January 2018
New city jail cost is more than projected
The city’s decision to reopen its own jail is already costing more than projected by officials.
Tulsa is negotiating with a contractor to spend $1,200,000 to $1,800,000 to run the new jail. That covers personnel costs, supplies, food, etc. When Mayor G.T. Bynum said the city would stop using the county jail for municipal prisoners in August, he said his decision was based at least partially on a prediction that it would cost $1.2 million a year to run and the city would save money.
OSU fires defensive coordinator Glen Spencer
Oklahoma State is looking for defensive help after firing football defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer. Spencer, the highest paid ($675,000 a year) member of Coach Mike Gundy’s staff, was also the longest tenured assistant.
Bynum wanted to raise sales tax to lure Amazon
As part of the failed attempt to attract a new Amazon headquarters, Mayor G.T. Bynum was prepared to offer a public vote to raise perhaps $30 million a year in new taxes to secure the new business. As it turns out, Tulsa did not come close to meeting several criteria for Amazon and did not even make the top 20 list of candidates.
February
Riley hires Georgia assistant coach Shane Beamer
Oklahoma football coach Lincoln Riley has hired assistant coach Shane Beamer, who served as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at Georgia the last two seasons.
Georgia beat Oklahoma in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff last season. Beamer will be OU’s assistant head coach for offense and will coach the team’s tight ends and H-backs. Riley said Beamer will also work with assistant coach Jay Boulware in overseeing the Sooners’ special teams.
Oklahoma State dominates Kansas on their home court
Oklahoma State proved that No. 7 Kansas is not unbeatable as the Cowboys upset the Jayhawks 84-79. This was the first Cowboy win in Allen Fieldhouse since 2013. The OSU record at Kansas is 12-61.
Kendall Smith pumped in 24 points for the Cowboys and his free throws in the final seconds sealed the deal.
Councilors want permanent stop to North Tulsa discount stores
City officials want to permanently stop the placement of discount stores – like Dollar General – in parts of North Tulsa. Last year, the Tulsa City Council voted for an 180-day moratorium on the construction of specific discount stores in North Tulsa neighborhoods, including the 36th Street corridor, the Crutchfield Neighborhood and Unity Heritage neighborhoods.
Lawmakers: Why was Christian speaker not welcome?
State lawmakers want to know why Christian speaker, Dr. Ken Ham, has been told he is not welcome at the University of Central Oklahoma.
According to news reports, the UCO student body president said he had been “bullied and personally maligned” by campus activists opposed to allowing Dr. Ham to speak.
Conservatives and Democrats defeat Step Up, Oklahoma
On February 12, the Oklahoma State Legislature voted down one of the largest tax increases in Oklahoma history – a tax plan proposed by the Oklahoma Step Up Coalition.
New nonstop flights from Tulsa to Austin on Via Airlines
Via Airlines is announcing three new nonstop flights from Austin, Texas. The new routes will offer service to Little Rock, Arkansas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
March
Billy Graham passes at 99
The Rev. Billy Graham, perhaps the greatest Christian evangelist in the last century, passed away on February 21. He was 99 years old.
Commissioner Smaligo is leaving
District 1 Tulsa County Commissioner John Smaligo is resigning on April 2 to become head of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma.
National awards keep piling up for Oklahoma’s Young
Oklahoma freshman guard Trae Young has been selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association to receive the 2018 Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award.
Named after the late Wayman Tisdale, the USBWA has been recognizing a national freshman of the year since 1989. Young joins a prestigious list of past winners that includes Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd and Chris Webber.
National study shows Oklahoma is not a ‘low-tax state’
According to the 1889 Institute, Oklahoma is not a low-tax state. According to WalletHub.com, Oklahoma is No. 24 in the ranking of the lowest property (real estate) taxes.
The effective real-estate tax in Oklahoma is .89 percent. The annual property taxes on a house worth $185,000 are $1,638. Oklahoma’s median home value is $121,300 and the annual taxes on a home price at the media value are $1,076.
Senators approve bill to expand casino gambling
The Oklahoma Senate voted to expand gambling in tribal casinos in the state.
