This year, Democratic candidates have argued that Oklahoma is in far worse shape after years of Republican control. As someone who began his government career working in Oklahoma’s executive branch when Democrats were in charge, I can tell you that is not true.
The share of Oklahomans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, better known as “food stamps”) has often exceeded the share of Oklahomans living in poverty in recent years, at times by a sizable amount, leading to concerns that fraud may be a growing problem.
But in the last year Oklahoma has begun aggressively paring down those numbers.
Appearing on the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs’ podcast “Weighing In,” NFIB State Director Jerrod Shouse discusses small business owners’ opposition to State Question 832. During the interview, Shouse describes the numerous negative ripple effects State Question 832 will have on the state’s economy, consumers, workers, and Main Street employers.
With the cost of Medicaid expansion exploding, lawmakers should send two state questions to voters that would allow for financial adjustment when needed, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) President Jonathan Small said yesterday.
“Medicaid expansion’s cost overruns came close to a half-billion dollars this year and could easily hit $1 billion per year in the near future, which will force massive cuts across the rest of state government and hold back progress and economic growth in Oklahoma,” Small said. “Given financial reality, Oklahomans should be given the opportunity to bring some stability to state government by passing state questions that reform this out-of-control system.”
