On August 25th, YES 'EM BOTH!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

YES ‘EM BOTH!

by Steve Fair

 

Oklahoma was the first state in the United States to include in its state constitution the right for citizens to circumvent the legislature and amend the state constitution.   Since Oklahoma became a state in 1907, 116 citizen-initiated ballot measures have appeared on the ballot.  The legislature regularly raises the number of signatures needed to get a state question on the ballot.  The number of signatures needed to get on the ballot is now 15% of the number of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. 

The second way and the most common way state questions get on the ballot is a legislative joint resolution.  Joint resolutions bypass the need for an initiative petition and refers state questions directly to voters.  They do not require the signature of the governor.

Oklahomans will be voting on two state questions on August 25th- SQ#844 and SQ$846.  Here is the scoop on both:

Oklahoma State Question 844 is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.  Authored by Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) and Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, (R-Tuttle), HJR 1987 passed the House 69-22 and the Senate 38-7.   If approved, SQ #844 would alter how Oklahoma state government reimburses local governments and school districts for revenues lost due to the statewide five-year property tax exemption for manufacturing plants.  It would amend article 10, section 6B of the Oklahoma Constitution. 

Currently, the State must reimburse common schools, county governments, cities and towns, emergency medical services districts, vocational technical schools, junior colleges, county health departments and libraries for revenues lost as a result of each exemption provided.  Those exemptions have become expensive according to Paxton.  In 2024, the state paid $93 million in reimbursement. 

Right now, there could be a manufacturing company about to move into Oklahoma and we know nothing about it. Then all of a sudden, we get hit with a very large property tax reimbursement that we have to absorb that takes away from other things,” Paxton says.

Critics of SQ#844 claim it would eliminate the guaranteed constitutional protection for schools and emergency service funding that has been around for 41 years.  They don't want the legislature to decide how much revenue- if any- local entities would receive.

Giving duly elected legislators power to control reimbursements will provide more transparency and accountability to the process.  Voters should approve SQ#844.

Oklahoma State Question#846 is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.  Authored by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, (R-Tuttle) and eight House members, SJR 47 passed the House 78-15 and the Senate 39-8.  If approved, SQ846 would amend the state constitution to mirror current state law, which requires voters to show identification at their polling location before they vote.

Proponents argue placing the rule in the constitution "sets it in stone" so that a future Legislature cannot easily eliminate voter ID rules without a direct vote from citizens. Critics argue the amendment is redundant because a voter ID law is already active. 

Voters should approve SQ#846.  It's just common sense to verify who is voting is who they say they are.  Making it harder for cheaters is never a bad idea.

Because SQ#844 and SQ#846 are statewide ballot measures, all registered voters in Oklahoma are eligible to vote on them, regardless of political party affiliation.

On August 25th, voters should yes 'em both!

IGNORING AMERICA'S NATIONAL DEBT IS NON-PARTISIAN!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

by Steve Fair

 

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. While the actual vote to separate from Great Britain took place two days prior on July 2, approving the text on July 4 established the official birthdate of America.  It wasn't until August 2, 1776 the Declaration was signed. On that day, 56 of the 65 delegates signed the handwritten parchment copy.  Seven outright refused to sign the Declaration.  Two were absent due to illness.

On Saturday July 4, 2026, America celebrated the 250th anniversary of declaring independence from Great Britain.  Parades, rallies, fireworks, and feasts marked the occasion.  Americans love a party, even when they don't know what they are celebrating.  According to a Cato Institute poll, 46% of Americans had no clue what the holiday actually commemorated.  A whopping 61% of Generation Z (ages 14-29) were clueless about Independence Day. 

Sadly, the youth in America know nothing about how and why the United States was founded.  The principle each individual possesses unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is foreign to them.  To them, one system of government is as good as the next.  That is why socialism/secularism is on the rise in the U.S.  As America celebrates the Semiquincentennial, here are three observations:

First, America has failed to educate the next generation.  As evidenced by the Cato poll, the youth of America have little knowledge of the United States system of government.  Relying on public education to instill the story of how America came to be hasn't worked well.  Parents haven't taken any equity in passing along why a representative democratic republic is a superior form of government.  The lack of participation by parents in America's self-government system has reaped extreme apathy in their offspring.

Second, America has failed to keep the dream alive.  Since the country's inception, those who came to America believed regardless of background, one could prosper, achieve happiness and financial success through hard work, determination, and initiative.  But that dream has been damaged by government mismanagement and irresponsibility.   

The U.S. national debt has grown from $75 million in 1776 to over $39 trillion in 2026. Deficit spending by government has put massive tax burdens on taxpayers, so consumers do the same and spend more than they make.  Individual credit card balances in the United States are over $1.25 trillion.  Until citizen and government discipline themselves to live within their means, the American dream will be a nightmare.

