Rural Healthcare Concerns

By Marty Fuller, Oklahoma Rural Association

Out here in rural Oklahoma, things aren’t always close by. The grocery store, the doctor’s office, even the pharmacy — it can take a while to get where you need to go. That’s just life outside the city. But when it comes to healthcare, distance can become dangerous. 

That’s why I’m speaking up for Medicare Advantage. For me, it’s not just a health plan. It’s how I stay connected to the care I need — and I’m not alone. More than 330,000 Oklahomans rely on Medicare Advantage for coverage that actually fits our lives.

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No Need for College Tuition Increases

By Jonathan Small, OCPA

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.

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BBB Will Supercharge Our Economy

By White House Press Office

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)
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End Double Duty Drawback Tax Loophole

By Monica Collison, Oklahoma Rural Association

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. 

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Does Sup. Walters Deserve Election?

By Deborah Campbell

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!

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