Category Archives: State

OK Tax Cuts on the Table

By Mike Mazzei

Analysis: Would you like to pay less taxes? I’d like to pay less taxes. Who wouldn’t? For the 2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session, everyone is talking about a tax cut, and several proposals are flying through the halls of the Capitol.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked the Legislature to pass a tax cut of 0.25 to lower the state income tax from 4.75% to 4.5%. The reduction in tax collections would be approximately $250 million.

The leaders in the Senate have wisely discussed caution to await the latest financial analysis on tax collection projections that come out this month. They would like to see the effects of the tax reductions for both personal and corporate income taxes that passed two years ago.

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Purple Martins Return, First Sighting in OK

By David Arnett

In a sure sign that spring is not far behind, the first Purple Martins of the year have been spotted in Purcell, Oklahoma. The arrival, cheered by the Purple Martin Conservation Association in a national release today, reminds that Purple martins, the largest swallows in North America, became acclimated to the dried gourds hung by Native Americans and handcrafted birdhouses designed by European colonists. The prevalence of these ready-made houses, coupled with the decline of natural cavities, has changed the behavior of the species. Now, only man-made nests will do and it’s time for landlords to hoist the homes.

The birds were seen on February 8 in Purcell by a Purple Martin enthusiast – one of many throughout the eastern and central United States who track and report on the birds’ annual migration on behalf of the Association. The migration of these unique birds can be reported and tracked through a community science project called the Scout-Arrival Study. 

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Bill to Protect Firearm Suppressors

By Staff Report

Hunter hearing and rural quiet will be advanced in Oklahoma in addition to manufactures’ liberty if a new bill is approved as written. Senate Bill 1551, by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is a measure aimed at safeguarding firearm suppressors manufactured within Oklahoma from federal regulations.

SB 1551 provides that a firearm suppressor manufactured and remaining in Oklahoma shall not be subject to federal law or federal regulation.

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An Attack On Parents

By Jonathan Small

Opponents of deference to parents often believe parents cannot be trusted to raise their own children.

The latest proof comes in two bills filed at the Oklahoma Legislature.

House Bill 4130, by state Rep. Amanda Swope, D-Tulsa, would require any homeschooling parents to notify the state Department of Human Services and undergo a background check. The bill would also impose registration and background-check requirements on parents who “change school districts, whether a result of a move or otherwise.”

Basically, Swope’s default assumption is that any parent who educates their child anywhere other than a local, geographically assigned school should be treated as a likely child predator.

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OK Voter Bills to Enhance Election Integrity

By David Arnett

Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced two voter registration bills, Senate Bill 1414 and Senate Bill 1515, aimed at enhancing election integrity and streamlining the voter registration process in the state it was announced in a release today.

SB 1414 requires individuals appearing before a judge of the precinct to provide identification that includes a photo issued by the United States government or a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation. The measure directs Service Oklahoma to develop a voter identification card, which will be provided free of charge to voters. This voter identification card will include a photograph of the person to whom it is issued, in conjunction with the State Election Board.

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