Let's Pod This

We discuss how the state and federal government continue to struggle to respond to COVID-19 (despite how they frame it). Meanwhile, significant movement in the criminal justice space: a ballot initiative qualifies for the ballot, the director of the Pardon & Parole board resigns and, ironically, two men escape from the Oklahoma County jail. Also Scott apparently loves magicians.Helpful Links: Find a COVID-19 testing site near you.Run-off debate between Terry Neese & Stephanie Bice

We discuss the possible reasoning behind and implications of the resignation of Governor Stitt's Chief of Staff, Michael Junk, the state legislature announces interim studies, and...apparently aliens may actually exist?Links mentioned in this episode:House interim studiesSenate interim studiesNYT article about aliensRegional Food Bank of Oklahoma Summer Advocacy Bingo

Wow, what a week! Governor Stitt has COVID, cities are mandating masks, updates on SQ807 & SQ810, a lot of folks are down with PPP, the McGirt ruling breeds disagreement amongst the Five Tribes, and the food banks partnered with OESC to help help Oklahomans in need. During the episode we reference this legal filing regarding SQ807 as well as this article from The Frontier about PPP recipients laying off workers.

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that 19 million acres of Oklahoma is indeed part of an Indian reservation. Legal correspondent Brian Jones joins us to discuss the potential implications of the McGirt vs. Oklahoma ruling, the continued increase in COVID-19 cases, and the Governor's refusal to require masks. Things to read:Stephen Colbert’s “Truthiness” video clipMcGirt majority opinionSCOTUSblog post about McGirtThis Land podcast series about the case

Bailey shares her experience being a first-time poll worker and we recap the results of the 2020 state primary election.

The number of COVID-19 cases is up, attendance at President Trump's campaign rally was down, problems with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission are up, and a reminder that there's an election going down...right now, actually.

Happy Juneteenth! We take a few minutes to discuss the history & significance of the holiday and then get into the big news of the week: COVID-19 numbers are WAY up and there's going to be a huge campaign rally tomorrow. What could go wrong? Also, remember to VOTE on or before June 30th - by mail, early in-person, or in-person on the day of the election.

It’s been three months since the NBA suspended their season following the announcement that a member of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a day that effectively marks the beginning of a new era in our lives. At the time that happened, March 11th, Oklahoma only had two confirmed cases of COVID-19; now there are 7,848 confirmed cases and today, June 11th, 222 of which were reported today - the most new cases ever reported in a single day. Protests concerning racism, racial inequality, and police brutality continue across the country and here in Oklahoma. Also, we’re just over two weeks away from our state primary election on June 30th...and this election is sure to be unlike anything most people have experienced. Black Women Voices online forum: Facebook | TwitterImportant announcement - Oklahoma is in dire need of poll workers, particularly in the metro areas. It’s a paid position, and there are trainings being held next week, so if you’re interested, please contact your county election board ASAP and sign up. Oklahoma County Election BoardDoug Sanderson, Secretary (405) [email protected] County Election Board  Gwen Freeman, Secretary [email protected] into being a poll worker from Michelle Bui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGk3pOFl47k

In the two weeks since our last episode, the nation has erupted in protests following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. We stand with #BlackLivesMatter, and in this episode we have a discussion about racism, policy, and how we can do better. Below are the resources we discussed:Resources list referenced by Andy: Anti-Racism Resources for White PeopleVideo referenced by Bailey: Brittany Packnett Cunningham video about breaking the contractBook referenced by Scott: The Body Keeps the Score by The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