Third, America is ruled by a permanent political class.  Those 56 signers of the Declaration envisioned "citizen-statesmen" those who would serve for a limited time and then return to their private lives.  The founders were largely unpaid or offered minimal per-diem wages. They feared a permanent political class would lead to corruption and elitism, ie elected officials who listen only to special interests and ignore their constituents.  Sound familiar?  Increasingly in America, the only people who can afford to run for office are rich people.  The average person can't win because it takes big money to run a political race.  So long as the 'grassroots' operate like a circular firing squad and refuse to collaborate with anyone who doesn't 100% agree with their views, expect the wealthy to win and rule.

In 2012, Senator Tom Coburn wrote, "The Debt Bomb."  The book warned America's threat to survival wasn't from foreign governments, but from Washington politicians who were spending America into bankruptcy.  "Everyone from both the right and left must sacrifice to fix America's mounting debt problems," the late doctor said.  Coburn predicted America's debt problem will be its demise. 

Meanwhile, America has become Wayne's World; Party on America- Party on!

THREE THINGS THE NEXT GUV NEEDS TO COMMIT TO!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

WATCHDOG OR LAPDOG?

by Steve Fair

 

Republicans gained a majority of Oklahoma state House seats in 2004, but with a Democrat governor (Brad Henry), and a Democrat controlled Senate, they were limited in what they could get done.   Republicans actually took control of the Oklahoma legislature in 2006 with the election of Sen. Anthony Sykes, (R-Moore).  Voters had sent 25 Rs and 23 Ds to serve in the Senate, but GOP Sen. Nancy "Cryly' Riley, (R/D, Ada) flipped from Republican to Democrat after she finished third in a three-person Lt. Governor 2006 primary.  Riley's childish selfish actions gave control of the Senate to the Democrats for an additional two years.  In 2008, voters sent 26 Rs and 22Ds to represent them and Republicans controlled both chambers of the legislature.  It would be another three years of a Democrat governor (Brad Henry), before the GOP would have total control of Oklahoma state government, but after 2011, Republicans have never looked back.  During their rise to supper majorities and total control of Oklahoma government, GOP candidates promised to (1) identify waste, fraud, and corruption in state government, (2) curb state spending, (3) reduce government's footprint. 

Every push card, TV commercial, and campaign speech by GOP candidates parroted the same theme.  Only the photo changed.  Fed up with being taxed too much and earning too little, Oklahomans gave Rs control of the legislature and elected two Republican governors who each served two terms (8 years).  It's a near certainty the next governor will be a Republican.  Two are in a primary runoff.  Three thoughts on what the next governor needs to do: 

First, the next governor must have the courage to order performance audits on every agency and entity that gets a dime of taxpayer money.  It's easy to promise to be a watchdog on the campaign trail, but the last two GOP governors have turned out to be lapdogs.  Using the constitutional office of State Auditor should be utilized more.  Limited scope and politically driven audits should cease.  Finding waste, fraud and corruption and exposing and then eliminating it should be priority one. 

Second, the next governor must require state agencies to justify every penny of taxpayer money they are allocated.  They should implement zero based budgeting (ZBB).  Unlike traditional "incremental" budgeting, which adjusts the previous year's funding, ZBB starts from a "zero base," meaning no program or expense is automatically continued.  Traditional "incremental" budgeting, which adjusts the previous year's funding, just lets state agencies grade their own tests. 

Third, the next governor must be committed to letting Oklahomans keep more of their income.  Every candidate has promised to cut taxes, but specifics on what services will be impacted is not discussed.  The current governor never fails to mention how much Oklahoma has socked away in rainy day funds, but those huge balances mean taxpayers overpaid their bill and didn't get a refund. 

Rainy-Day government accounts are created to insure government doesn't suffer financially when times get tough for taxpayers.  The next governor should be more concerned with helping taxpayers get through tough times than government.

Since Republicans took control of state government in 2011, the Oklahoma state budget has grown 45%.  That's not fiscal conservative.  Talking fiscal conservatism is easier than taking on the bloated state bureaucracy.  Choose wisely on August 25th.  Oklahoma needs a watchdog, not a lapdog.    

DON'T KNOW & DON'T CARE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

IGNORANCE & APATHY

by Steve Fair

 

639,488 Oklahomans went to the polls on Tuesday the 16th.  That is 26% of the registered voters in Oklahoma.  31.4% of Republicans voted, 28.2% of Democrats.  63% of the people who voted were aged 65 or older.  Less than 20% of those undeer 35.  Oklahoma is among the three lowest states in voter turnout.  Arkansas, Hawaii and the Sooner state are at the bottom of the states in voting.   

Here are three reasons why Oklahoma registered voters stay home and don't vote:

First, citizens believe their vote doesn't matter.  Because Oklahoma is so Republican, many stay home and let others determine who will lead the state.  After all- it's only one vote.  Can one vote really make a difference?  Studies show many key elections come down to just a handful of votes.  From 1976 to 2021, more than 85 U.S. Senate elections were decided by less than 3 percent of all votes cast. In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush's election was determined by less than one vote per precinct.  Local races are often even closer.    

