Federal guidelines forbid using American Rescue Plan funds to build correctional facilities. But some county officials believe there are options to get around the rules and shore up an estimated $40-million budget hole.
Care providers in the state have faced a staffing crisis for years due to low pay. It could pose a problem as the state aims to end a 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.
Oklahoma regulators allow utilities to charge hefty deposits for people with poor credit or a history of late payments. Some say such policies punish the poor.
The project still faces funding gaps and opposition from some community organizers who want the county to lock up fewer people.
A large-scale reform that would have eliminated $34 million in annual revenue from fines and fees stalled this session. The bill’s author says he’s not giving up.
Some new diversion programs link people with treatment and other services, but a lack of resources and buy-in from prosecutors remain problems.
Former Tourism Department Director Gino DeMarco planned his own business venture while talks to develop a new state park marina were underway.
Public education faces increased scrutiny as some lawmakers vow to continue a push to divert more state money to private schools.