Senate Bill 1194 by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, was approved by the Senate by a 30-16 vote and now advances to the House. Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso; Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa; and Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, voted for the gambling expansion while Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow; Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow; and Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, voted against it.
OU’s Trae Young to enter the 2018 NBA draft
No. 10 Oklahoma was “one and done” with an opening round loss to Rhode Island in the NCAA Tournament on March 15. And now freshman Trae Young has announced he is “one and done” with OU and will enter the NBA draft.
GOP leaders blacklist Dahm
Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, said Republican leaders in the Oklahoma Senate are punishing him because he refuses to vote for tax increases.
Dahm, three other Republicans and eight Democrats voted no on a tax increase package earlier this month that Republican leaders said would fund pay raises for public school teachers. Dahm supports raising teacher pay but throughout his legislative career he has opposed expansion of government through higher taxes.
April
Lawmakers pass a $400,000,000.00+ a year tax increase
For the first time in 28 years, the Oklahoma Legislature, under Republican leadership, has voted to raise more than $447,000,000.00 a year in new taxes. Some teachers went on strike and the teachers’ union is urging a continued walk out until their demands are met
The new tax bill will:
- Increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1
- Increase the tax on gasoline by 3 cents a gallon and add 6 cents to gallon of diesel
- Increase the gross production drilling tax to 5 percent from 2 percent.
Free agent QB Sam Bradford signs with Arizona Cardinals
Former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford might finally be in the best spot to be successful in the National Football League. The former Heisman Trophy winner signed a free-agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals, who at that time had no quarterbacks under contract. Bradford figures to start for Arizona this fall.
Big Salaries
540 superintendents make an average of over $107K
Tulsa School Superintendent Deborah Gist, with a compensation package of $319,291, is the highest paid public school superintendent in Oklahoma.
Gist’s base salary is $263,484 with $37,807 in fringe benefits for a district with 37,433, according to figures from the Oklahoma Department of Education. That’s more eight times the minimum salary for a teacher. Gist makes $874.00 a day, including weekdays and weekends. The Oklahoma City superintendent package is at No. 2, listed at $248,412 per year.
Candidates populate some big ballots
Five Republicans and five Democrats filed for the First District Congress race – an open seat due to a decision U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine to not seek a fourth term.
In the Republican primary, State Sen. Nathan Dahm and former Tulsa Country District Attorney Tim Harris are joined by three candidates who are making their first run for office: Andy Coleman, Kevin Hern and Danny Stockstill.
Former Attorney General Drew Edmondson and former lawmaker Connie Johnson are the two Democrat candidates and Libertarians are Joe Exotic, Chris Powell and Rex Lawhorn of Broken Arrow.
Senate confirms Bridenstine as NASA chief administrator
The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of former U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, as the new chief administrator of NASA.
May
Oklahoma is No. 1!
When it relates to the number of casinos per capita
Oklahoma is No. 1 in one category. Gambling and casinos.
According to WalletHub’s report, “2018’s Most Gambling Addicted States,” Oklahoma ranks No. 1 in “casinos per capita” and No. 2 in “gambling machines per capita.” And Oklahoma is in the Top 10 (No. 9) in the category of “percentage of adults with gambling disorders.”
Mayfield is the top NFL pick; Rudolph, Washington to Steelers
Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, who went from walk-on to Heisman Trophy winner, was taken by the Cleveland Browns as the No. 1 pick in last Thursday’s NFL Draft.
Did the Pittsburgh Steelers draft former Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph as an eventual replacement for Ben Roethlisberger?
Pittsburgh took Rudolph with the 76th pick in the third round of the NFL Draft after drafting his OSU teammate James Washington in the second round with the No. 60th pick.
Petition drive seeks a vote to repeal the tax increases
Thanks to a grassroots effort, Oklahoma voters have a chance to repeal the largest tax increase in state history.
Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite filed a referendum to overturn House Bill 1010xx – the bill passed in a second special session of the Legislature and raised taxes on tobacco products (including a $1 a pack increase for cigarettes), gasoline, diesel fuel and production of oil and natural gas.
