Who will pay for higher education in the future?
Last week I described the future model of higher education as being mostly free to use. This begs the obvious question. Who will pay for…
State Government
Popping the Higher Ed Bubble
I have found it interesting that it has taken so long for technology to bend the cost curve for Oklahoma higher education entities. Just as…
Suggestions For Lowering Tuition Costs
There were some positive outcomes from this year’s legislative session. This includes the scheduled closure of two high profile state government corporate welfare funds. Closing…
CNG could drive down cost to the taxpayers
Earlier this month I enjoyed the opportunity to attend an event in recognition of the placement of the new Compressed Natural Gas pump at the…
Bauman, McHand and Pearson take primary election
As expected, the Logan County primary election for the Sheriff’s race came down to a matter of votes for both the Republicans and Democrats.
Rep. Jason Murphey Earns 100% voting record on small business issues
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jerrod Shouse, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said today that Jason Murphey achieved a 100 percent voting record in the 2011-…
When Faith Meets Politics
This year’s legislative session recently ended. This was when legislators experience a tremendous amount of stress as they work against the constitutionally mandated closure of…
We Are Just Getting Started
Oklahoma state government will become more efficient and transparent as a result of a series of recently approved legislation. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has signed…
Modernizing Constituent Surveys
These email updates frequently opine about the need to modernize government processes. I certainly want to practice what I preach and apply these same concepts…
Brooks Mitchell speaks in Guthrie at Republican forum
Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidate Brooks Mitchell spoke at the public forum held by The First Capital Republican Women and the Logan County GOP.
Courthouse facing overcrowding, handicap facility issues
The Logan County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the historic structure is having a hard time dealing with day-to-day…
Reducing the State Income Tax
Over the next few days, the Legislature will consider a proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax. This year, Oklahoma state government will have more than…
The Terrible Legislative Budgeting Process
I suspect many Oklahomans envision that their state budget is carefully deliberated through the legislative committee system. They may believe the committee members understand the…
Texans should never have more convenience than Oklahomans
Last Monday, the web developers from the ok.gov organization released a new update to the state’s official website located at ok.gov. Each day hundreds of…
A real states rights solution
I hear often from House District 31 constituents regarding their frustration with the ever increasing encroachment of the federal government. From the fear of new…
Modernization Legislation Signed This Week Already Saving Nearly a Million Dollars
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has signed a key cost-saving government modernization initiative. House Bill 2197 outlines what appears to be one of the most aggressive…
Social Media and State Government
I am fascinated by potential application of social media to enable citizens to have a transparent, public and open dialog with government officials. Because of…
National Recognition for Oklahoma
Last Tuesday, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released its publication entitled, Rich States, Poor States. This is one of the most important reports for…
It Matters When Politicians Vote Themselves A Pay Raise
A few weeks ago I published the latest version of the House District 31 transportation report. You can read the report online at hd31.org/293.
Sleep Deprived Legislators Should Never Try To Make Policy
You may have recently observed the fascinating dialog in the United State Supreme Court as the court heard oral arguments about the constitutionality of the…