As the legislative session draws to a close, Governor Stitt had a busy week signing - and vetoing - a large number of bills. In doing so, the divide between the legislative and executive branches appears to be growing ever wider. What does that mean for the Governor's agenda...and for the state?The Oklahoma legislature ended both their regular session and their special session today. In doing so they voted to end CHEPA, the Governor’s catastrophic health emergency powers act, on May 30th. Does that mean we should expect the Governor to end the state of emergency declaration soon as well?This morning Governor Stitt named Col. Lance Frye, MD, as the interim commissioner of health. As listeners may remember, current interim commissioner, Gary Cox, was not confirmed by the Senate because he lacks the academic credentials required by law for that position. On behalf of Let’s Pod This, we extend our appreciation to Gary Cox for his service and wish Col. Frye good luck as he takes the helm of the Dept of Health in the midst of a pandemic and with his agency facing an audit.Also this morning, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, which handles Oklahoma’s unemployment claims system, voted to consolidate its IT & business practices with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. This happened because OESC, like many state agencies, has an aging & outdated IT infrastructure that was woefully inadequate for the massive number of claims they’ve received over the last couple of months. There are three things that are ironic about this:Yet another state agency falling apart due to lack of investing in infrastructure. It’s 2020 - you can’t run a state government on Windows XP.OMES was created for just this purpose - to consolidate and house the IT and business operations of all the state agencies. That never really worked out as some agencies didn’t conform, so we have this very splintered system. If memory serves, didn’t Governor Stitt previously say he wants to dismantle OMES and return those operations back to individual agencies so they can run more efficiently?Then, this afternoon news broke that the head of OESC, Robin Roberson, stepped down. She was just hired in January, before all this Covid mess started, and according to the Oklahoman, Roberson said she had five calls yesterday asking her to step down before the meeting.The Governor also had a busy week signing - and vetoing - a large number of bills. We don’t have time to discuss all ~134 approvals, but do want to mention the COLA for retired state employees was signed into law. And then, let's talk about the vetoes are certainly interesting. Let’s quickly run through all the vetoes:HB 2749 and HB 2750, which worked in conjunction to authorize an additional $161 million bond package to fund the state’s matching obligation for endowed chair positions at Oklahoma higher education institutions. The measures also functionally capped the state’s funding of endowed chairs. Stitt wants to end state funding for endowed chairs entirely.  2749 Veto override passed 94-3, 44-12750 Veto override passed 92-6, 44-1HB3819 - made any contract from a state agency open to inspection by any member of the Oklahoma Legislature, and it also banned any agency from prohibiting an employee, contractor or other person to communicate with the Legislature. It passed the House 94-1 and the Senate 44-0. Stitt said the measure was duplicative, detailed concern about confidential information not being protected under the bill, and observed that the Legislature did not make its own contracts or employees available for inspection. Veto override passed 94-3, 45-0HB4018 - reated a Rural Broadband Expansion Council to study and map rural broadband access in the state of Oklahoma. Passed nearly unanimously. Stitt said it was redundant w/ his “digital transformation” plan. Veto override passed 90-6, 43-1SB1002 - was the trailer bill to HB 4018 and increased from 12 to 14 the membership of the Rural Broadband Expansion Council, while specifying qualifications of additional members. Passed both chambers unanimously. Veto override passed 91-7, 44-1HB4049 - changed the dedication of fees related to online motor vehicle registrations conducted by tag agencies. Passed both chambers unanimously. Stitt said it hampers his ‘digital transformation’ plan where he believes all Oklahomans will someday access all state services thru a mobile app.Veto override passed 89-7, 44-1SB 1703 created a sales tax exemption for the University Hospitals Trust. OU Medicine had separately pledged to use the roughly $11.1 million per year savings to fund additional residency slots at the teaching hospital. Stitt: “The state needs that money and there’s no requirement they spend it on what they say they’re going to spend it on.”HB 2760 dropped the annual cap on the Affordable Housing Tax Credit from $4 million to $2 million per year. Passed the legislature by much thinner ma

When a quadruple veto override is the least notable thing that happens at the legislature in a given week, you know session must be drawing to a close. This week the Governor vetoed the budget plus three related bills, the legislature quickly voted to override the vetoes, and the legislature passed all manner of other bills that would do everything from: Changes to the initiative petition process (HB 3826)Attacks on campaign ethics rules (HB3613 & HB3996, though it was retracted)Pay raise for judgesOmnibus administrative rules bill (passed, save for the OSDH rules about vaccines)An abortion billExpanded MedicaidTook authority away from cities & mayorsPermanently permitting curbside and delivery of liquorA COLA increase for retired state employeesAnd so much more!First, let’s start with the ethics commission. On Thursday it looked like they were trying to pass a law to allow candidates to spend campaign funds on personal expenses, but that bill was retracted. Donation use stays restricted (The Oklahoman)On Wednesday, they sent HB3613  to the Governor, and the Ethics Commission says it is opaque enough that it might mean they can’t collect reports they need. Would this counteract HB3827?Bill could hide donor and lobbyist info from the public (The Frontier)Let’s talk about  the budget.What was vetoed and whyWhat the legislature did about itGov. Kevin Stitt vetoes budget, Legislature overrides (NonDoc)S&P says 33% change Oklahoma’s bond rating dropsDon't forget: Civics Con is on May 29th! Registration is now open: CivicsCon.com

This week the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down the notary requirement for absentee ballots, and three days later the legislature put it back. But that’s not all they did - they also extended the Governor’s emergency powers under CHEPA for another month and passed a budget for FY21.And don't forget for register for CIVICS CON, which is coming up on May 29th!

