Oklahoma is proposing a new reinsurance program to help lower health insurance premiums and make coverage more affordable. The program would help insurance companies pay for expensive medical claims, potentially reducing premiums by 4.1% to 6.4% statewide and up to 14.6% in some high-cost areas. Officials also hope the program will encourage more insurance companies to offer coverage, especially in rural areas where options are limited. If the federal government approves the proposal, the program could begin on January 1, 2028.
The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board rejected the application for Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School, which would have been the nation’s first publicly funded religious school. The board voted 4-3 in favor of the school, but it needed five votes for approval. The decision comes after legal disputes over whether religious schools should receive public funding, along with concerns about enrollment and community support. Supporters of the school are disappointed but say they may continue fighting for approval through the courts.
State Farm is facing allegations that it continued using Haag Engineering to train employees on wind and hail damage claims despite a 20-year moratorium.Attorney Jeff Marr claims the training encourages employees to classify storm damage as normal wear and tear, allowing the company to deny or reduce insurance payouts. State Farm denies these allegations, stating that Haag Engineering and Haag Education are separate companies and that it has followed the moratorium since 2006. The case raises concerns about whether State Farm is treating policyholders fairly, although the allegations have not been proven in court.
The Jim Thorpe Office Building at the Oklahoma State Capitol Complex is reopening after three years of renovations costing $70 million. The renovations focused on preserving the building’s history while making it more accessible and functional for government employees. Four state agencies, including the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and State Election Board, will use the renovated space.
Weekly Wrap Up
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Upcoming Deadlines
October 30, 2026: Interim studies must be heard in committee.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“When people think about the future of the space industry, they might picture Florida or Texas. But some of the most exciting opportunities are taking shape right here in western Oklahoma,” said state Rep. Nick Archer at the ground breaking of a new Dawn Aerospace mission control facility and spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. “Having a company like Dawn Aerospace establish operations in Burns Flat puts our region on the map in an entirely new way. It’s an opportunity to bring new business, attract talent, and show what rural Oklahoma can contribute to a global industry.”