Latest news with #OklahomaWatch
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma agencies publish private school tax credit recipients under transparency law
Evie Jenney teaches theology at Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Oklahoma City on May 20, 2024. The school is one of more than 200 participating in the Parental Choice Tax Credit. (Photo by Ted Streuli/Oklahoma Watch) Oklahoma officials have released the names of the thousands of taxpayers who received the new Parental Choice Tax Credit for tuition and expenses at private schools. After repeated requests by Oklahoma Watch dating back to December, the Oklahoma Tax Commission sent the tax credit recipient data to the state's open data website. The information is limited to just the name of the taxpayer and the amount of private school tax credits they received in 2024. It doesn't include school or student information. The tax credit program provides up to $7,500 annually per child for private school expenses. Lawmakers capped the overall cost of the program at $150 million in tax year 2024, but it rises to $250 million in tax year 2026. If they qualified, most taxpayers received half the credit early in the year and the other half later in the year. The total credit amount doesn't show how many children in a family received the private school tuition tax credit. The top recipient received more than $24,000 in tax credits in the second half of 2024, according to the data. The data is posted at the state's open data website, which is maintained by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Oklahoma Watch requested private school tax credit data in December from the Tax Commission under the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Oklahoma Taxpayer Transparency Act. Though most taxpayer data is confidential, recipients of tax credits are an exception under the taxpayer transparency law. Lawmakers passed that law in 2010 to address budget planning issues caused by transferable tax credits. Initially, the Tax Commission referred Oklahoma Watch's request to the state's open data website, which lacked the relevant data. Commission attorneys later determined the data could only be released through the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Although the Tax Commission administers the program, it would not release the data directly. After a delay and agency miscommunication, the data was finally posted on the state's open data site on April 29. The Tax Commission last week released its latest snapshot of the recipients of the Parental Choice Tax Credit. It showed just 2,963 of the 36,921 students approved for the tax credit so far this year were enrolled in public school the previous semester. In setting up the program, lawmakers gave priority consideration to families making an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Proponents frequently referred to that group as 'low income,' even though the state's median household income is $63,600. About 2,700, or 9%, of the students in the program came from families that qualify for income-based public assistance programs, according to the data snapshot. More than 27,000 students receiving the private school tax credit – almost 75% – came from families with household incomes above $75,000, according to the latest Tax Commission data. Shiloh Kantz, executive director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, said at a minimum, lawmakers should put additional accountability measures into the Parental Choice Tax Credit program. She said it would be helpful to know which private school the student attended and the local public school district. There should also be regular audits of the credit and the percentage of audits where errors were found. Those types of safeguards are built into state and federal programs like the earned-income tax credit, food stamps and Medicaid that benefit low-income families. 'We got told this program will uplift educational outcomes, that it offers families educational choice and opportunity through that choice,' Kantz said. 'But really it just rewards those people who can already afford private education, and it just leaves our public school students further behind, especially in a state where one in five kids live in poverty.' Kantz said few private schools are adding capacity to take additional students. Meanwhile, some schools have increased tuition since the tax credit was implemented. 'So it is not about having parental choice,' Kantz said. 'It is about checking a box as a political red state to say, 'We did the thing.' But it's not helping working Oklahomans.' The Legislature considered several changes to the program this year. Lawmakers didn't act on Senate Bill 229, by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, this session. It would have eliminated the $250 million annual cap on the private school tax credit, a change Gov. Kevin Stitt called for at a rally at the Capitol in March celebrating the private school tax credit program. SB 684, by Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, could come up for a vote in the House this week. It mostly deals with accreditation organizations for private schools participating in the Parental Choice Tax Credit. But it also prioritizes existing recipients if they still meet income eligibility requirements. This article first appeared on Oklahoma Watch and is republished here.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Watch uncovers why homeowners' insurance rates are so high, commissioner responds