The State seems to be having a hard time acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE), and that has led to some...questionable purchase decisions and a forthcoming audit of the state Department of Health. Also, it looks like the state budget will be $800M-$1.3B short next year...but why can't the legislature and Governor's office agree on how much?SHOW NOTESAnnouncements Civics Con registration is now open! CivicsCon.comOverview of what happened this weekToday is May 1st and, as I’m sure all of our listeners are aware, effective today the state has relaxed some of its ‘safer at home’ rules and allowed certain businesses to reopen. Cities followed suit, albeit somewhat begrudgingly. The state has reportedly received $1.2 Billion in federal funding to fight the coronavirus pandemic, and this week we got some more information about how that money is being spent. On Thursday Governor Stitt announced a new mobile testing program for underserved areas and expanding testing to “anyone who wants it,” even those without symptoms, at any of the state’s 80 drive-thru testing locations. Health Department Commissioner Gary Cox said their goal is to test 90,000 Oklahomans during the month of May. They are also dramatically expanding the number of contract tracer staff, from 150 to more than 1000. How is this going to affect Oklahoma’s response to the pandemic?Not all the news about COVID expenditures has been positive. On Tuesday the Oklahoman reported that the state had canceled a $9.5 million purchase of N95 masks because the FBI was investigating the seller. (This sounds like a bad ebay review.) Basically it sounds like it was a “half now, half on delivery” situation.The FBI said the company possibly had “fraudulent activity” involving Chinese ventilators and that Oklahoma had been specifically identified as a potential victim. Also on Tuesday, the Oklahoman also reported that Attorney General Mike Hunter has requested the state auditor’s office to conduct yet another investigation of the State Department of Health, specifically related to how they’ve been handling COVID-19 related purchasing decisions.How are they making these decisions? Who's the person making most of these decisions?Aside from the FBI-investigated company , what are some other questionable purchasing decisions have been made?Is this really the state’s fault, or is it just because every country in the world is trying to procure these items and most are made in the one country where this all started?In other financial news, the state legislature is expected to reconvene next week to get pass a budget for next year. The problem, of course, is that the state is expected to have between $800M - $1.3B less than this year...but they’re not sure how much. Thats a big variance, and #okleg isn't happy with the Governor’s office.Big cuts to education coming? Big enough to undo what what LWV vs Election Board lawsuit was heard this week; ruling should come soon

