The Latest in Oklahoma: August 30, 2024
A&A Advocates
As of this week, Oklahoma has officially eliminated the 4.5% statewide sales tax on groceries – terms and conditions apply. Governor Kevin Stitt has stated that this could save Oklahomans an average of $800 annually, with the actual savings depending on grocery spending. The Oklahoma Policy Institute estimates that a family earning $40,000 annually will save about $125 per year.
Governor Kevin Stitt’s work permit and visa taskforce has recommended five measures to integrate non-citizens into Oklahoma’s workforce where labor shortages continue to pledge the State’s economic growth potential. Key proposals include creating an “Office of New Oklahomans” to centralize support, recognizing foreign professional credentials, piloting state-issued visas, and allowing employers to hire non-citizens for high-demand jobs. However, these recommendations require legislative approval, and their success depends on the Oklahoma legislature.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission met at the state capitol last week without addressing the Todd Hiett scandal, focusing instead on regulatory matters. The agenda included a vote on rate changes for Oklahoma Natural Gas and discussions on Wi-Fi support for school buses. Meanwhile, Commissioner Hiett had filed a lawsuit against fellow Commissioner Bob Anthony regarding an investigation into misconduct allegations, with the state Supreme Court setting a September 9 deadline for Anthony’s response.
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Jeffrey Cartmell as the new executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) following the resignation of the current leader, Deborah Shropshire. Cartmell, previously the head of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, will assume his new role on September 16. Additionally, Rick Rose was appointed as the director of Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), replacing the previous director who resigned in June. Katie DeMuth, interim OMES director, will join Cartmell’s team at DHS.
Update on Interim Studies
Committees continue to organize interim studies in the House and Senate. Click the links to view House studies and Senate studies.
Primary Runoff Election Results
The August 27 primary runoff election results are in. Click the link to view the results for the ten races that took place Tuesday.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“For me, in the legislature, I’ve been in for eight years, we have 12-year term limits. And so, I’m excited as well about the opportunity with Governor Stitt — it’ll be his final two years as Governor. What can we go get accomplished on his way out,” said Rep. Kyle Hilbert, incoming Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
