Oklahoma Politics

With a New TPS Bond Issue on the Ballot Soon, Dr. Keith Ballard Makes the Case for Its Passage

Rich Fisher — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:13:38 +0000

Voters within the Tulsa Public Schools district will go to the polls on May 14th to vote on a $38 million bond issue devoted to classroom technology as well as safety and security. Looking at facilities across the span of the district, we find that some schools have a student-to-computer ratio of 3:1, while in other schools that ratio is as high as 13:1. This bond will address those disparities, and will also provide funds for sprinkler systems within TPS's oldest schools as well as additional security at various entrances and exits. Our guest today is Dr.

A Discussion of Both Tax-Cut Plans Now on the Table in the Oklahoma State Legislature

Rich Fisher — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:59:41 +0000

While the debate in Washington, amid these dreaded days of "sequestration," is about whether to increase revenues or cut spending --- or somehow achieve a compromise that does both --- here in Oklahoma, the state legislature is (once again) looking to reduce tax revenues. This comes despite the fact that our state currently has a number of extremely pressing needs vis a vis education, DHS, corrections, and infrastructure --- as well as, of course, the long-term and likewise urgent problem of pension liabilities.

Reality Collides with Fiction --- and Illegal Immigration, with Rural Oklahoma --- in a New Novel

Rich Fisher — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:45:25 +0000

We are happy to welcome the acclaimed author (and fifth-generation Oklahoman) Rilla Askew back to our show. Askew received a 2009 Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and she is a three-time recipient of the Oklahoma Book Award. Her latest novel, "Kind of Kin," is just now being published, and she joins us on ST to chat about this work.

Gov. Fallin Declines the Expansion of Medicaid in Oklahoma: A Reaction from the OK Policy Institute

Rich Fisher — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:03:52 +0000

On this installment of ST, we are discussing Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin's recent decision not to join the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

A Conversation with John Olson, the Democratic Candidate for Oklahoma 1st Congressional District

Rich Fisher — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:21:50 +0000

It's hard to believe, maybe, but Election Day arrives in less than four weeks. On this edition of our show, we chat with John Olson, the Democratic candidate for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. Later this month, we'll hear from Craig Allen, the Independent candidate in this race.