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Sky-high insurance rates affect nearly every homeowner in Oklahoma. We've all heard the excuse that it's because of the hail, but Oklahoma Watch decided to look beyond that and discovered it may not be the case. 'It turns out that both Texas and Kansas have historically more hail than we do. Yet their insurance rates are lower than ours,' said JC Hallman, reporter for Oklahoma Watch. A report from the National Weather Service from 2020 to 2024 shows Oklahoma had an average of 16.6 days of 2 inch hail. While Texas had more than double at 37.8 days. Kansas had 21.4 days and Nebraska had 22.6 days. Those numbers are what made Hallman start asking what's really driving up Oklahoma's insurance costs. 'It's a quirk in Oklahoma law,' said Hallman. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) will regulate rates if they go too low, but won't step in if they go up, assuming the free market will bring costs down. State Auditor releases initial report on Department of Mental Health 'Oklahomans wind up paying a lot more than they maybe need to and it allows the insurance companies to cover up losses in other states by charging Oklahomans more money,' said Hallman. The OID is led by Glen Mulready. 'Glen Mulready actually has the power based on the law as it is that he could step in and simply decide that we do not have a competitive market and once he says we have a non competitive market, then he could just lower rates,' said Hallman. News 4 asked Mulready if he has considered taking action. 'It all comes down to, do we have a competitive marketplace? And yes, we're getting complaints because premiums are up and people don't like that and I get that, but we have a very competitive marketplace,' said Hallman. Oklahoma Watch reported that there was one instance a commissioner stepped in to lower rates with earthquake insurance. 'Now there were two companies writing earthquake coverage, so it was determined that is not a competitive market,' said Mulready. Records show that the insurance industry was Mulready's top donor in thirteen out of fifteen years. Business owners concerned about NW OKC road construction 'There's zero connection with that because there's nothing that can be done. We don't approve rates, I could see that if we approve rates and somehow I was doing a favor for a certain insurance company, but that doesn't take place because it can't take place,' said Mulready. Mulready also told News 4 he never said it was just hail driving up the cost of insurance. 'Rates are up because of claims and inflation. You know, if a roof costs more to replace today than it did yesterday, your insurance premiums are going to reflect that because that's a direct connection to actual costs,' said Mulready. News 4 asked if he's working with lawmakers to do something about the high prices. 'We are looking for solutions, there's no silver bullet,' said Mulready. Last year the legislature passed the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act, which just launched in March. Homeowners can apply for grants to use to fortify their homes, which can lead to lower premiums. While Mulready believes Oklahoma has a competitive market, Hallman encourages you to share your concerns with the OID and push for change. To read JC Hallman's full story, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘It's obvious nobody's watching': Former GOP lawmaker says Republicans failing to hold Walters accountable amid massive staff payments
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A former Republican lawmaker says members of his own party are failing to hold State Superintendent Ryan Walters accountable after News 4 and Oklahoma Watch uncovered a string of unexplained, five-figure payments the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) made to out-of-state political operatives Walters hired to work for the department. Last Wednesday, News 4 revealed OSDE paid its former spokesperson a final paycheck totaling more than $76, on Monday, News 4 reported Walters' new chief of staff, Matt Mohler, a Florida political strategist who once worked for the same political consulting firm as Walters' highly paid advisor Matt Langston, received a $32,000 bonus in February. New records reveal even more unexplained five-figure payouts to Ryan Walters' chief of staff As News 4 reported, that was on top of Mohler's six-figure base salary at OSDE — and despite him still appearing to work full-time for a company in Florida, according to the company's Tuesday, News 4 uncovered additional records revealing Mohler received another unexplained bonus payment in March for $12, Wednesday, Oklahoma Watch reported OSDE hired another out-of-state political consultant, a man named Chad Gallagher, from Arkansas. Oklahoma Watch reported OSDE hired Gallagher for a 'temporary' role, with a nearly $100,000 yearly salary. 'His background is pretty interesting,' Oklahoma Watch reporter Jennifer Palmer told News 4. 