Podcast Ep. 85 | The Art of Activism

Episode Description

We're joined by Oklahoma state Senator Carri Hicks and local actress/producer/activist Cacky Poarch to get their perspective on the 2019 legislative session and learn about "Faces of the 47th: The Art of Activism," a documentary feature film debuting at the deadCenter Film Festival next week.

Important Links:

https://www.facesofthe47th.com/

https://www.deadcenterfilm.org/

Podcast Ep. 84 | Sine Die (with Rep. Josh West and Rep. Marcus McEntire)

Both chambers of #okleg have effectively adjourned, but did they complete all their work? We talk about what was left on the table and also visit with Representatives Josh West and Marcus McEntire about their experience in the legislature.

Episode Description

Both chambers of #okleg have effectively adjourned, but did they complete all their work? We talk about what was left on the table and also visit with Representatives Josh West and Marcus McEntire about their experience in the legislature.

News Roundup

One criminal justice reform moves before sine die, others stall (NonDoc)

Attorney 'unable to substantiate' allegation against Kannady, McDugle (NonDoc)

After opioid settlement, lawmakers seek to clarify AG's power (NewsOK)

Gov. Stitt tells Tulsa Republicans he 'has to get in front' of Medicaid initiative (Tulsa World)

Announcements

Podcast Ep. 83 | "I Stand With Pruitt!"

Episode Description

The #okleg reaches a budget agreement, the Governor sold his airplane, Andy's bill was vetoed, and we have not one but TWO Pruitt Watches. The end of session must be near!

News Roundup:

• “Who’s going to take care of these people?” (WaPo)

• Bill to update HIV/AIDS education vetoed (NewsOK)

• A target of Gov. Stitt's first executive orders, state airplane sells for $1.2 million (Tulsa World)

• Norman judge rules opioid trial can continue (NewsOK)

PruittWatch

• Inspector general: Scott Pruitt wasted nearly $124,000 on first- and business-class travel (KFOR)

BudgetWatch2019

• Appropriations advance, as does repeal of April 1 #oklaed deadline (NonDoc)

Announcements/Upcoming Events

• Civic Saturday - June 15th @ 10:30am at Paramount Theater on Film Row.

Podcast Ep. 82 | Mo Money, Mo Problems (w/ Jonathan Dodson)

Episode Description

As #okleg nears a budget agreement (or ARE they??), we turn to the municipal level and discuss designing safer, "complete" streets with guest Jonathan Dodson.

Articles, Links, and Show Notes

News Roundup:

• As State Government Goes More Digital, Tag Agencies Endure (Oklahoma Watch)

• Donations to Lawmakers Keep Flowing Even As They Vote on Bills (Oklahoma Watch)

• Oklahoma conservative group challenges Medicaid expansion petition (NewsOK)

• Special counsel to investigate allegations against state House member (Tulsa World)

BudgetWatch 2019

• May 2: Compromise on teacher pay raise floated in #okleg (NonDoc)

• May 8: Lawmakers remain divided over education budget (Journal Record)

• May 8: Governor Avoids Questions On Transparency After Senate Committee Meeting (News9)

• May 10: Stitt expects to announce a budget early next week (Tulsa World)

Announcements & Upcoming Events

• Wed 5/15: The West Wing Weekly Watch Party - “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet.”

  • Panelists will be Steve Hill (Chief of Staff to the Mayor of OKC) and Donelle Harder (former deputy campaign manager and current chief spokesperson for Governor Stitt).
    

Podcast Ep. 81 | BudgetWatch 2019

Description

With less than a month 'til the end of session, we discuss rumors about the budget, the status of criminal justice reform, and Governor Stitt's use of the veto. We also curse more than usual. Earmuffs, kids. #SSGOTV.

Announcements

• A Night to Remember! May 4  letsfixthisok.org/prom

• Capitol Days: May 8th is Child Advocacy Day with OICA. Register at oica.org.

Episode Notes

Overview:

• Most bills thru both House & Senate. Those with issues headed to conference committee.

• Which means it’s time for...JCAB!

Budget Watch 2019:

1. OK House Dems release their budget proposal

   1. How does this stack up against the Governor’s proposal from February?

   2. Does it really matter? (Spoiler: No.)

2. Rumor has it that the House & Senate reportedly in agreement...which means the Governor is now the issue. (Dun dun DUUUUUN)

But also...where are we on Criminal Justice Reform?

1. Gov. Kevin Stitt rolls out new criminal justice reform package (Tulsa World)

   1. New funding structure for DAs and courts

   2. $10m to mental health

   3. Occupational licensing

   4. Expedited commutation for offenders convicted of drug possession crimes to other felonies that are now misdemeanors

   5. Expedited process for expungements

   6. HB1269: sentence modification by courts

2. Point of View: Moving on criminal justice reform (NewsOK)

3. Capitol Insider: Is Judicial Reform On Stitt's Agenda? (KGOU)

In other news...

1. Governor signs bill to make rib eye the ‘state steak of Oklahoma (KFOR)

2. Stitt vetoes bills on hunting, #oklaed, public workers

   1. No guides on publicly managed lands

   2. No mechanism to certify new police & fire unions

   3. No “instructional expenditure”

   4. No overtime for low-paid state employees