Gov. Fallin vetoes concealed-carry bill
Gov. Mary Fallin has vetoed a bill reinforcing constitutional gun rights in Oklahoma and since her decision came after the end of the legislative session, there is faint hope for an override vote. Senate Bill 1212 would have eliminated the need for a firearms course and a license to carry a sidearm openly in Oklahoma. Fallin saved about $5,000,000.00 year for the state in license fees by vetoing the bill. Thirteen other states have similar bills.
Judicial candidate Brecht is married to another man
Attorney Chris Brecht wants to be the first openly homosexual candidate to be elected a district court judge in Tulsa County.
And Brecht, who is married to another man, wants to be the first openly homosexual candidate to hold any countywide office in Tulsa County.
According to his Facebook page, “If elected, Chris would be the first LGBT district judge in Tulsa County and, depending on the outcome of the coming elections, first county-wide publicly-elected LGBT candidate.”
June
Supreme Court rules in favor of religious freedom for baker
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a homosexual marriage drew praise from elected officials. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, praised the Supreme Court ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
OSU golf team shuts out Alabama for the national title
STILLWATER – In front of more than 3,000 fans, the Oklahoma State golf team shut out No. 6 seed Alabama, 5-0, May 30 afternoon in the NCAA title match at Karsten Creek Golf Club. It was the 11th national championship for the Cowboy golf team.
Most conservative lawmakers
State Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, and State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, are the most conservative legislators in the Tulsa area, according to the 2018 Conservative Index, published by the Oklahoma Constitution newspaper.
May set a new record for being the warmest in state history
What happened to spring?
“In defiance of spring, Mother Nature slipped right into summer during May, and broke a major record in doing so,” said Gary McManus, associate state climatologist, Oklahoma Climatological Survey. “Based on preliminary data from the Oklahoma Mesonet, the month finished as the warmest on record with a statewide average of 74.6 degrees, 6.4 degrees above normal.”
The previous record of 74 degrees was set back in 1962.
Though drafted by the A’s, Murray to play for OU this fall
A lot of people are wondering what the future holds for Kyler Murray. Murray was the ninth pick in the recent Major League Baseball Draft, taken by the Oakland A’s. Murray is a standout centerfielder. Murray reportedly has signed a contract with the Oakland A’s that will guarantee him almost $5 million plus allow him to play football this fall at OU.
Broken Arrow is rated No. 1 in ‘livability’
BOSTON (PRNewswire) — Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond were awarded first place honors in the 2018 City Livability Awards Program during The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 86th Annual Meeting in Boston.
Oklahoma legalizes pot
Based on statewide returns, Oklahoma voters have approved what has been called the “most liberal marijuana law” in the nation.
Oklahoma Supreme Court denies referendum on tax increases
Once again, the liberal Oklahoma Supreme Court has thrown out a petition from the people on a “technicality.”
A group of citizens were circulation a petition (State Question 77) for a statewide vote to repeal the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history. Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! had already been circulating petitions and expected to easily meet the July 18 deadline for more than 41,000 signatures.
With political pressure from liberal groups like the Oklahoma Education Association and the Oklahoma School Boards Association plus heat from the liberal media, the Supreme Court stopped the petition drive.
No. 5 pick Young is traded to Atlanta
Former Oklahoma point guard Trae Young was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the No. 5 spot in the first round and then immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Draft last Thursday.
Young is the sixth Sooner to be selected in the first five picks of an NBA Draft and was taken the highest of any guard in Oklahoma history.
A 6-2 guard from Norman, Young chose to leave OU after his freshman season. Young is the first player in NCAA Division I history to finish the season leading the country in both scoring (27.4) and assists (8.7).
July
Cornett, Stitt top vote getters
Tulsa businessman Kevin Stitt and former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett were the top vote getters in the June 26 primary and will be on the ballot August 28. The winner will face former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democrat, and a Libertarian candidate on November 6.
Mayor Bynum, Councilor Gilbert say they can’t stop Hustler Hollywood near BKHS
Mayor G.T. Bynum said he is not promoting the opening of Hustler Hollywood – a sexually oriented retail store – but he is powerless to stop it.
