By Constitution Staff

On January 24, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a statement after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take the case of the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. The case considers the exclusion of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School from a school charter based solely on their religious, Catholic affiliation. “I’m glad the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the St. Isidore case. This stands to be one of the most significant religious and education freedom decisions in our lifetime. I believe our nation’s highest court will agree that denying St. Isidore’s charter based solely on its religious affiliation is flat-out unconstitutional. We’ve seen ugly religious intolerance from opponents of the education freedom movement, but I look forward to seeing our religious liberties protected both in Oklahoma and across the country.”

Oklahoma actively discriminated against religion in its charter-school program. And when the state’s Charter School Board refused to participate in that discrimination, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued, and the liberal leaning Oklahoma Supreme Court sided with the attorney general. On March 18, Governor Stitt stood with over fifty elected officials, religious organizations, educational institutions, and research organizations in support of the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Charter School. The case is set to be heard before the United States Supreme Court on April 30 and a decision will not be handed down until later this year.

Governor Stitt Creates DOGE-OK

On February 03, 2025, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2025-04, creating the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK) within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). The new division will build upon past efficiency initiatives and focus on eliminating wasteful government spending, improving efficiency, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively across state government. “Today, I’m launching DOGE-OK to keep the focus on flat budgets and limiting government,” Governor Stitt said. “Our top responsibility as leaders is ensuring we are working on behalf of all four million Oklahomans in the most efficient way possible. DOGE-OK will help identify and root out inefficiencies and government waste. It’s an essential part of making us a top ten state.” DOGE-OK is authorized to collaborate with state agencies, officials, and existing government efficiency initiatives to identify and eliminate waste. The executive order created the unpaid position of Chief DOGE Advisor, who will report directly to Governor Stitt, lead the division independently, and receive broad authority to review agency budgets and operations. On February 14, Gov. Stitt tapped economist, businessman, and attorney Marc Nuttle as Senior Advisor to DOGE-OK.

On March 7, the DOGE-OK website was launched. The new website serves as a transparency portal for DOGE-OK initiatives, including state agency workforce data and project efficiencies that save time and tax dollars. Agencies submit their projects to DOGE-OK, and those efficiencies are then shared on the public DOGE-OK website. Examples include eliminating costly contracts, replacing old processes with new technology, and reducing state-owned assets like computers, fax machines and phone lines. Projects will only be included if they kicked off in 2024 or 2025 and are now resulting in measurable savings to the state. As agencies continue to modernize, reduce inefficiencies, and automate outdated manual tasks, projects will continue to be added to the website.

Lankford Releases Latest Federal Fumbles Report

On February 13, Senator James Lankford released the latest edition of his government waste book, Federal Fumbles: A Playbook for DOGE. Lankford reveals billions of dollars lost to wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments. The book also exposes the 30 different agencies involved in disaster relief and $2 billion that was given to the Taliban through United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “Every time I talk with Oklahomans, they make it clear they want Washington to waste less and save more. My Federal Fumbles book is another edition of our playbook to cut waste and make government more efficient. This is the mandate that the American people voted to implement and we are committed to accomplish,” said Lankford. The latest edition can be accessed through the Lankford’s U.S. Senate website.

Oklahoma Bans DeepSeek Computer Software

On March 3, 2025, the State of Oklahoma banned DeepSeek computer software on all state-owned devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile phones/tablets. The action came after Governor Stitt directed the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to conduct a review of the software and provide a recommendation regarding its use on state devices. It was determined that DeepSeek’s lack of compliance features potentially exposed state data to bad actors within the Chinese Communist Party and violating Executive Order 2024-11. DeepSeek collects extensive user data, including chat history, uploaded files, and IP address information, all of which is stored in China.“We’re not going to take chances when it comes to protecting Oklahomans’ data,” said Governor Stitt. “DeepSeek has too many security risks, and we’re not about to let foreign adversaries have access to our state’s information. This is about keeping Oklahoma safe and making smart decisions for our future.”