Second, citizens are uninformed.  According to a recent study, 20% of America's youth do not feel they know enough about candidates and issues to vote.  When coupled with indoctrination and the lack of critical thinking skills being taught to the next generation, it's no wonder young voters are cynical and suspicious.  But ignorance is no excuse.  In a self-governing system of government, citizens have a responsibility to educate themselves. 

Third, citizens believe politics is corrupt.  There is plenty of evidence to support that view.  Candidates pander to big donors and special interests and ignore the average Oklahoman.  The actual track record of the elected official doesn't square with their campaign promises.  You can't tell the difference between the political Parties.  The often-heard cry- 'they are all alike,' has become an undisputed fact. 

Thomas Jefferson said, "the government you elect is the government you deserve." 

Dark money donors/groups cloud the process by funding sensational/provocative material that ignores factual accuracy and objectivity.  Who are voters to believe?  Who can you trust?  The truth is not all politicians are crooks and the political process isn't as shady as many believe.  Ironically some who condemn the tactics of dark money groups employ the same maneuver to further their viewpoint.

A major cause of political apathy in Oklahoma is the lack of political education. Sooners don't know the issues/policies and political Parties and campaigns don't spend the time and money to honestly educate the electorate.  It's easier to inculcate/brain-wash voters than to take time to explain issues.  Elected officials preach transparency and then conceal/obscure important legislation. Honest debate is non-existent.  Tolerance for a differing viewpoint is considered weakness.  Both sides intentionally caricature, distort and exaggerate the other's view.  Situational ethics are practiced with impunity.  Politics has become bad theatre.  

There are four runoff races on the GOP side to determine the Party nominee.  The primary runoff election is August 25th.  Voter turnout is always low for primary runoffs.  The 'hard core' voter shows up for those elections.  Political consultants earn big bucks IDing those voters and making sure they get 'their voters' to the polls.  If Oklahomans stunned the political establishment and went to the polls in mass August 25th, that would strike fear in the hearts of the political elite.

Unfortunately, it will likely not happen because Oklahomans are a great example of not knowing the difference between ignorance and apathy?  They don't know and they don't care!

AVERTING GAZE OR TURNING A BLIND EYE?

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

AVERT GAZE

by Steve Fair

President Donald Trump turned 80 on Sunday.  He celebrated his milestone birthday by holding "UFC Freedom 250," a mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn of the White House.  4,000 spectators attended the invitation only event.  On Friday, a federal judge rejected an attempt to block the event by Public Integrity Project (PIP).  PIP filed a lawsuit arguing the event was 'deeply corrupt,' and gave the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 'unfettered access' to Washington, DC's taxpayer funded landmarks.  PIP claimed UFC Freedom 250 turned America's landmarks into billboards.

Trump's Justice Department told critics to simply, 'avert their gaze,' for the weekend and not try to impose their thoughts on the general public.  The DOJ pointed out the Obama and Biden administrations hosted high profile concerts by Beyonce and Elton John on the South Lawn, and there was little concern about those events.  Three observations:

First, taxpayers are not out a dime for the production costs.  The estimated staging cost of $60 million is being shouldered by UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings.  They are expected to lose money on the event, but are deficit spending to market their brand.  Government will provide security for the event, so taxpayers will pay for that.

Second, UFC Freedom 250 is a risky move by Trump.  The event could backfire politically.  Many Americans are struggling with rising costs and strained household budgets. By celebrating his birthday in such a grandiose way, Trump runs the risk mid-term voters might be offended at the elaborate staging.  With Republicans holding a slim margin in the U.S. House and the looming midterms, Trump needs to fire up the base.  That appears to be the strategy for staging the UFC event.h

Third, averting your eyes isn't the same thing as turning a blind eye.  Avert your eyes means to look away or avoid looking at something. It is used to prevent someone from seeing something unpleasant, private, graphic, or overly bright. 

Turning a blind eye is when you deliberately ignore or pretend not to notice something you know is wrong, harmful or out of line.  People often 'turn a blind eye' to avoid confrontation, dodge responsibility, or skip dealing with an uncomfortable situation. 

In midterm elections, keeping voters enthused is key.  Whoever turns out their voter base usually wins.  Swing voters don't usually participate in the midterms.  Heading into the 2026 midterms, Democrats hold an 8-point enthusiasm gap according to lpsos.  It's not uncommon for the Party in power to not have as much excitement than the Party out of power, especially for the midterms.  What is concerning is a recent Washington Post- ABC News poll showed 73% of Democrats thought the 2026 midterms were more important than past midterms.  Only 52% of Republicans thought that.  It appears many GOP voters are turning a blind eye and ignoring the very real possibility Democrats could gain control of the House.  John Pilpot Curran said, "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance." Republicans better remember that come November.