A whole lot has happened over the last week! From declarations of revenue failures at the state and city level, to civic groups suing the election board, to legislative candidates who don't actually live in Oklahoma, to - wait for it - the state is slowly beginning to reopen. But is that a good idea? We discuss it all!Governor Stitt announced that SQ802, Medicaid Expansion, will be on the ballot on June 30th.Quick recap:On Monday, April 6th, Governor Stitt cancelled the Board of Equalization meeting because his ‘digital transformation’ project was not funded. So, he only signed 2 of the 3 bills the legislature passed to help shore up this year’s budget, but without that third bill, there was still a $416M hole in the budget. Basically, they state was funded through the end of April, but we didn’t have enough money for May and June. The legislature scoffed.So, a week later, on Tuesday, April 13th, House & Senate leaders sued the Governor to force the Board of Equalization to meet, because they have to declare a revenue failure in order for OMES to be allowed to access the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The Governor scoffed.This week, the Governor unceremoniously called a meeting of the Board of Equalization, who meet via Zoom and declared a revenue failure for current fiscal year (FY2020). While most everyone agrees that next fiscal year (FY21, which begins on July 1st) will also have a revenue failure, we have to wait until we get there before the Board of Equalization can make that determination. (But that didn’t stop the Governor from announcing his proposal for budget cuts for both FY21 and FY22.Meanwhile, the price of oil went negative. Congresswoman Kendra Horn suggests the US invest $3 billion to add additional oil to the strategic oil reserve.Oklahoma City basically declared a revenue failure and announced across-the-board departmental budget cuts ranging from 3-11%. Cities are funded by sales tax revenue and, well, the world is closed.Governor signed gaming compacts with two tribes and it includes sports betting, but the legislature and the Attorney General aren’t on board. But...why is that, really? Challenges to candidacy were heard and they were...pretty bizarre.On Thursday, the Oklahoma League of Women Voters and two individuals filed legal action against the Election Board to try and force changes to absentee voting to make voting by mail safer and easier, while still maintaining the integrity and security of our elections. And, of course, in COVID-related news, OU has made a new, faster test and the Governor announced his plan to reopen the state...but not everyone is on board with that plan. About an hour ago, Mayor Holt said he plans to lift the ‘shelter in place’ order on May 1st, but with social distancing and other sanitary guidelines. If data changes before May 1st or afterwards, he will not hesitate to put it back in place. More testing sites are opening; you can go to https://doineedacovid19test.com/ to find out.As we look towards next week, Governor’s emergency powers ends (CHEPA) on April 30th. The legislature will have to reconvene to decide whether to grant the Governor another 30 days of powers should the Governor request them. 

We spend a little extra time discussing not just the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic but how we get to the end of the pandemic, specifically four proposals for how we get there.SHOW NOTESState of play in OklahomaAvg Tests per day: 1440 (265-2750)Positivity: 7.0%# Tests available: 86,603Testing supplies available: 41,327 Serology testing is underway How does OK stack up?To test at SK levels: 31,000 tests daily (2.7 days)At levels recommended by Paul Romer: 280,000 daily (about 3 hours)Serology: How accurate? What does it mean? Update on Stitt v #oklegOn Tuesday, the House & Senate filed a lawsuit against the Governor...what???They argue that since Stitt didn’t sign nor veto SB199, that it is now lawAnd thus, the Board of Equalization must meet in order to declare a revenue failure since the law is in placeBoard of Equalization set to meet April 20. Does that mean the Governor is giving in? Update on candidate filing 46 of 148 seats unopposed. Much more than the last two cycles, but appears to be average overall. Now is a good time to reach out to lawmakers at home - social media, email, phone, etc. 

Just when it seemed like the 2020 #okleg session was going to be smooth & uneventful, budget negotiations took an unexpected turn this week when the Governor threatened across-the-board cuts all state agencies if his "digital transformation" project isn't fully funded. In response, House & Senate leaders pushed back hard in an attempt to call his bluff. Where does leave us?

On Thursday Governor Stitt invoked the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act (CHEPA), which is a set of emergency powers that was passed after 9/11 to enable the state to respond more quickly to a nuclear or biological attack. Needless to say, this has never been used before. What we know this means: Well, the Legislature will go back to the Capitol next week for a special session to ratify the Governor’s declaration, and we’ll talk more about the legislative action aspect of this later on in the show.More directly, CHEPA gives the Governor VERY broad powers, some might argue that he is now the most powerful Governor in state history. But there's a lot more to it than that. Friend of the pod, Brian Ted Jones, is a Oklahoma attorney who has been doing some research into this. Listeners might remember Brian as a  former guest during our criminal justice series last year, and we wanted to have him come back on to share what he’s learned about CHEPA thus far. Back to what the legislature is doing next:Special sessionAnd also maybe regular session?Budget scenarios: Rep. Wallace says no budget cutsBut also, a revenue failure has already been declared!

Most of country is now working from home, and that includes the state legislature. We're joined by Oklahoma House minority leader, Representative Emily Virgin, and House majority floor leader, Representative Jon Echols, to talk about how #okleg is working remotely, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the state budget, and what bills we might see squeak though this session.

