The Latest in Oklahoma: November 14, 2025
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission found that Sooner Conservatives Action LLC failed to report more than $250,000 in political spending and repeatedly ignored the agency’s attempts to contact them. The group only communicated after a subpoena reached a third-party vendor. As part of a settlement, the commission fined the organization $15,000 and ordered it to file the missing reports within sixty days. Lawmakers say the case highlights how dark money groups make it harder for voters to see who is influencing elections.
Oklahoma’s emergency funding for food banks is ending now that the federal shutdown is over, but demand for help remains high. The state had sent $1.5 million to regional food banks, allowing them to deliver meal boxes with a week’s worth of food. More than 15,000 people have already requested boxes, and officials expect the total distributed to reach the tens of thousands. Even with SNAP benefits restored, food banks say the need is still growing.
Two state boards met again after earlier votes were deemed invalid and approved pay raises for Oklahoma lawmakers and statewide officials. Legislators will see their base salary rise from $47,500 to $54,900, with leadership stipends increasing as well. The commission also raised salaries for all eleven statewide offices for the first time since 2009, though it added a rule to avoid disqualifying sitting legislators from running for those jobs. Members said the redo allowed for a clearer, more thoughtful process after public pushback and confusion at the prior meeting.
Oklahoma business leaders say the state’s economy cannot improve unless schools make major gains in reading instruction. Their new plan, “Oklahoma Competes,” calls for investing in literacy coaches and ending automatic promotion of third graders who cannot read. They point to Mississippi’s long-term commitment to the science of reading as proof that big improvement is possible. Some lawmakers support the vision, while others warn that strict retention rules can backfire without smaller classes and stronger support systems.
Upcoming Deadlines
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 Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I am honored to recommend these distinguished young men and women from the Fourth District for appointment to one of our nation’s esteemed military academies,” Representative Tom Cole stated, congratulating the 2026 Service Academy Nominees from the 4th District. “They are truly so impressive and, regardless of what path they end up taking, I am sure that each one of them have bright futures ahead of them.”