Oklahoma voters have no excuse for not voting.!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

by Steve Fair 

On Thursday, Oklahoma voters can start voting in the primary election.  In person absentee balloting is available at the election board on Thursday, Friday from 8am-6pm, and Saturday from 8am-2pm.  Precinct voting will be on Tuesday June 16th from 7am-7pm.  Voters are required to show a valid ID to vote.  With nine statewide races on the ballot, plus congressional, state legislative, and local races, voters should expect to have a double-sided ballot.  One state question is also on the ballot- SQ#832, which proposes to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma. 

In the last ten days, mailboxes and airwaves have been dominated by politics.  Candidate's policy positions are caricatured and exaggerated by dark money groups, who do not have to disclose their donors.  These 'special interest' groups are often from out of state and engage in destructive politics to win races.  These outlandish ads and mail pieces grab voter's attention and confound many.  What is to be believed?  What is true and what is a lie?  Three tips on how to sift or filter through the havoc. 

First, ignore dark money mailers and ads.  They are generally funded by nonprofits and super PACs that hide their donor base.  They focus on sensationalized attack driven tactics.  Dark money groups are barred from coordinating with a candidate, so their mailers are largely useless for finding out a candidate's official position on an issue.

Second, all candidates have a track record.  It may be their voting record in a legislative body.  It could be their employment history or their education background.  It takes some effort to check how a person voted or what experience a candidate has, but the measure of what a person will do is what they have done. 

Third, listen to those you trust.  Seeking counsel from someone who pays attention to politics is wise.  Bear in mind that having someone tell you who to vote for is a little like letting someone do your homework, but it's better than blindly going into a voting booth and playing eeny meeny miny moe.  Now if your mother is knowledgeable about politics, add "My mother told me to pick the very best one, and you—are—it!".

Oklahoma voters should vote no on SQ#832!  Up until 1937, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled that government lacked the authority to set wages for private business. 

During the Great Depression, the political pressure caused the SCOTUS to cave and a minimum wage was established.  Setting wages is not a legitimate function of government. 

In Oklahoma, if a candidate doesn't get 50% of the vote, plus one vote (majority of the vote), they face the candidate who finished second in a runoff.  it's a safe bet that some of the statewide races will have runoffs.   The primary runoff election will be held August 25th.  The winners in the primary runoff then advances to the General Election on November 3rd.  Voters haven't seen the last of political mail- 5 more long months of propaganda.

Oklahoma voters have no excuse for not voting.  With early voting available, every citizen should exercise their right to vote, even if they use a counting our rhyme to make their choice. 

President Reagan said, “Voting is a precious right that for two centuries Americans have fought and died to protect. Let's all honor that sacrifice this election day.” Amen!

DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ OR SEE IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

SKELETON OR GHOST?

by Steve Fair

As it gets closer to June 16th, the date of the Republican primary, campaign literature has become creative and entertaining.  All of a sudden, candidates who pledged to run their campaign 'on the issues,' abandon that commitment and start slinging mud.  Mail pieces depicting candidates as crooks, desperados, bandits and idiots liter voter's mailboxes.  If a politico has a 'skeleton in the closet,' it is publicly revealed to damage their opponent's reputation.  The vast majority of voters claim they hate dirty campaigning, but like a train wreck, they can't look away. 

First, voters should beware of propaganda.  The reason campaigns throw out false allegations instead of focusing on legitimate policy debate is because sadly voters are lazy, ignorant, and irrational.  Since the goal is to win the election and integrity be damned, campaign pieces paint one candidate as divine and the other as the devil.  The Golden Rule is cast aside for the Law of the Jungle.  Voters need to be diligent.

Second, skeletons rarely stay in the closet.  Opposition research in politics has reached new heights and if a candidate believes their past misconduct will not be exposed, they are sadly mistaken.  Like the Bible says, 'your sin will find you out.'

Without any restraint in campaigns, candidates use old criminal records, DUIs, and past allegations of any type to gain support from voters.  Right here in the Sooner state, several bones fell out of the armoire.  A couple of revelations are concerning.  If the disclosures are true, these candidates has some explaining to do.  What is more concerning than a person having a skeleton is they are so stupid to think they could hide it.

Third, voters should pay attention to the source.  Mailers and TV ads paid for by dark money groups should be taken with a grain of salt.  Those special interest groups go to great lengths to caricature the opponent of their candidate's policy positions and values.  Because these dark money groups do not have to legally disclose donors, they enjoy anonymity candidates do not.    

Dark money needs accountability because secret election spending by wealthy special interests undermines voters' right to know who is trying to influence the elections. Without donor reporting, it is impossible to connect deep-pocketed donors to their political actions, leaving the political system vulnerable to corruption and foreign influence.

In the next two weeks, Oklahoma voters should do the following: (1) Vet the candidates.  Make sure their talk matches their walk.  It is not uncommon to uncover hypocrisy when voting records are checked.  For example: recent revelations in the governor's race have one GOP candidate who voted for the National Popular Vote while in the state Senate.  The NPV is a liberal scheme to undermine America.  That could be a deal breaker for many GOP voters.  (2) Know the difference between a skeleton and a ghost.  Just because a group broadcasts a salacious, scandalous secret from a candidate's past, it doesn't mean it is true.    