America is officially shut down, and that includes Oklahoma. Except for, you know, a poor response to the global pandemic, the state legislature amending the Open Meeting Act, elections being delayed, Senator Infofe suspiciously selling some stock, and people from Maine knitting llama wool. Special guest Effie Rorke joins us as we cover all of that and more in this week's episode!  Show notes are below.Coronavirus updateOU & OSU, many others online-only for remainder of semester, graduations postponedOSDE expected to do same for public schools - school meals will still be served and Supt Hofmeister waived all state testing for this school yearState epidemiologist replaced (presumably because he’s better at epidemiology than at press conferences)State has a critical shortage of coronavirus testing supplies, so only the most sick or at-risk are being testedAs testing expands, the number of cases diagnoses WILL increase dramatically over the next several weeks. Officials expecting a surge. [The Frontier] ⅔ of current positive cases are in the OKC metroJust to reiterate: it at all possible, STAY HOMEA word about death and severity rates: US 1.3%SK 1.0%Worldwide 4.1%A word about exponential growthWe had our first COVID-19 death; a Tulsan Oklahoma Government StuffLegislature passed two bills on Tuesday: one to allow money to be transferred out of the Lengthy Trial Fund (that most of us probably didn’t know existed)State Senate is recessing until March 27th Legislature made changes to the state’s Open Meeting Act to allow public entities to meet via teleconference or video conference. FOI Oklahoma weighed in, AG is helping clarify rulesGovernor Stitt continues to pursue his plan for MedicaidTerrible time for a public comment period, and yet, they’re still doing itCampaign against it: https://coverok.org/Future elections:Election Board declared an “election emergency,” clearing the way for April elections to be rescheduledWill this impact candidate filings and June primaries? Run down on federal legislation that has been passed / what is being worked on Initial appropriationFamilies First Coronavirus Response ActStimulus bill Senator James InhofeVoted against coronavirus package (as did Lankford)NYT reporting Inhofe was among a group of US senators who dumped stocks ahead of pandemic really taking off

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a State of Emergency has been declared at the city, state, and federal level. These declarations have far-reaching impact and consequences and, frankly, we are in uncharted waters. Here to help us walk through everything that has happened in the past 48 to 72 hours for my cohosts, Bailey Perkins and Scott Melson. Last Friday President Trump declared a national state of emergency, which was followed by a similar declaration on Sunday from the mayors of Oklahoma City and Stillwater, as well as Governor Stitt. We are recording this on Monday evening, and so far today I have seen that the mayors of Yukon and Tulsa have also declared state of emergency in those jurisdictions. Additionally, the Oklahoma state Department of Education has canceled school throughout the state until April 6, the Cherokee in Chickasaw tribes are clothes in their casinos, (Most of the casinos in Las Vegas are also closed, for what it's worth), and the Oklahoma legislature announced they are making significant changes to their operations to expedite passage of the budget and other constitutionally required duties. Yesterday the CDC said that all public events with 50 or more people for the next 8 weeks should be canceled, and today they updated that to be all public events with more than 10 people should be canceled. How about we start by talking about what a state of emergency declaration is, and why there are different ones, walk through what a state of emergency means at each level.So, why do we have different ones? [discussion]So, a when the president declares a national state of emergency for a public health emergency, it basically enacts three laws: the Public Health Service Act, Stafford Act, Social Security Act, as well as some other laws.The Stafford Act is the government’s main mechanism for responding to major disasters and emergencies. It permits tapping into an account that currently has more than $40 billion, which it could use to do things like buy medical supplies and equipment. Often used with natural disasters, previously also used by President Clinton to respond to the West Nile outbreak  It frees up federal funds and other resources to help when “federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety.” also empowers the president to direct any federal agency to use its personnel, facilities and equipment to support state and local emergency efforts, disseminate public health and safety information, provide public health and safety measures, and distribute supplies like medicine and food.unlocks extra powers under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act aimed at making it easier to get medical supplies and doctors and nurses where they are needed most. (Prev used by by Obama to address H1N1 aka Swine Flu.Okay, let’s move down to the state level.[discussion]And finally, down to the city level.[discussion]Resourcescdc.govCoronavirus.health.ok.govRegionalfoodbank.org/covid19 Okfoodbank.org Good news coverage:The FrontierNonDocFLn6eq3EKcrn9KovHJy2

We discuss the coronavirus outbreak that is sweeping the country (and how it's being handled here in Oklahoma), a bill to outlaw child marriages that both failed and passed in the same week, a cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for state employees, and an update on HJR 1027, which would affect ballot initiatives.

