How policy decisions affect Oklahoma’s workforce and economy.
There are about a dozen operations currently mining or planning to mine in the area of Mill Creek in Northern Johnston County, which is fed by the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, perhaps the state’s most sensitive water resource. The limestone in the aquifer is some of the best in world. So good, it’s even an ingredient in [...]
Oklahomans in rural counties are less likely to have health insurance, data show. How does your county compare? Explore the issue with our interactive map.
Water is a key component of Oklahoma’s economy. It’s also unique. Water is simultaneously a public, natural resource and a valuable industrial commodity. And its availability — and scarcity — profoundly impacts business, government, tourism and quality of life. How do we balance use with conservation? Where is Oklahoma’s water, and where is it needed? [...]
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Thursday detailed an energy policy that would give states more control over drilling and mining on government lands. Romney’s plan would end a century of federal control of drilling and mining on government land, reports the New York Times, a move likely to appease energy states with big [...]
Despite Republican control of the governor’s office and the state legislature, pledges to cut Oklahoma’s individual income tax failed last year because GOP members, the Wall Street Journal‘s Stephen Moore writes, “wanted to spend more on district pet projects rather than cut tax rates.” Next year will be different, Gov. Mary Fallin tells the paper. [...]
The severe drought that parched large areas of the South and Midwest shows few signs of easing, despite recent rainfall. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board estimates Oklahoma sits atop more than 300 million acre-feet of groundwater. And no other state has more man-made lakes. With all that water, is it possible Oklahoma has a water [...]
A candidate’s position on public school funding will be an important consideration among Oklahomans voting for state legislators in November, according to a new SoonerPoll of 495 likely voters. From the Tulsa World‘s Randy Krehbiel: Almost two-thirds of Oklahomans say they are very concerned about the funding of their local public schools, and more than [...]
Oklahoma’s tax policy debate continues again this year. And, once again, state Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, is leading a task force charged with examining tax credits and economic incentives. Last year, Dank’s Tax Credit Task Force recommended reining in the tax credits with constitutional amendments, increased auditing and performance measures, and the outright elimination [...]
The first version of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was passed by Congress in 1976. The act addressed health care for Native Americans, whose health status lagged behind the general population’s. The measure provided funding to recruit, train and retain doctors, dentists, nurses and other medical professionals in tribal areas. The act has been [...]
Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe has led criticism against U.S. military spending on biofuels. A recent “Green Fleet” Navy exercise, the Republican lawmaker charged, was an expensive waste of money and a publicity stunt for President Obama’s environmental agenda. And in May, he pushed a provision preventing the Pentagon from buying alternative fuels if they were [...]
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