There are fifty plus Republicans on the primary ballot on June 16th- a record number.  Voters have their work cut out for them.  Vet the candidates!

Brevity shows respect for listener!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

by Steve Fair

Brevity is defined as the concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.  In Hamlet, William Shakespeare said, "Brevity is the soul of wit."  Getting straight to the point is not how most politicos communicate.  Three observations:

First, brevity and clarity show respect for the listener.  Having the ability to express profound or complex ideas using the fewest and most precise words ensures the main point remains the focal point.  Long-winded speakers over-explain, ramble, and cause listeners to lose focus and become frustrated.  Lacking situational awareness and not being able to pick up verbal or non-verbal cues, the verbose lose their audience and are often blind to how it happened.  Thomas Jefferson said, "Speeches measured by the hour die with the hour."

Second, concise is not the enemy of clarity.  Vagueness, complexity and insincerity are often the result of someone trying to bury what their views really are.  Cutting through the fluff so the core point stands out should be both a candidate and a voter's goal.  Voters shouldn't have to interrogate, quiz and cross examine a candidate to determine a position.

Third, politicians struggle with brevity.  Instead of preparing and having direct answers, candidates believe they must burn up every second of their allocated time.  They repeat themselves repeatedly, revealing a lack of preparedness.  True leaders will convey their policy positions honestly and clearly.  Voters shouldn't have to seek out a Code talker to translate what a candidate's stance is on issues.  Citizens should expect straight talk and not double-speak from true leaders.  In the next three weeks, candidates will be blitzing the electorate.  May they be brief, concise, and clear.

The model prayer is just 66 words.  Martin Luther said prayer should be 'short, but profound."  All of us should learn that example.

In the spirit of brevity, this week's column is about half the word count of normal.  Should practice what you preach. 

PRIMARIES ARE HEALTHY!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

EXODUS 18:21

by Steve Fair

 

Overall, incumbent candidates win 95% of the time.  Incumbents have the advantage of name recognition. the leverage to raise money, and an established campaign infrastructure.  Incumbents win because voters are predisposed to choose the status quo versus an unknown quantity.  The truth is the incumbent is the devil they know.    

Forty-one (41) sitting legislators in Oklahoma are facing primary challengers in 2026.  That number is up +41% over 2024.  Eleven state senators and thirty state representatives in the Sooner state have primary opponents.  For the first time in a long time, Oklahoma voters will have a choice about who their legislator will be when they go into the voting booth on June 16th.  Three observations:

First, primaries are healthy.  Elected officials/incumbents often are offended someone dared to file for 'their seat.'  But it isn't 'their seat.'  The seat belongs to the people.  Incumbents should be happy to run on their record.  Having a primary gives them an opportunity to present their positions and values to their constituents.  An elected official who is bitter because someone filed against them exhibits attributes that should raise a red flag to voters (pride/arrogance/selfishness).  When voters have alternatives, that is healthy for the political process. 

Second, voters should vet the candidates.  Each voter should take the time to find out about the candidates- incumbents and challengers.  Here are three suggestions on how to do that: (1) Personally ask the candidate what their position is on issues and their values.  This could involve attending an event or personally contacting the candidate.  Some candidates will shield themselves from the general public.  Their gatekeepers are told to keep voters from gaining access.  That should raise a red flag.  Find a candidate who is accessible and willing to tell you their policy position, even if they don't agree with you.  (2) Research candidates online.  You have to be careful because as Abe Lincoln said, "you can't believe everything you read on the Internet."  Recognize most online sources have an agenda and 'spin' information, but with patience and persistence, a voter can find a great deal out about a candidate online. (3) Seek out someone you trust for their opinion on candidates.  While that is a lot like letting someone else do your homework, it's better than not having a clue when you get in the voting booth.   

Third, seek candidates who don't do groupthink.  When an elected official is so predictable, it looks like they are on 'autopilot,' that likely indicates a lazy approach to thinking.  While consistency is the foundation of trust, being against or for an issue based on completely on personality is political theatre.  Independent-minded, critical thinking leaders challenge the status quo and base decisions on evidence.  Good leaders welcome a divergent perspective, are decisive, and are not blindly loyal to a special interest or group.  Elected officials who serve in a legislative body especially need to be able to collaborate, negotiate, and display exceptional persuasive skills.

With a record number of primary races in the Oklahoma legislature, voters have a choice.  Voters shouldn't take the incumbent or their challenger at face value.  They should do their due diligence. In Exodus 18:21, Jethro told his son-in-law Moses to appoint men not covetous, who were competent, trustworthy, and God-fearing.  Oklahoma primary voters should look for those same characteristics in candidates on June 16th.

LET 'EM VOTE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

VETTING ILLEGALS

by Steve Fair

 On Friday May 8th, the Oklahoma State Senate took the day off.  Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, (R-Tuttle) said the Senate had gotten their work done early and had outpaced the State House in hearing bills.  Paxton said the Senate is largely done with the 2026 session.  The Oklahoma legislature, according to the state constitution, must complete their work by May 29th.  Not all GOP Senators believe their work was done. 