'He lobbied for ClassWallet, which, of course, you know, we've written about quite a bit here in Oklahoma,' Palmer News 4 reported, ClassWallet was a vendor Walters, prior to becoming State Superintendent, hired to distribute federal COVID-relief funds to help families buy school supplies. A state audit revealed that almost 20% of the total purchases families made through ClassWallet were on items not related to educational learning per the grant guidelines, including couches, Xbox consoles, and Christmas trees. Further investigations revealed Walters gave ClassWallet his 'blanket approval' for all the purchases. Despite that, the state later sued Oklahoma Watch reached out to OSDE spokesperson Grace Kim to explain Gallagher's hiring, she declined to comment. New OSDE chief of staff paid nearly $50K in first month, still listed as active employee for Florida company Kim also declined to comment to News 4 each time we reached out seeking explanations for the tens of thousands of dollars in payments OSDE made to Isett and News 4's reporting, Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt called on state lawmakers to take action. 'The superintendent has way too much latitude,' Kirt said in a TikTok post Tuesday. 'I keep asking my Republican colleagues to stand up to him and hold him accountable. They won't do it.' Her comments caught the attention of former Republican State Representative Mark McBride.'There's so many things we should be pushing back as Republicans,' said McBride, who served as the chair of the Oklahoma House Education Committee until he termed out of office in November. 'But no. We've got Democrats you can interview, but the Republicans won't step up to the plate and say, hey, this is wrong. Stop it.'While in office, McBride repeatedly criticized Matt Langston's role at OSDE, as Walters' Chief Policy Advisor. Langston runs a political consulting firm, 'Engage Right,' and worked as a strategist for Walters' campaign prior to being hired at OSDE. Despite making a six-figure salary with OSDE, Langston lives and works out of Austin, Texas. OSDE claims Langston is a 'part-timer' employee. In February, Oklahoma Watch reported OSDE paid Langston a nearly $ 45,000 bonus, without explanation. Records: State paid former OSDE spokesperson more than $75k in final paycheck 'He's a ghost employee pretty much, I've said that time and time again,' McBride said. 'At least when I was in office, we filed two subpoenas, multiple requests, had him come before us and talk to us.'But now— 'It's obvious nobody's watching,' McBride said. 'I don't know what they're trying to do.'This week, Governor Kevin Stitt also expressed concern about the reports.'Unfortunately, you know me, the Governor doesn't get to hire and fire the different state agency heads,' Stitt said at his weekly press availability Wednesday. 'We're not dumb. Oklahomans are not dumb. Oklahomans see these people in these different political positions, running for their next office.''The only people who push back against him are the governor and the attorney general,' McBride said. 'And there's not a comment—not one comment—from a Republican legislator pushing back on this misuse of state tax dollars. It's sad.'News 4 only heard from one currently-serving Republican lawmaker willing to speak on this issue: State Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton).'It seems like there's always new developments happening at SDE,' Pae said. 'The more and more we have these issues arise, we have to follow the money.'Pae said he would like to see House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) open a special investigation to look into the mysterious payments at OSDE. 'I know the Department of Mental Health has been the primary focus and there has been a select committee established by Speaker Hilbert,' Pae said. 'We could have a similar committee look into all these discrepancies at SDE. That would be my personal recommendation to have a formal process like that and have public hearings.'News 4 reached out to Speaker Hilbert's office to ask if he would support launching an office said he has no comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
New rates for inmates shift focus to laptops for Oklahoma families
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Families in Oklahoma are seeing relief in how much it costs to connect with loved ones incarcerated with set per-minute rate caps for in-state audio calls, video communications, including video visitation. Oklahoma families with loved ones confined switched to state-issued tablets, made available to prisoners statewide in 2021 after the banning of physical mail from entering state prisons in September 2024 curtailing the flow of contraband drugs into facilities. The Federal Communications Commission in July of 2024 changed the rules to end exorbitant phone and video call rates that have burdened incarcerated people and their families for a very long time. According to FCC officials, under the new rules, the cost of a 15-minute phone call will drop to $0.90 from as much as $11.35 in large jails and, in small jails, to $1.35 from $12.10 beginning January 1, 2025. Authorities capture 2,840 lbs. of marijuana in shipping scheme, 6 arrested Communications services, such as video conferencing and video visitation breakdown is