The Latest in Oklahoma: December 5, 2025
Oklahoma is testing a pilot coaching program that helps Medicaid recipients with chronic health conditions manage daily life outside of nursing homes, with the goal of supporting independence and reducing state spending. The program, led by Ashley Jones and created to fill gaps left by existing services, teaches practical skills like managing bills and finding medical care. Its expansion is a priority as the state prepares for deep Medicaid payment cuts that could limit access to care. Supporters say the program boosts quality of life while saving the state money compared to institutional care.
ONEOK leaders say the company is seeing major financial gains, helped in part by President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which is expected to cut its cash taxes by $1.5 billion over five years. Executives reported strong quarterly earnings and highlighted how ONEOK’s natural gas network positions it to supply power for a wave of AI data centers now being discussed or planned. They emphasized that their pipelines give them a speed advantage in meeting the heavy energy demands of these facilities. The company did not specify new projects or local investments but expressed confidence in its growth heading into 2026.
AARP and the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers are asking the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to rethink its recent approval of OG&E’s $506 million capacity expansion plan. They argue the utility ignored lower-cost options and that the order lacks protections needed to shield customers from major rate increases. Both groups say the chosen projects could leave ratepayers with excessive and unnecessary costs. OG&E disputes the claims and maintains the approved projects are needed and justified.
Two Oklahoma City nonprofits, City Care and City Rescue Mission, each received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to support their work with families experiencing homelessness. City Rescue Mission says the gift is the largest in its history and will expand its family housing and stabilization programs. City Care plans to grow its services in OKC and Norman by strengthening support systems and improving housing stability for hundreds of families. The two groups are among 32 organizations nationwide awarded a total of $102.5 million.
Norman’s City Council unanimously approved spending $74,290 to buy a little more than three acres on the Griffin Memorial Hospital campus for a future permanent homeless shelter. City leaders say the site makes sense because the property has long been tied to social services, even if it wasn’t their first choice. Funding for the shelter still needs to be secured, and the city plans to involve residents and local businesses in shaping the project. Councilors are also considering asking voters to approve funding on the April ballot, after a similar measure narrowly failed in 2020.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadline
12/05: Deadline for Senate Bill requests, drafting of House Bills, and Joint Resolutions. To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendarand Senate Calendar.
The Governor has set a pair of Special Elections to fill the now vacant HD 92 seat, vacated by former Rep. Bennett and to fill the SD 17 seat next November following Senator Jett reaching term limits. Both have filings in April of 2026 and elections following that throughout the year
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Our Guardsmen routinely answer the call to serve and support their community, state and nation,” said Major General Thomas Mancino,adjutant general for Oklahoma, regarding one hundred and sixty servicemembers of the Oklahoma National Guard leaving for Washington, D.C., as part of the “D.C. Safe and Beautiful” mission. “As with many state-side support missions, this mission is voluntary, and I am so proud of each and every one of our Guardsmen as they continue to step forward.”