Ten GOP state senators posted a photo on social media showing them sitting at their desks in the Senate chamber. 

Rep. Josh West, (R-Grove) said House leadership met with Paxton and Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville), the Senate Floor Leader, and thought they had agreed to run bills every day last week.  "We stuck to our commitment," West said.

Two of the bills the Senate refuses to hear is HB# 4422 and HB# 4423, the so-called SECURE acts.  These bills have been advocated by the Trump administration to deal with illegal immigrants receiving taxpayer funded benefits.  The two bills would require state agencies such as the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) to use the federal SAVE system to ensure only eligible individuals receive benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. 

The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program is a secure, online service operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows federal, state, and local agencies to verify an applicant's immigration status or U.S. citizenship. It is used to determine eligibility for benefits, licenses, and services.  Three observations:

First, like a pancake, every story has two sides.  Paxton has expressed concern the verification rules in the two bills would create a "chilling effect" among undocumented parents. He fears illegals would stop applying for essential benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF, leaving their citizen children without vital healthcare and nutrition assistance.

Paxton argues the SAVE system mandate could deter pregnant, illegals from seeking prenatal healthcare services. He says a baby in the womb deserves protection regardless of the mother's legal status.  "We shouldn't have kids starving to death because of what the parents said or what the parents did or didn't do," Paxton said. 

Those are valid arguments and every state Senator should seriously consider them before they vote.  But Paxton should allow the bills to the floor.  Let the merits of both sides be debated and a vote taken.  Too often legislation is not allowed to the floor because the leadership are afraid of the outcome.  If the majority of the majority Party members want to vote on these two bills, let 'em vote.

Second, taxpayers are tapped out.  With rising consumer costs, inflation, and increased tax burden, the working folk paying the bills don't need to be footing the bill for benefits for non-citizens.  But that doesn't mean there are not people who need help.

The sad fact is that many individuals eligible for government benefits don't apply.    Whether it's because of stigma/shame, or pride and independence, those who really need the help will not ask.  Many of those are taxpayers whose paycheck is gone before the week is over.  They shouldn't be expected to pay the bill for those who entered the U.S. illegally when they are struggling. 

Third, the current economic climate presents an excellent opportunity for Christians to really practice 'love their neighbor' and walk the walk. Instead of looking to government to solve a problem, maybe believers should be looking in the ditch like the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.

It's a reality they will be scammed, conned, duped, and fleeced by those seeking help.  But no more than they are being bamboozled by an incompetent government claiming expertise vetting illegals. 

On Wednesday, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order (EO) mirroring exactly what HB# 4422 and HB# 4423 would do if passed and signed into law.  The EO will likely face a lawsuit. 

Open Records request timing is suspect!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

WEAPONIZING OF FOIA!

by Steve Fair

In 1966, Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  It established the legal presumption government records are accessible to the public.  Up until the FOIC was enacted, a request for a government record required the requestor to demonstrate a specific "need to know."  The FOIA explicitly applies only to government agencies under the executive branch and requests are to be handled within 20 days. 

After the FOIA became law, many states followed suit and passed similar laws.  The Oklahoma Open Records Act (OORA) was added to the books in 1985 with the following stated purpose: "As the Oklahoma Constitution recognizes and guarantees, all political power is inherent in the people.  Thus, it is the public policy of the State of Oklahoma that the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be fully informed about their government."  OORA has been added to and amended several times in the last 40 years, but the stated purpose has remained consistent.

This past week, Oklahomans for Transparency in Government (OTG) sued Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ.  OTG alleges Russ did not respond or recognize an open records request from March 16th.  OTG wants records on the state's contract with 'Way2GoCard," a debit card/direct deposit program for state employees.  OTG claims an unnamed whistleblower says Gateway Bank is involved.  Governor Kevin Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage, which merged with the bank.  OTG says using Gateway could be a conflict of interest.  They claim they have reached out to the treasurer's office three times with no response.  Russ said two status reports were provided and the request was “overly broad.” His office has reached out to the Attorney General’s Office for guidance.  Three observations:

First, the people have a right to know.   The secrecy by government agencies during the Cold War triggered the federal FOIA.  Democrat California Congressman John Moss led a bi-partisan campaign to make the FOIA law.  The people got tired of the lack of accountable by arrogant bureaucrats and elected officials.  FOIA's stated purpose was to allow citizens, journalists, and civic organizations to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.   FOIA has increased accountability because all too often, people only do what is inspected, not what is expected. 

Oklahoma government agencies should be willing to comply with reasonable requests for records, but therein lies the issue- who determines what is reasonable? 

Russ said about OTG's request: “As written, the request is overly broad and encompasses thousands of records. Based on its language, the Office is unable to identify with reasonable specificity the records being sought. The hours required to fulfill the request are likely in the hundreds, as documents must be reviewed for personal identification, information and other sensitive material requiring redaction under the law.” 

