There are no plans to replace an estimated $300-million in revenue the tax generates for the state each year. Some of that money goes to fund education and social services.
One bill seeks to eliminate court fees that generate an estimated $41 million a year for the state. Critics say fines and fees are an unreliable source of funding that unfairly burden the poor.
Oklahoma’s healthy savings account means the state can afford tax cuts and infrastructure projects, the governor said during his annual State of the State address.
While similar proposals didn’t get a hearing last year, GOP lawmakers are hoping a more nuanced approach will help their legislation gain traction.
A lack of resources means many people are sent back to the street or to shelters that can’t handle their medical needs. Here’s how I wrote the story.
Oklahoma City has limited resources for people experiencing homelessness after they’ve been discharged from a hospital. Hospital social workers often have few options but to discharge people to the street, typically armed with a bus pass, or to send them to local shelters.
The Oklahoma Constitution entitles parents to a trial in front of a jury before their rights are terminated and children in foster care can be adopted. Some lawyers and foster parents say this right causes delays in child welfare cases.
Critics of the decision to move a state laboratory from Oklahoma City to Stillwater said they are not surprised a federal investigation found problems with staffing levels and COVID-19 testing protocols.