The announcement of a proposed Hustler Hollywood on 41st Street one block west of Sheridan Road has drawn protests from neighbors – including Bishop Kelly High School – a plea to Bynum and City Councilor Karen Gilbert to stop it from opening.
Board bans smoking marijuana; requires a pharmacist
The Oklahoma State Board of Health voted to ban marijuana cigarettes (and other smoking products) and require businesses that dispense “medical marijuana” to hire a pharmacist. Marijuana proponents protested and lawsuits could be a result. Health Department officials said they anticipated court challenges regardless of whatever rules they created following the passage of State Question 788.
QB Cornelius to start drills as No. 1
When Oklahoma State begins fall drills, Taylor Cornelius will be the starting quarterback, replacing record-setting Mason Rudolph.
August
Possession and distribution of marijuana is still illegal
Despite the passage of State Question 788, possession and distribution of marijuana is still a violation of federal law and Tulsa police plan no changes in enforcement until state officials issue new laws.
Health board changes rules for marijuana
The rules to regulate medical marijuana have been changed.
The Oklahoma Board of Health unanimously voted down some portions of the emergency rules they enacted on July 10 following the passage of controversial State Question 788, which legalized the use of marijuana in Oklahoma.
Councilor gets $127,000/year city job
After not drawing an opponent for the August 28 municipal election, District 7 City Councilor Anna America is resigning to take a high-paying job with the city. Mayor G.T. Bynum hired America to be director of the Park and Recreation Department for an annual salary of $127,000.00 – almost $100,000 more than she made as a part-time councilor.
No rush to name an OU starting QB
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley thinks the battle between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Austin Kendall has made both players better. One of those will start against Florida Atlantic on September 1 but Riley has waited deep into the preseason drills to name a starter.
Democrat candidates dominate the City Council ballot
Why did city leaders schedule a city council election to coincide with a runoff election and why don’t they want voters to know the party registration of candidates?
Some voters are scratching their heads and wondering why the city election seems so covert. The August 28 runoff election will undoubtedly have fewer voters than the June primary and the November 6 general election.
Medical marijuana petition falls short
Oklahoma Secretary of State James Williamson said his office has completed the counting of signatures for a state question that would ask voters to put the right to medical marijuana in the state constitution. The initiative required 123,725 signatures to be put on the ballot. That equates to 15 percent of 824,831, the total number of ballots cast in the 2014 gubernatorial election.
2nd pot petition falls short on signatures
An initiative petition to bring up a vote to legalize recreational use of marijuana fell short of the required signatures, according to Oklahoma Secretary of State James Williamson.
New Life Ranch buys Dry Gulch U.S.A.
New Life Ranch has doubled its capacity to serve campers and visitors by purchasing Dry Gulch USA from Church on the Move in Tulsa.
Stitt wins runoff for governor, Hern wins in the First District
The stage is set for the November 6 general election as Kevin Stitt was the winner Tuesday in the Republican runoff. Stitt will face Democrat Drew Edmondson in the November 6 election.
In the race to replace U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine in the U.S. House, Kevin Hern beat Tim Harris the GOP runoff. Hern will face Democrat Tim Gilpin, who won the Democrat runoff.
Riley/Kiffin matchup could determine OU vs. Fla. Atlantic
Quarterback Kyler Murray, a junior transfer from Texas A&M, will lead the Oklahoma Sooners on the field at 11 a.m. Saturday to begin the second season under Lincoln Riley as head coach.
September
Syphilis tops STD epidemic
There is an under-reported epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases in Oklahoma – including a 36.5-percent increase in syphilis cases.
Tobacco Settlement Trust collects $64,800,000.00
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) just keeps getting bigger.
The TSET Board of Investors has preliminarily certified $64.8 million in Fiscal Year 2018 investment earnings for prevention and reduction of tobacco use and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller said.
TU opens with a 36-27 win
It was a back-and-forth battle the whole game, and plenty of mistakes were made, but in the end The University of Tulsa football team came out on top, beating the University of Central Arkansas, 38-27, Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
Inhofe named chairman of Armed Services Committee
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, has been named chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee after the death of committee chairman Sen. John McCain.