Second, open record laws have been weaponized.  Many open record requests are made simply to harass, overwhelm, intimidate, and hassle public officials.  Broad, excessive, duplicate requests are made not for transparency, but as a tool of disruption.  Those requests cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year.  The goal of those type requests is not accountability/transparency- it's chicanery/trickery. 

Third, if Gateway is involved, that should be disclosed.  Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt founded Gateway and has reportedly placed his ownership into a trust to avoid conflicts of interest, but he still retains ownership of the company.  No laws may have been broken even if Gateway was used, but citizens have a right to know the truth.

The timing of OTG's lawsuit is suspect.  Russ is up for re-election and has drawn a Republican opponent.  There appears to be no direct link between Russ' opponent and the OTG request, but expect politics to come to play.  With a June 16th primary looming, expect a hit piece on Russ to be in your mailbox soon.  Recognize it for what it is- politics.

DON'T REFORM TSET IN A SMOKE FILLED BACK ROOM!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

POT MEET KETTLE!

by Steve Fair

 

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) was created in 2001 after voters in November 2000 approved State Question #692 (SQ692) by a 2 to 1 margin.  It set aside 75% of the settlement funds into a constitutionally protected trust.  TSET is governed by two boards- one group handles investing the assets- the other the expenditure of funds and approval of grants. 

SQ692 specified only 'earnings on investments' from TSET were to be spent.  The monies were to be used for tobacco prevention, cancer research, and other health-related programs. TSET uses the money, through grants and programs, to improve the health and quality of life of all Oklahomans by funding programs and services that address, prevent and reduce tobacco use and obesity – health behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death in Oklahoma, cancer and cardiovascular disease. TSET funds programs like the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, Tobacco Stops with Me, and Shape Your Future.

On Thursday, the Oklahoma State Senate rules committee passed 14-4 House Joint Resolution 1077 (HJR1077), authored by Rep. Trey Caldwell, (R-Faxon) and Sen. Lonnie Paxton, (R-Tuttle).  HJR1077 would send to Oklahoma voters a proposal to take $1 billion dollars out of the TSET trust fund (about 1/2 of the total assets of TSET) and place it under the state legislature's control.  Caldwell and Paxton state they want to invest the $1 billion to improve health and educational outcomes in Oklahoma.  “This is simply asking the voters if they would like to split this fund up so some of it can be used by the Legislature to help out in their communities,” Paxton said.  If approved, HJR1077 would appear on the August 25th primary runoff ballot.  Three observations:

First, the legislature is relentless in pursuing the TSET money.  In March, a state House report alleged TSET's overhead is high.  The report claimed 15% of TSET's funds go to administration.  It also suggested TSET's mission overlaps with the State Department of Health.  Last year, after the TSET board, the governor and the legislature clashed over funding for a hospital, HB#2783 was passed.  It amended the seven-year terms of office of the TSET board.  In January, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 8-1 HB#2783, was unconstitutional.  The legislature sees this big pile of money and they can't control themselves.  They have to go after it.

Second, TSET needs reformation.  How TSET has spent money hasn't produced great results.  According to the American Lung Association, 15.6% of Oklahoma adults smoke cigarettes.  In Texas, that number is 11.8%.  Oklahoma has the highest rate of e-cigarette smokers in the U.S.- 10.1%.  About 1 in 4 Okies were puffing away in 2000 when SQ692 passed and while less are firing cigs up 25 years later, Oklahoma's percentage of smokers remains near the highest in the nation.  TSET needs to use more of their assets on rural health care and less TV ads on Thunder broadcasts. 

Third, changes to TSET must be transparent.  The idea to place HJR1077on the primary runoff ballot should be scrapped.  What is HJR1077 hiding? Placing the SQ on a low turnout ballot might help get it passed, but it is not good public policy.  What are the proponents scared of?  Voters already believe deals are made in smoke filled back rooms and tactics like putting issues on low turnout ballots validate those concerns.  If changes to TSET are needed and valid, then the legislature has nothing to fear.  The reason a quarter of century ago voters put the TSET money in a trust fund is because they didn't trust the legislature.  Putting HJR1077 on the primary runoff ballot validates that distrust.

Legislators claim TSET is bureaucratic, doesn't spend money wisely, and doesn't respond to the needs of Oklahomans.  Sound a lot like the legislature.  Oh, the irony.  Pot meet kettle.

VOTE NO ON SQ#832!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

VOTE NO SQ#832!

by Steve Fair

 

Only one state question qualified for the June 16th primary ballot- State Question #832 (SQ#832), which if approved would immediately increase the minimum wage in Oklahoma to $9.00 an hour.  It would mandate automatic increases for the next three years to a rate of $15 per hour in 2029.  There has not been an increase in the federal minimum wage since 2009.  Three observations on SQ#832:

First, labor costs are ultimately paid by consumers.  Companies don't pay wages- consumers do.  Higher labor costs result in price increases on goods and services.  That would result in inflation.  Voters should recognize if SQ#832 became law, they would be paying the higher wages, not employers. 