Super Tuesday has come & gone...but just how 'super' was it this year? We also talk about the Oklahoma response to COVID-19 (aka coronavirus), especially in the face of the Governor's plan to consolidate health agencies AND his just-announced plan to...expand Medicaid? Oh, and the legislature basically wants to end the initiative petition process. What a week!

We discuss the process of lawmaking (both from inside and outside the legislature), what happens when that process is circumvented, what the Super Tuesday primary looks like for Oklahoma.

AnnouncementsState brand online store: https://www.shoptravelok.com/Anti Hunger Day - Tuesday Feb 25th Presidential primary: March 3rdLFT Capitol Day: April 1stCensus starts: April 1stChild Advocacy Day: May 6thThis week at the Capitol:Tribal gaming updateOMES says $85.5m less to appropriate this year from last yearSenate approved SJR to call a constitutional conventionSchool suicide awareness passes senate committeeSnow cones soon to be available in the winter Chamber of origin committee deadline next Friday 2/28State questions update802 (Medicaid expansion) waiting for governor to place on a ballot805 (CJR) collecting signatures807 (rec weed) legal challenge to be heard on 2/26808 (rec weed) can collect sigs, but Tay is incarcerated809 (gun repeal) received legal challenge from810 (independent redistricting) waiting for legal challenge on 2/28Let’s talk electionsCaucus vs PrimaryBriefly discuss/ debate their merits (wacky vs normal)Super Tuesday!State races primary: June 30Online Voter Registration [probably] coming in 2021State race candidate filing: Apr 8-10Odd fact: elections are prohibited, by law, in the months of May, July, Sept, Oct, & December of even-numbered years.

We're two weeks into the legislative session, an d bills are starting to move. Some are alive, a few are dead (or at least mostly dead), and others...well, it's still a bit too early to tell. This week Representative Jason Dunnington (HD88) joins the crew to talk about two of his bills and a whole lot else. Topics include:Conversion therapy ban advancesRoberts vaccine bill killed in committeeNeedle exchange advancesFord seatbelt law advancesRose day stuffDeath penaltyResignation of Steve BuckNew state brandMovement on bills that made Bailey happy!#Oklegvalentines

Scott is joined by our newest co-host, Bailey Perkins, to discuss the finer points of Governor Stitt's second State of the State address.

The Oklahoma legislative session starts in less than two weeks, so we're giving listeners an update-in-brief so that you are ready and prepared.  Updates: Stone & Smalley have resigned: Tribal gaming Tribes suedGov Stitt asks for injunction and for proceeds to be placed in trust Healthcare reformMarijuanaRedistrictingHow will this year be differentWhat does this session look like for the Governor? Tribes are pissedAgency director budgetsThe BUDGETContinued consolidation of executive authority?It’s an Election Year!How does this impact bills/votes/posturing?What the f*ck is Inhofe gonna do?Highlight a few billsHJR 1027 - changes to HB2876 Death Penalty bill - DunningtonNext week: Predict-o-Rama!

Think you know what bills will pass and what bills will fail? Great, because it's time for our annual Predict-O-Rama game! Scott and I run thru the slate of options, and now it's your turn to vote! Link to the game: https://forms.gle/peFv2FMSWpZPjqpQ6

Did Governor Stitt deliver on the plans and promises he listed during his 2019 State of the State address? We break it down and then look ahead at what to expect from the 2020 legislative session.

BIG NEWS! A rag-tag group of Oklahomans have banded together to form "People Not Politicians," a nonpartisan organization that has filed a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to create an independent redistricting commission and end gerrymandering in our state! We hear all about it from their Campaign Manager, whom you might already know...

Much to the chagrin of the NCAA, the state of California recently passed the Fair Pay to Play Act, which law permits collegiate athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsements. A similar bill will likely be filed in Oklahoma next year, so we sat down with OU gymnast (and burgeoning entrepreneur) Peter Daggett to hear his perspective as a student athlete.

This is the fourth and final episode in our "Gerrymandering Oklahoma" series. By now we know what gerrymandering is, how and why it happens, and a few ways to prevent it. But how, exactly, do you get it to stop when the political system is rigged against you? You let the voters take the lead. For this, we spoke with Katie Fahey who started a people-first movement in Michigan in 2018 that led to the formation an independent redistricting commission and virtually eliminated gerrymandering from her state.

