The Latest in Oklahoma: December 19, 2025
An Oklahoma child care advocacy group has sued the Department of Human Services, asking a judge to force the agency to restore a $5-per-day subsidy for school-age children that ended after federal pandemic funds ran out. The group argues DHS failed to follow required rulemaking procedures when it ended the program, which providers say helped stabilize child care access for families. DHS says the subsidies ended because relief funding was exhausted and the state must conserve limited resources, though some subsidy categories remain unaffected. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled to determine whether payments should be temporarily reinstated.
Gov. Kevin Stitt is urging Oklahomans not to fear the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence, arguing the state is well positioned to handle increased energy demand without raising electricity costs. He points to Oklahoma’s behind-the-meter law, which allows large facilities like data centers to generate their own power instead of relying on the public grid. Stitt says keeping electricity prices low is key to attracting investment, boosting disposable income, and supporting economic growth. He also reaffirmed his support for an all-of-the-above energy strategy and called for faster permitting to keep infrastructure development on track.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed Oklahoma Tax Commissioner Mark Wood as the new director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, marking the agency’s third leadership change in three months. Wood replaces former OMES director Rick Rose and will report to State Chief Operating Officer David Ostrowe, who remains in his cabinet role. Wood’s move creates a vacancy at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, where longtime IRS official Dan LaFortune has been appointed to take over. Stitt said the changes are aimed at strengthening core government operations and maintaining accountability across state agencies.
An Oklahoma Watch investigation has raised questions about how State Farm handled wind and hail insurance claims, with lawsuits alleging the company systematically reduced payouts to homeowners. The reporting centers on claims that a “wind-hail initiative” launched in 2020 aimed to cut claim payments, even when damage appeared to be covered under policies. As lawsuits progressed and internal documents were sought, some settlements reportedly increased dramatically, prompting closer scrutiny. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is now seeking to intervene, citing potential violations of civil racketeering laws.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadline
12/19 Senate Bill Language deadline
12/29 House Bill details to follow deadline
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have served with the dedicated team at the Oklahoma Tax Commission,” Oklahoma Tax Commissioner Mark Wood said in a statement regarding his appointment as the new Director of Office of Management and Enterprise Services. “As I step into this role at OMES, I’m honored to continue serving Oklahoma by helping strengthen government at its core.”