DOJ Drops Suit on State Illegal Immigration Law

On March 14, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Donald Trump dropped its lawsuit blocking Oklahoma’s House Bill 4156, which makes it a state crime for someone to be in Oklahoma without legal documentation to be in the country. The Biden Administration’s DOJ originally filed the lawsuit last year and got a judge to place a preliminary junction on the law from being enforced. The legislation was one of the ten bills used in the 2024 Oklahoma Conservative Index rating members of the Oklahoma Legislature. You can check the Index for more details about the bill and see how your legislator voted. It was published in the Summer 2024 print edition of the Oklahoma Constitution newspaper and is available on our website: www.oklahomaconstitution.com

Trans Day of Visibility

State Rep. Michelle McCane (D-Tulsa) issued a media release proudly acknowledging Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, “a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience, achievements, and contributions of transgender and non-binary individuals in our communities as well as bringing awareness to the violence and discrimination they frequently face.” Rep. McCane says she remains dedicated to advocating for policies that ensure all people feel seen, valued, and safe in our state. “While transgender and non-binary people make up less than 1% of Oklahomans, they deserve to feel respected and supported,” said McCane. “Our transgender and non-binary neighbors face many obstacles, and it is important to take this opportunity to celebrate and learn. I stand with the transgender and non-binary community in the fight for equity, dignity, and inclusion and will continue to bring their voice to the capitol.”

Executive Order Defending Religious Liberty

On April 1, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an Executive Order positioning Oklahoma as the nation’s strongest defender of religious liberty. The Executive Order directs all state agencies to root out laws, regulations, and policies that exclude religious individuals or institutions from public programs, funds, or benefits. It builds on a string of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings – Trinity Lutheran v. Comer, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, and Carson v. Makin – which establish that states cannot discriminate against religious entities in public life. Governor Stitt’s action comes before the United States Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond case. Oral arguments will occur on April 30, 2025.

“Religious freedom is foundational to our way of life in Oklahoma. It’s not a privilege handed out by the government – it’s a God-given right that the government must protect,” said Stitt. “We will not stand by while faith-based organizations – including faith-based schools – are pushed to the sidelines by activist bureaucrats or hostile politicians.” Governor Stitt filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the charter board and St. Isidore, arguing that faith-based institutions have the same right to participate in public programs as any other entity.

This executive order mandates a full review and revision of any state law or regulation that excludes religious entities, including outdated provisions in public education, arts funding, and historical preservation programs. It follows the Legislature’s 2023 amendment to Oklahoma’s Religious Freedom Act (RFA), which makes clear that denying access to government programs based solely on religious character constitutes a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion.

100 Years of the State Flag Commemorated

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) held a ceremony on April 2, at the Oklahoma History Center to commemorate 100 years of the Oklahoma state flag which was first adopted on April 2, 1925. The flag was designed by artist Louise Fluke, who won a statewide contest hosted by the Oklahoma Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The flag features an Osage war shield on a blue background. An olive branch and calumet lay across the shield, with seven eagle feathers adorning the bottom edge. The event included speeches or presentations by Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and representatives from the Oklahoma Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Centenarians of Oklahoma.

Wildland Fire Response Working Group

On April 8, in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that began on March 14, claiming four lives and destroying nearly 600 homes across Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the formation of a Wildland Fire Response Working Group. The group will develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance Oklahoma’s wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery capabilities through unified response efforts, interagency coordination, and strategic partnerships. Governor Stitt complained that three weeks after the devastating fires, Forestry still had not turned over a full picture of the events of that day. They had 49 firefighting personnel fighting fires on 92,593 acres and 47 firefighting personnel fighting fires on 2,320 acres.

“The fires we saw last month were a tragic reminder of how quickly these events escalate, and how essential it is that our response is fast, unified, and backed by every tool available,” said Governor Stitt. “This working group will ensure Oklahoma is not just reacting, but leading the way with innovative, proactive wildfire strategies.” The Wildland Fire Response Working Group will be co-led by the Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. The Working Group was directed to convene within 30 days and will submit a set of formal recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within six months.

State Employee Conversions

On April 9, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2025-09 to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure transparency and accountability across agencies. Governor Stitt has set a goal to have fewer state employees when he leaves office than in 2019. He makes it clear with this order that transitioning Full-time Equivalent (FTE) employees to contractors to achieve numbers is not an option. The Executive Order requires all state agencies to submit a detailed report to the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) including identifying all FTE employees whose roles have been converted to independent contractor positions, the number of FTE positions and vacancies in the state agency as of December 17, 2024, and the number of FTE positions and vacancies in the state agency as of the date of the Executive Order. And, an itemized list of all instances where agency FTE count has been reduced or where the agency has left a position vacant due to the use of independent contractors or other outside contracts. “Transforming staff roles into independent contractors that cost taxpayers more is unacceptable. Oklahomans want smaller government, not government that hides behind gimmicks,” said Governor Stitt.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Vacancy Filled

On April 14, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced his appointment of Travis Jett to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. This is Governor Stitt’s fourth appointment to the state’s highest court, the most by any Republican governor in Oklahoma history. The position was vacated when Oklahoma voters failed to retain longtime liberal incumbent Justice Yvonne Kauger, 87, last November. It was the first time in Oklahoma history that a state judge lost a retention vote and was turned out of office. There were 14 applicants that filed to fill the vacancy and Jett was one of the three nominees named by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the governor to select from. Among the 10 candidates eliminated were a former state representative, five judges and a former Oklahoma solicitor general.