This is the third episode in our "Gerrymandering Oklahoma" series. We wanted to learn more about gerrymandering around the country, so we wanted to talk to a man who literally wrote the book on the topic, David Daley. He is the author of "Ratf**cked: Why Your Vote Doesn't Count" and has probably looked at more maps and driven more legislative district boundaries than anyone else in the country.

This is the second episode in our "Gerrymandering Oklahoma" mini series. Now that we know how legislative redistricting is done and how that process often leads to gerrymandering, we want to talk broadly about how states can prevent politicians from picking their own voters. For that, we speak with Dan Vicuña from Common Cause, to gain some insight on what's worked in other states and how their organization is involved.

This is the first episode of our "Gerrymandering Oklahoma" mini series. We're joined by OU political science professor Keith Gaddie to discuss the ins and outs of gerrymandering and the legislative redistricting process. (Hint: It's super important and most people have no idea.)

The judge has ruled: Oklahoma has won their lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, and for that the state will receive $572 million...or will they?

Quick updates on the two ballot initiatives (SQ802 & 803) that are collecting signatures right now, plus we're joined by Sara Jane Rose and Alyssa Fisher from Sally's List to talk about recruiting and training women to run for public office. (Psst - you can do it!)

This is the third episode in our three-part series about criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. In this episode, we speak with state Representative Garry Mize about the legacy of state questions 780, 781, and 788, and what the legislative path to meaningful criminal justice reform might look like.

This is the second episode in our three-part series about criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. In this episode, local defense attorney Brian Jones walks us through each of the steps involved in the typical criminal legal process, including details about the many, MANY fines and fees, as well as some of the big fallacies most people people believe about how the legal system operates.

This is the first episode in our three part series on the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. We're joined by policy experts Damion Shade & Ryan Gentzler to lay a foundation of data about the Oklahoma criminal justice system, how we got here, and why things are so bad. --------- SERIES DESCRIPTION Criminal justice is always an important, hot button issue in our state. In fact, Oklahoma incarcerates more people per capita than anywhere else in the entire world. During this series we talk with subject matter experts, policy analysts, a criminal defense attorney, and a state legislator to find out how we got here, what our criminal justice system looks like, and how we can make it better. A good part of our discussion centers around two key ballot initatives - state question 780 that passed in 2016 and state question 788 that passed in 2018. These measures were enacted into law not by the legislature, but by the people of Oklahoma, illustrating that voters understand this is important and they want to see this issue improve.

Audio from the panel discussion following our "The West Wing" Watch Party, recorded live on May 15, 2019, featuring Donelle Harder (Gov. Stitt's spokesperson), Phil Bacharach (Chief of Staff to State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister), and Steve Hill (Chief of Staff to OKC Mayor David Holt).

We're joined by two members of OKC's LGBTQ community - one a Republican and the other a Democrat - to talk about how they got involved in politics, what Pride means to them, and how they navigate the waters that contain those two things.

We review the results of our 2019 #okleg Predict-o-Rama game and visit with one of the winners, Rep. Zack Taylor from Seminole.

We discuss the pros & cons of Governor Stitt replacing the veteran director of DHS with a young venture capitalist, Justin Brown. Special guest: attorney Brian Ted Jones.

We're joined by Oklahoma state Senator Carri Hicks and local actress/producer/activist Cacky Poarch to get their perspective on the 2019 legislative session and learn about "Faces of the 47th: The Art of Activism," a documentary feature film debuting at the deadCenter Film Festival next week.

Both chambers of #okleg have effectively adjourned, but did they complete all their work? We talk about what was left on the table and also visit with Representatives Josh West and Marcus McEntire about their experience in the legislature.

The #okleg reaches a budget agreement, the Governor sold his airplane, Andy's bill was vetoed, and we have not one but TWO Pruitt Watches. The end of session must be near!

As #okleg nears a budget agreement (or ARE they??), we turn to the municipal level and discuss designing safer, "complete" streets with guest Jonathan Dodson.

With less than a month 'til the end of session, we discuss rumors about the budget, the status of criminal justice reform, and Governor Stitt's use of the veto. We also curse more than usual. Earmuffs, kids. #SSGOTV.

From map data to prison data, from county government feuds to former legislators back in the news, from Medicaid expansion plans to a ban on bans, we've got a little something for everyone this week!