OU pounds UCLA
No. 5 Oklahoma heads to Ames, Iowa, Saturday to avenge their only Big 12 loss from a year without their best running back.
Rodney Anderson, an All American candidate for the Sooners, injured his knee in Saturday’s 49-21 win over UCLA and is lost for the season.
TU’s upset bid falls just short vs. the Longhorns
A near upset of Texas in Austin may be proof that Tulsa is improved this season.
TU trailed by 21 points at halftime but battled back to come within one score before falling to the Longhorns 21-28 in Austin.
BA passes municipal laws about medicinal marijuana
Some proponents for the further legalization of marijuana don’t like two new ordinances passed by the Broken Arrow City Council last week.
The new city statutes create a $2,500 annual permit to operate a state-issued license to grow and distribute “medical marijuana” in Broken Arrow. The laws put marijuana dispensaries in the same legal category as businesses that sell alcohol. And the new statutes prohibit tenants from growing their own marijuana plants without written permission from their owners.
October
Teacher shortage despite the raises
Despite an average salary raise of around $6,000 a year, Oklahoma’s public schools are having trouble hiring certified teachers. The reported figure for Tulsa Public Schools is about 340 noncertified instructors.
Negative campaigning targeted House conservatives
Out-of-state political action committees have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in “dark money” to defeat conservative candidates in Oklahoma.
And it’s having an effect.
State Rep. Chuck Strohm, who has a Conservative Index Rating of 93 (and a lifetime rating of 95), was labeled a “liberal” in radio commercials. Rep. Dr. Mike Ritze, who has a conservative rating of 80 (83 lifetime), lost in a runoff after being peppered with ads calling him a “liberal.”
Rep. George Faught suffered a similar fate even though he has a rating of 83 (lifetime 74). Rep. Travis Dunlap was targeted, too. He has a rating of 80 (lifetime 84).
Oklahoma gets a year to comply with the Real ID Act
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Oklahoma’s REAL ID extension through October 10, 2019, according to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Riley fires Mike Stoops after record-setting Texas defeat
Ruffin McNeil will take over defensive leadership
Oklahoma head coaches get fired for losing to Texas and Lincoln Riley just made a point about defensive deficiencies by firing OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops – the brother of former Coach Bob Stoops.
Top 10 shakeup helps OU’s hopes for a playoff spot
After a loss to No. 7 Texas, No. 9 Oklahoma still has a better-than-expected shot to win the Big 12 and have a chance to make the College Football Playoff. Losses by Georgia, Penn State and West Virginia pushed the Sooners back into striking distance of the playoff. Even if Texas continues to win, Oklahoma can get a rematch with the Longhorns in the Big 12 title game.
Pence stumps for Kevin Stitt in Tulsa
Part of Kevin Stitt’s campaign is to portray himself as a successful businessman – not a career politician – that can do for Oklahoma what President Donald Trump is doing for America.That theme was reinforced October 18 when Vice President Mike Pence spoke to a crowd of more than 4,000 Stitt supporters at the Mabee Center on the ORU campus.
Dr. Everett Piper to retire as president of OKWU in 2020
Dr. Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, has announced he will retire in June of 2020 and the university has started the process to search for his replacement.
OU regains momentum with TCU win
A 52-27 win over TCU in Fort Worth has cured the “Texas hangover” as No. 8 Oklahoma keeps climbing in the national polls.
November
Lankford praises Turkey’s release of Pastor Andrew Brunson
U.S. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, praised Turkey’s release of Pastor Andrew Brunson. Turkish officials detained Pastor Brunson two years ago on unsubstantiated charges of espionage.
Gundy keeps dominating Texas series
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has a 7-2 record over the Texas Longhorns. Gundy added to that margin as his underdog Cowboys popped formerly No. 6 Texas 38-35 at homecoming in Stillwater.
Stitt elected governor
In the race for governor, Republican Kevin Stitt defeated Democrat Drew Edmondson and Libertarian Chris Powell.