Increasing the minimum wage would likely lead to a 'ripple effect,' where all wages increase- not just those earning the minimum wage.  Employers can't absorb or eat labor cost increases- they have to pass it on to remain viable. 

Second, SQ#832 would hurt those it claims it would help.  Employers operate on a labor cost factor.  If the minimum wage is increased, employers will have to lower the number of employees to remain profitable.  A business has two fundamental choices: (1) raise their prices or (2) adjust their staffing numbers down to avoid price increases.  Those getting paid the minimum wage are overwhelmingly entry level and have little training or experience.  SQ#832 would reduce the number of people getting that on the job experience.

Third, every employee works for themself.  No one in America is forced to work for someone else- slavery is illegal in the U.S.  If an employee isn't satisfied with what they are getting paid, they should find another job.  They should sell their services to the highest bidder.  People with skills or experience can leverage their productivity to get higher wages.  If a short sighted, skin flint employer is short changing employees, they will/should pay the price.  Their most marketable/employable people will leave.  Talented productive people will find gainful employment.   

Advocates for SQ#832 claim raising the minimum wage will help combat the affordability crisis.  They point out the price of food, housing, child care, health care, and utilities are up in the United States.  Their solution to fighting this issue is to force businesses to increase wages.  They fail to see raising the minimum wage would result in higher prices and inflation.  It would disproportionately hurt those making minimum wage.

Raise the Wage, the group pushing for SQ#832's passage have some interesting backers.  The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has contributed $25,000 to the yes campaign.  Some liberal out of state groups will fund the group's campaign, so expect to see lots of misinformation about how increasing the minimum wage is good for Oklahoma. Raise the Wage will have money to get their message out.  Voters should recognize the consequences of approving the socialist policies of SQ#832. 

Good productive employees don't require a mandated wage- bad employees don't deserve one.  Vote No on SQ#832!

OKLAHOMANS OVERPAYING THEIR TAX BILL!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

by Steve Fair

 

This week, the Oklahoma legislature passed a nearly $13 billion dollar state budget for fiscal year 2027- SB#1177.  The budget is slightly more than last year.   SB#1177 passed the House 76-18 (7 members didn't vote) and the Senate 28-17 (3 members didn't vote).  It barely got the votes it needed in the Senate (25).  Seven of the eight Democrats in the Senate voted no, joined by ten GOP state senators.

Oklahoma has a 'balanced budget' amendment in the state constitution, but the real goal of a state budget should be reduced government spending, rather than a balanced budget.

SB#1177 sets aside $200 million to create a permanent investment fund.  Similar to the state's rainy-day fund, the fund's stated goal is to generate a reliable revenue stream to safeguard essential services during down economic trends.  

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, (R-Bristow) said: "This budget reflects our commitment to investing in Oklahoma’s future while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” The budget includes teacher pay raises, increased funding for the Department of Mental Health and the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority. 

First, Oklahomans are clearly overpaying their tax bill.  Government never adjusts its budget down, like citizens have to. 

Oklahoma taxpayers are struggling in these challenging economic times- higher prices on gas and food, but no increase in wages.  Taxpayers have to live on less, but government never takes a hit, no matter the economic climate. 

Instead of putting $200 million into an investment fund, return that money to the people it belongs to- the taxpayer who worked and earned it.  Legislative leaders and the governor constantly talk about eliminating the state income tax.  They devise clever schemes, hold marathon meetings, but no stratagem includes ever simply sending the money back to the taxpayer.  When government holds in escrow the overpayment of tax dollars to avoid cuts during the 'hard times,' it's telling taxpayers government knows how to manage taxpayer money better than those who toiled for it.  Refund the overpayment.

Second, politics makes for strange bedfellows.  The Democrats who opposed the budget did so because they wanted the state to spend more money.  The Republicans who voted no claim the budget is too big.  An ancient proverb suggests two parties can work together against a common enemy- "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." 

The GOP senators who voted no on the budget proposed a -4% cut across the board to all agencies, except education, mental health and health care, but were rebuffed by leadership.  It is significant that 25% of GOP state senators opposed the budget.  If those of like opinion are elected in November, they could partner with the Ds and make life difficult for senate leadership.

Third, passage of the state budget this early is unprecedented.  It is the single most important thing the legislature does, but the budget has historically been the last thing done in a session.  It is commendable Oklahoma Republicans (legislative and executive) have shown they can govern with a super majority.  Perhaps they are embracing negotiated compromise. Negotiated compromise is when both sides want something, and they work together to find common ground, with each side giving up something to get to the desired result.  Nah, they aren't going to change and work together, but citizens can always hope.

Passage of the budget sets up a possible scenario where Oklahoma lawmakers could end the legislative session before the 5 p.m. May 29 deadline.  2026 is an election year, and many GOP lawmakers would be thrilled to hit the campaign trail early.  They can't wait to tell us how fiscally conservative they are.