Jett graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and earned his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2011. He practiced for several high-profile law firms in Oklahoma City, before returning to Northwest Oklahoma to practice. While he was the only nominated candidate without judicial experience, Jett has represented the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Corporation Commission, Ethics Commission, Department of Health and State Department of Education in litigation, as well as the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Kiamichi River Hydroelectric Plant Cancelled

On April 16, state Sen. George Burns (R-Pollard) applauded the decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to halt progress on a controversial pumped storage hydroelectric project proposed on the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County. The proposed project by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC), was officially halted after FERC determined that the company’s updated Proposed Study Plan (PSP), submitted on March 17, was still insufficient to proceed with planning. The Commission’s ruling follows widespread public opposition. “This is a tremendous victory for southeastern Oklahoma,” said Sen. Burns. “The Kiamichi River is a cultural landmark, and a treasured natural resource for our communities. I commend the Commission for listening to the people of this region and recognizing the dangers of this ill-conceived project. This project threatened not only the environment and wildlife of southeastern Oklahoma, but also the trust and cooperation built through the historic Water Settlement Agreement. Oklahoma’s water should not be compromised for the benefit of outside interests. We must remain vigilant in protecting our land, our people, and our future.”

New State Highway Map

The 2025-2026 state map available to travelers is a bi-fold edition which highlights Route 66 in anticipation of the “Mother Road” turning 100 in 2026. Next year, the nation will celebrate the anniversary with a year-long series of events, promotions, concerts and birthday parties from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. The map’s cover features a motorcyclist traversing Route 66, symbolically having crossed the Bridgeport Bridge to pass by the 50s-era iconography of Stella Atom at Buck Atom’s in Tulsa, Pop’s in Arcadia and the Beckham County Courthouse in Sayre, among others. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell serves as Chairman of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. “Oklahoma is proudly leading the way for Route 66 Centennial celebrations across the nation, and our 2025-2026 State Map will be a warm welcome and helpful navigation tool for visitors,” said Pinnell. “With more than 400 drivable miles of Route 66 – the longest stretch of highway of any state, Oklahoma is the world’s destination for the ultimate Route 66 experience. I’m proud to showcase that in this new, free resource.”

Pinnell Named to ASA Policy Committee

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell is the new chair of the Aerospace States Association’s (ASA) National Policy Committee. Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the ASA’s chairman, made the appointment. Pinnell’s appointment succeeds past ASA National Policy Committee Chair, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio of Guam, who was elected as ASA National Vice Chair in January. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the National Policy Committee and advance discussions on innovative aerospace technologies, including everything from advanced air mobility to commercial space acceleration,” said Pinnell. “Oklahoma has a legacy of aerospace innovation and success dating back over a century, and I look forward to bringing our knowledge to the table.”

OKC Selected for Insurance Commissioner National Meeting

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) selected Oklahoma City as the host location for their 2029 Spring National Meeting. In its 154-year history, this will be the first NAIC National Meeting ever held in Oklahoma. “I am excited for colleagues and industry professionals from around the country to experience our capital city and witness the values of service, honor, and kindness that make up the Oklahoma Standard,” said Commissioner Mulready. The meeting will be held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center and will bring nearly 2,000 attendees from every state and U.S. territory, as well as visitors from several different countries. As part of the state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the NAIC is the standard-setting organization that is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. NAIC provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to regulate the industry and protect consumers.

New Secretary of Commerce & CEO

On February 27, Governor Stitt has named Deborah Moorad as his new Secretary of Commerce and John Budd as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Moorad is the founding CEO and owner of Jax XII Holdings which helps innovators and companies scale through technology. She is also an advisor at Cortado Ventures, a Oklahoma City-based venture capital firm. Previously, she led multiple biotech companies through transformative growth. Budd has served as the first Chief Operating Officer for the state of Oklahoma from 2019 to 2021. He also held the Chief Strategy Officer position at Sonic Drive-In from 2013 to 2018. Most recently, Budd was the COO of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Both nominees are subject to Senate confirmation.