Stitt, a highly successful businessman, had never run for public office before. Edmondson, part of a Democrat family involved in state politics for decades, was a former state attorney general.
In the First Congressional District, political newcomer Kevin Hern, a Republican, beat Democrat Tim Gilpin for the seat last held by former U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine.
TU swamps Connecticut, 49-19
Tulsa spotted UConn a 10-point lead before the Golden Hurricane came alive with four straight touchdown drives in the second quarter and go on to beat the Huskies, 49-19, Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
Razor-thin Bedlam win sets up Oklahoma for a title run
No. 6 Oklahoma needs to win the next three games and have one of the five teams ahead of them in the polls lose to make the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners dodged a bullet last Saturday with a razor-thin Bedlam victory (48-47) over Oklahoma State in Norman. The Cowboys marched up and down the field on the OU defense yet it was a tremendous play at the end to stop a two-point conversion that preserved the OU win.
Tulsan Roy Clark passes at age 85
Roy Clark, the legendary “superpicker;” Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner; Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member and co-host of the famed Hee Haw television series, died November 15 at the age of 85 due to complications from pneumonia at home in Tulsa.
No. 6 OU plays No. 12 UWV in a Big 12 showdown
NORMAN – All the hopes for a Big 12 Championship and a shot at the national crown were on the line when No. 6 Oklahoma played against No. 12 West Virginia in Morgantown. After beating lowly Kansas 55-40 Saturday in Norman, OU (10-1 overall, 7-1 in the Big 12) sits alone atop the Big 12 standings thanks to Oklahoma State’s upset of No. 12 West Virginia (8-2, 6-2).
Daniel Keating passes at age 74
Daniel G. Keating, twin brother of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, passed away in Tulsa on Saturday. Dan Keating was 74.
“America has lost a patriot. Conservatism has lost a champion. And Tulsa has lost its biggest promoter,” said Charles Biggs, editor and publisher of the Tulsa Beacon.
December
President George H.W. Bush passes
George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and father of former president George W. Bush, died November 30. A World War II hero, the senior Bush was president during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ending of the Cold War in Europe. He was a fighter pilot in World War II. His wife Barbara died in April of 2018.
It’s Big 12 Champs OU versus SEC Champs Alabama
No. 4 Oklahoma should have no problem with motivation in the upcoming College Football Playoff game with No. 1 Alabama. Oklahoma (12-1, 9-1 in the Big 12) decisively won the Big 12 Championship Saturday 39-27 over Texas – avenging a three-point loss earlier in the season to the Longhorns. It was the fourth Big 12 title in a row – a new league record. Alabama had to come from behind to beat No. 5 Georgia 35-28 to win the Southeastern Conference championship.
OSU vs. MU in the Liberty Bowl
Even though Oklahoma State wasn’t as successful this season as recent years, OSU coach Mike Gundy is looking forward to a Liberty Bowl match with former Big 12 member Missouri.
A prosperous New Year
Record-setting tax revenue for November, 12 months
Lawmakers who want to raise taxes will have a weaker argument when the legislative session begins in February thanks to record-setting revenues pouring into state coffers.
State Treasurer Ken Miller’s report on November tax receipts showed an increase of nearly 16 percent from November of 2017.
The November total of $1,000,000,000.00 and the 12-month total of $12,800,000,000.00 set new records for income for the state. That is $1,500,000,000.00 or 13.1 percent more than collections from the previous 12 months. Part of the $140,000,000.00 November increase is credited to passage of the largest tax increase in state history in the legislative session earlier this year.
Kyler Murray wins the Heisman Trophy
The next challenge for Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, winner of this year’s Heisman Trophy, is to win a national championship. It would be the perfect ending to a short but spectacular college career.
“This is crazy. This is an honor. Something that I’ll never forget, something I’ll always treasure for the rest of my life,” Murray said.
Rep. Johnny Tadlock switches parties
State Rep. Johnny Tadlock announced he is changing his political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
“This to me is not at all about party affiliation,” said Tadlock, from Idabel. “This is about representing the people who live in my district to the best of my ability and making sure their voice is heard at the state Capitol.”