The Latest in Oklahoma: June 27, 2025
A&A Advocates
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined Governor Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol to launch the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” campaign, aimed at combating chronic illness and promoting clean living. As part of the initiative, Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-13, which directs agencies to review and move away from promoting water fluoridation, examine and reduce the use of artificial food dyes like Red Dye 40 in state programs, and establish an advisory council to lead the effort. The order also emphasizes education on nutrition and clean living, partnerships with faith-based groups, and improved wellness programming without increasing taxpayer spending. Stitt also announced a federal waiver request to prohibit SNAP purchases of soda and candy.
Big banks like JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are actively engaging with Republican officials in states like Texas and Oklahoma to counter accusations of political discrimination against gun and fossil fuel industries. These states have blacklisted banks they claim engage in “woke” policies, cutting them off from state contracts. Banks fear further action if President Trump issues an executive order on “debanking,” which could restrict their access to federal partnerships. In response, banks have updated policies, distanced themselves from climate alliances, and dropped restrictions on certain industries to avoid political fallout.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments on a challenge to State Question 836, which seeks to implement a top-two open primary system in the state. The Oklahoma Republican Party argued the measure is misleading and violates their First Amendment right of association by forcing participation in primaries with non-party members. The court did not indicate when it would issue a ruling.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a mixed ruling on HB 1775, stating the law applies to university orientations but not to classroom curriculum, and declined to answer questions about its impact on K-12 education. Both supporters and opponents claimed victory. In a separate case, a district judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Oklahoma’s new social studies standards, calling the issue a political question and ruling the State Board of Education acted within its authority. The court also heard arguments in Stitt v. Drummond, a case questioning whether agency heads can simultaneously serve as Cabinet secretaries, but has not yet issued a decision.
Upcoming Interim Study Deadlines
06/27/25: Deadline to request a House or Senate study for approval.
07/03/25: Deadline for the Pro Tem to announce approved Senate studies.
07/25/25: Deadline for the Speaker to announce approved House studies.
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Oklahoma is 47th in health in the United States, and that’s not a good thing,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr said about Governor Stitt’s announcement of the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” campaign. “And I am so gratified about these actions that are now being taken by Governor Stitt to make Oklahoma Healthy Again.”