as follows: *Compliance with the new rate caps will be phased in based on the size of the correctional institution and other factors. Audio Rate Caps (Permanent) (Per minute) Video Rate Caps (Interim) (Per minute) Tier (ADP) Current Caps New Caps Current Caps New Caps Prisons (any ADP) $0.14* $0.06 N/A $0.16 Large Jails (1,000+) $0.16* $0.06 N/A $0.11 Med. Jails (350-999) $0.21 $0.07 N/A $0.12 Small Jails (100-349) $0.21 $0.09 N/A $0.14 Very Small Jails (0-99) $0.21 $0.12 N/A $0.25 * Current cap figures that include a $0.02 additive for facility costs, which equates to the allowance made for facility-incurred IPCS costs reflected in contractually-prescribed site commissions, the closest available comparison. ADP means average daily population. Oklahoma Watch first reported, the new FCC regulation capping prison and jail phone call rates. Additionally highlighting, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) and Securus Technologies agreed to lower the state's phone call rate from 14 cents per minute to 6 cents per minute. Securus under the amended contract who took over Oklahoma's prison phone system in 2020 charging 20 cents per minute will no longer receive $3.5 million per year contract agreement in Oklahoma. Securus will now beginning paying ODOC $580,000 over 12 months for tablet e-messaging and media rights, according to the latest contract agreement, reported by Oklahoma Watch. Oklahomans are now shifting their focus as the FCC who has no regulating authority over tablet e-messaging as a pending lawsuit filed by Securus and Pay Tel alleging that the FCC exceeded its authority under the Martha Wright-Reed Fair and Just Communications Act is ongoing. Implementation of rate cuts continue as federal courts decline any pause due to pending cases. To read the Oklahoma Watch full article click here. *The Department of Corrections and Prison Policy Initiative have not responded at the time of this publishing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Education Department Seeks to Buy Bible Lessons for Oklahoma Elementary School Kids
This article was originally published in Oklahoma Watch. While its effort to buy Bibles for classrooms is tied up in court, the Oklahoma Department of Education initiated a new vendor search to purchase materials containing Bible-infused character lessons for elementary-aged students. The department is looking to buy supplemental instructional materials containing age-appropriate biblical content that demonstrates how biblical figures influenced the United States. Additionally, the materials must emphasize virtues, significant historical events, and key figures throughout Oklahoma history, according to bid documents published Friday. The request for proposals doesn't specify how many copies the state wants to buy, only that the vendor must be willing to ship directly to districts. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Like the Bibles the department sought in the fall, this request could be challenged under the state constitution, which prohibits public money from being spent for religious purposes. 'This RFP seems to be another constitutional violation,' said Alex Luchenitser, an attorney for Americans United for Separation of Church and State and one of the attorneys representing Oklahomans in the Bible lawsuit. 'It seeks to inject the Bible into public school curricula, and only refers to the Bible and doesn't refer to any other religious texts, so it's clearly a move to push Christianity,' he said. The Education Department wants the character materials to align with Oklahoma's new social studies standards, which have been revised to contain more than 40 references to the Bible and Christianity, compared to two in the current version. But the proposed standards haven't been approved. Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is expected to present the standards to the Board of Education at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday. It will be the first time the board meets since Gov. Kevin Stitt replaced three members. If approved, the standards will move to the Legislature for consideration. The standards review committee included several nationally prominent conservatives: Dennis Prager of PragerU, David Barton of the Christian Nationalist organization Wallbuilders, and the president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts. While standards guide what schools are to teach, school districts have sole authority to choose curriculum and books. In November, the state abruptly canceled a search to buy 55,000 King James Bibles, an effort that attracted criticism for appearing to exclude all Bibles except an expensive version endorsed by President Donald Trump. Walters vowed to reissue that request, but a coalition of parents, students, teachers and faith leaders asked the Oklahoma State Supreme Court to block the purchase and Walters' mandate to teach the Bible. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the state's central purchasing agency, also wants to wait. It asked the court for an order allowing it to delay the new Bible request for proposals until the case is resolved. Two OMES employees are named in the lawsuit. This article first appeared on Oklahoma Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
