No Need for College Tuition Increases

Updated: This year, legislators provided more than $1 billion in appropriations to Oklahoma colleges and universities. That negates any need for tuition increases. The question is whether university leaders will admit it. To that point, as of this writing, NOT happening at the University of Oklahoma, but the OSU/A&M Board of Regents today voted to keep tuition and mandatory academic fees flat for a fourth consecutive year at Oklahoma State University.

College leaders don’t always have a good track record of prioritizing affordability.

Continue reading

BBB Will Supercharge Our Economy

Today’s inflation report brought more welcome news that prices are down and wages are up — and that progress will be supercharged with President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent told Congress how the One Big Beautiful Bill — the largest tax cut in history — will boost that progress for middle-class Americans and the private sector without fueling inflation:

  • “The One Big Beautiful Bill will raise take-home pay between $7,800 and $13,300 for the average family of four. It will increase wages between $6,100 to $11,600 for the average worker.” (Watch)
     
  • “Not only does the One Big Beautiful Bill add $500 to the Child Tax Credit, it makes it permanent.” (Watch)
Continue reading

End Double Duty Drawback Tax Loophole

Analysis: Oklahoma’s vast plains are home to a proud farming tradition that goes back to before the state officially joined the union, and that includes the production of tobacco. Tobacco growers and manufacturers like Xcaliber that are based in the state provide critical jobs and help strengthen our economy.

That’s why Congress needs to immediately end the double duty drawback tax loophole that’s benefiting our overseas competitors in the tobacco industry. 

Continue reading

Does Sup. Walters Deserve Election?

For reelection as State Superintendent of Education or as Oklahoma Governor, has Ryan Walters earned reelection or promotion? This is a critical question Oklahoma voters decide in 2026.

Ryan Walters is in a unique candidate position, specifically, running for re-election as state superintendent of instruction or candidate for governor. This begs the question, does Ryan Walters merit a second term as state superintendent of education? Does Ryan Walters deserve to become the next governor of Oklahoma? I say absolutely not!

Continue reading

Tenkiller Potential B.A.S.S. Wildcard

Multiple patterns could be at play June 12-15 during the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Lake Tenkiller, but which ones perform best will be determined by potentially high water levels and current generation, according to Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Blake Capps.

“It will be a really fun tournament to watch live. Just going out and fun fishing, this is one of the best lakes to go to,” the Muskogee native said. “I have been over there plenty of times with the water up, and you’ll be flipping trees and catching smallmouth. That’s not something you see all the time.

Continue reading