OK Business Voice | Lt. Gov. Pinnell: new infrastructure essential to Oklahoma workforce, economic growth

(Jan. 9, 2025) - Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the state’s workforce and drive economic growth during remarks highlighting 2025 priorities. Pinnell identified key infrastructure areas, including transportation, broadband expansion, and water systems, as critical to attracting businesses and improving quality of life for Oklahomans. He stressed the need for bipartisan efforts to modernize infrastructure and foster economic development, positioning Oklahoma as a competitive destination for industries and job seekers.
 

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KGOU | Oklahoma Senate, House leaders organize committees ahead of 60th legislative session

(Jan. 3, 2025) - Oklahoma Senate and House leaders have announced committee structures and assignments ahead of the 60th Legislative Session starting February 3, 2025. Senate Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton and House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert emphasized priorities like agriculture, public safety, and education while revamping oversight and leadership roles to better address state needs and align with public priorities.

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The Oklahoman | State Auditor Cindy Byrd files to run for Oklahoma's lieutenant governor seat

(Jan. 3, 2025) - State Auditor Cindy Byrd has announced her candidacy for Oklahoma's lieutenant governor race in 2026. Byrd, a Republican, is entering the race with a reputation for transparency and fiscal accountability, having previously exposed financial mismanagement during her tenure. Her announcement sets up a potentially competitive Republican primary, as others are expected to declare their intentions for the open seat. Byrd emphasized her dedication to ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely and her commitment to promoting good governance across Oklahoma.

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NonDoc | Kauger’s OK Supreme Court seat draws 14 applicants

(Dec. 31, 2024) - Fourteen individuals have applied to fill Justice Yvonne Kauger’s seat on the Oklahoma Supreme Court following her recent departure. The applicants, including a mix of private attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from across the state, will undergo vetting by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). The JNC will narrow the pool to three candidates, with Governor Kevin Stitt making the final appointment. Kauger’s seat represents District 4, which covers central and western Oklahoma, and the selection process is closely watched due to its potential impact on the court’s future decisions.
 

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OKHouse | Lawmakers Appeal OG&E rate increase; Ask OK Supreme Court to Rule on Hiett’s Failure to Disqualify and OCC’s One-Page Audits

(Dec. 20, 2024) - Reps. Tom Gann, Kevin West, and Rick West are continuing their legal efforts regarding Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett's involvement in cases despite alleged ethics violations. After the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied their petition to prohibit Hiett from hearing certain cases, they submitted additional evidence to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, detailing over 15 new alleged violations of Ethics Rule 4.7. The lawmakers also filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to overturn a $127 million rate increase for OG&E, citing Hiett's decisive vote and alleged misconduct involving OG&E attorneys. They argue for stricter audit standards for utilities' Winter Storm bonds, criticizing the Corporation Commission's auditing methods.

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NonDoc | Rep. Mark Vancuren to join Sims at Tulsa County, trigger another special election

(Dec. 18, 2024) - Oklahoma State Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, announced he will leave the legislature to join Tulsa County as a deputy commissioner under County Commissioner Lonnie Sims. Vancuren’s resignation will take effect in January 2025. This marks a career shift for Vancuren, who has served in the Oklahoma House since 2018. A special election will be called to fill his legislative seat in House District 74. Commissioner Sims praised Vancuren's leadership and expertise, expressing confidence in his ability to address county challenges.

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KGOU | Stitt throws Oklahoma's support behind Trump immigration policy

(Dec. 13, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt has announced his strong support for former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly his proposals to tighten border security and reform asylum processes. Stitt highlighted the impact of current immigration issues on Oklahoma, including public safety and economic strain, and stated that adopting stricter federal policies is essential for addressing these challenges.

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KFOR | Oklahoma Supreme Court denies petition against Todd Hiett

(Dec. 10, 2024) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied a petition seeking to disqualify Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from voting on cases, citing allegations of misconduct. The court ruled that the petitioners are not "aggrieved" until a final commission order is issued, allowing future appeals. Justice Dana Kuehn suggested the Ethics Commission as a better venue for such complaints. Hiett welcomed the decision, while the legislators vowed to continue advocating for Oklahoma ratepayers.

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