its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. The annual mustpass legislation ensures America’s warfighters and Oklahoma’s installations have the training, equipment, and resources they need to remain the greatest fighting force in the world. 01/04/2024 05:00 AM

Values of faith, giving, gratitude

Values of faith, giving, gratitude

As I reflect on the significance of Christmas, I am reminded of the blessings that surround us. During this last month of the year, it is certainly easy to get swept up in the busyness of the end-of-year and holiday season to-do lists. However, we must not forget the values that unite us during this festive time. 01/04/2024 05:00 AM