May brought an abrupt slowdown in tornado activity after a historic start to 2026. The year opened with January tying its monthly tornado record, followed by a...

Happy Graduation, Class of 2026!I had the pleasure of being the commencement speaker for Bray-Doyle High School. It was wonderful to share the evening with graduates and...

Honoring those who have paid the ultimate priceEach May we observe Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave all in defense of our freedom. As Americans, we know...

The Pros and Cons of a Minimum Wage Increase for OklahomansVoters will decide State Question 832, the minimum wage increase, on June 16. If passed, the state question would...

OICA Remembers Four Amazing OklahomansRecently, we lost four Oklahomans who made tremendous impacts for good on those around them.Two former lawmakers who I had the...

We Need Your Help to End Child MarriageBill Barely Passes State House, Now on Governor’s DeskAmong my duties as CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is...

The Senate on Thursday passed the deadline for House bills to be heard on the floor of our chamber. With most of the major floor work now complete, the House and Senate are...

With a state budget passed and signed by the governor and many bills advanced through both legislative chambers, the Senate is nearing the end of this legislative session....

Several Children’s Bills awaiting final passage as session winds downWe at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy appreciate the diligent work of lawmakers regarding...

Children Thrive When Parents Are In Their LivesOver the past few years, a national movement has taken off in many states to establish a hardened rule in the law that 50/50...

The Senate just passed one of the last remaining deadlines of this legislative session. Thursday was the deadline for Senate committees to finish reviewing House bills....

Early budget agreement mostly good for state's childrenGov. Kevin Stitt and Republican leaders from the state Legislature announced a budget agreement last week. The Fiscal...

Leadership in both chambers and Gov. Kevin Stitt have reached an agreement on a proposed $12.78 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins in July. This budget is...

“…Half the Battle…”The old adage about knowing being half the battle is very true when it comes to policy advocacy.I am thankful for the partner organizations with which...

One of the biggest challenges the Senate Appropriations Committee is dealing with this year is the rising cost of Medicaid. Approximately one in four Oklahomans is enrolled...