Russell M. Perry Honored

On April 7, the Oklahoma State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 13, which recognized businessman, banker, and accomplished journalist Russell M. Perry for his significant contributions to the state. The resolution was authored and presented by Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) who highlighted Perry’s groundbreaking role as the founder of The Black Chronicle and the founder and owner of Perry Publishing & Broadcasting, now Oklahoma’s largest independent radio group. Perry’s impact extends beyond media to his service on key boards, including the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority, and the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority, as well as numerous business and banking councils. Perry was nominated in 1999 by Gov. Frank Keating to serve as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, making him the first African American in the state’s history to serve in this prestigious position. Despite Perry’s overcoming adolescent homelessness, a remarkable career, and continued dedication to serving the State of Oklahoma, his cabinet position was never officially confirmed by the Senate. Secretary Russell M. Perry was present for the Senate’s adoption of the resolution, along with family members, friends, Governor Keating, and other distinguished guests.

David Boren Passes Away

Former State Representative, Governor, U.S. Senator and University of Oklahoma President David Boren passed away on February 20, 2025, at the age 83 following an extended illness. He grew up in a political family. Boren’s father, Lyle, was the Fourth District Congressman for Oklahoma from 1937-1947. Boren, a Democrat, was elected in 1966 to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in District 28 and served four terms before launching a gubernatorial bid in 1974 at age 33. In that race he defeated incumbent Governor David Hall in the primary and then went on to be elected to the office in November. Boren served one term as governor before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978. He served two full terms as senator before resigning in 1994 during his third term to become President of University of Oklahoma where he served until retiring in 2018. Boren earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, master’s degree from Oxford University and juris doctorate degree from OU. He was also a Rhodes Scholar.

Passing of Former Congressman Wes Watkins

Former State Senator and Congressman Wes Watkins passed away on March 26 at the age of 86. He graduated from of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 1960 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 1961. After graduation he became a land developer and homebuilder.

Watkins was elected to Senate District 13 of the Oklahoma Senate in a special election as a Democrat to in 1974 and served just two years before running for and winning Oklahoma’s Third District seat to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976. He served from 1977 until 1991. He ran for governor in the 1990 Democrat primary and narrowly lost to David Walters. He made an unsuccessful run for the office again in 1994 as an Independent. Following the 1994 election, he joined the cabinet of incoming Republican Gov. Frank Keating and switched his registration to Republican. In 1996, he ran for Congress again and won the Third District Congress seat as a Republican. He was reelected in 1998 and 2000, but did not seek reelection in 2002.

He was a lifelong supporter of OSU and he remained engaged with the university. The OSU Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development and the Wes Watkins Agriculture Research Extension Center are named after him as is the Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka and a reservoir in Pottawatomie County.

Passing of Former State Rep. Nations

Former state Rep. Bill Nations (D-Norman) passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age 82 following a battle with cancer. He pursued his passion for history at the University of Oklahoma before earning a degree in dentistry from Baylor University in 1968. He then served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1970. After completing his military service, he began his career as a dentist. He served on the Norman City Council from 1986-1992 and as Norman mayor from 1992-1998. He was then elected to House District 44 in the Oklahoma Legislature in 1998 and served until 2010 when he reached his term limit. He was an at OU sports enthusiast and for years and kept the official game statistics for the Sooner basketball games. He was consistent politically with his fellow Democrats in the Legislature, earning a 20 percent cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

Passing of Former State Rep. Bobby Frame

Former state Rep. Bobby Frame (D-Checotah) passed away on February 25, 2025, he was 65. He worked at the family Frame Lumber business for most of his life. He was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives (District 15) in 1996 and served two terms. He plead guilty in a DUI case and chose not to run for reelection in 2000. He was consistent politically with his fellow Democrats in the Legislature, earning a 18 percent cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

Passing of Former State Sen. Marvin York

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Marvin York (D-Oklahoma City) passed away on March 22, 2025, at age 92. After serving in the Air Force, York earned degrees in English and Instrumental Music from Northeastern State Teacher’s College at Tahlequah. He then taught in Kansas and later in Oklahoma City while attending night law school at Oklahoma City University. He practiced law in South Oklahoma City and was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1968 and served three terms. He was elected to the Senate in 1974 and served 12 years before losing his 1986 reelection bid to the late Republican Senator Kay Dudley. He served as Senate President Pro Tempore from 1981-1985. He was praised for his work attempting to pass the failed Equal Rights Amendment. He was consistent politically with his fellow Democrats in the Legislature, earning a 23 percent cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

A Disgruntled Reader

We recently received an email from a subscriber: “NOT renewing our subscription, several of your columnists are quite vile and we don’t support their radical agenda and can’t support their abuse.” We are still trying to figure out who the vile columnists are.