The Latest in Oklahoma: August 23, 2024
A&A Advocates
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has issued a formal opinion on legislator’s rights to attend executive sessions held by the State Board of Education. The attorney general wrote that legislators who are members of a legislative committee with jurisdiction over the actions of a state agency, board, or commission authorization are eligible to attend that state body’s executive sessions under the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act,
Deborah Shropshire has resigned from her position as the Oklahoma Director of Human Services. No reason was given for why she has chosen to step down from her position, which she began in January 2023. However, Shropshire did share her love and appreciation for the agency and assured a “smooth transition,” stating that she will continue to stand by the agency and support its success in aiding Oklahomans.
The U.S. Department of Education has released a 98-page review addressing the status of fiscal and program monitoring indicators within the Oklahoma State Department of Education for the just-completed fiscal year. The report raises multiple funding allocation concerns regarding Title I funds, security officer funding, and held-up funds for inhalers. The state agency has claimed that the majority of issues within the report have already been addressed and that some remaining concerns were put in motion by the previous superintendent, Joy Hofmeister.
The push to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma may be losing steam, as a Nov. 5 appearance for the question appears unlikely. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that supporters of State Question 832 had obtained sufficient signatures to put the matter to a vote of the people, but the deadline for the Governor to proclaim approval for the question to appear on the November ballot is Monday, leaving SQ832 supporters skeptical of its chances.
Update on Interim Studies
Committee Chairs have begun scheduling interim studies in the House and Senate. Click the links to view House studies and Senate studies.
Primary Runoff Elections
Early voting began this week for the August 27th primary runoff. Click here to read an overview of the runoff races.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“When this tax cut takes effect on Aug. 29, it will make a tangible difference in the lives of everyday Oklahomans. Each person is estimated to save $105.79 annually on groceries. This additional disposable income can be redirected toward other essential needs such as education, health care or savings.” – Rep. Kyle Hilbert on the elimination of the state grocery tax