OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, conducted an interim study on the use of dark money in Oklahoma elections. The study focused on the use of dark money in Oklahoma elections and the challenges the use of dark money brings, recent examples of dark money use in Oklahoma elections, and court-tested opportunities for the Oklahoma campaign finance system to be tightened and more transparent. “I think our constituents are tired of being bombarded by anonymous ads, text messages and direct mail pieces trying to influence them to vote a certain way in public elections,” said Blancett. “Not only are they tired of it, but we all should be concerned about why these entities are trying so hard to hide who they are, and the nature of their financial interest.” “Dark Money” is often used to describe election spending where the true source of funds isn’t visible to the public because it is shielded by using multiple pass-thru entities. It can generally take the form of negative campaigning against one candidate or state question. But it has also been shown to be used to influence the primary elections of the opposition, in an attempt to help a weaker primary candidate win, so as to create a greater chance for the preferred candidate to ultimately win a general election. “Dark Money” isn’t necessarily illegal due to the nature of how loosely disclosure laws are structured, but it is specifically used for the purpose of hiding the identities of the people who are spending money. Blancett believes a deep conversation about how we can add transparency in the public election process is a responsible use of the Oklahoma legislature’s time. “I sincerely hope that all political perspectives can come together to make our system better for normal citizens, so they have greater faith in our electoral process and the importance of their role in it,” said Blancett. Executive Director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission Lee Anne Boone presented during the study. She explained that the basic principle behind campaign finance laws is that voters deserve to know who is trying to influence elections. Oklahoma ranked 12 out of 50 states as of 2022 by the Coalition of Public Integrity looking at the structure of commissions with campaign finance jurisdiction and substance laws. “Oklahoma is almost a top ten state in terms of the structure of our campaign finance laws, so that is something we can be proud of,” said Boone. She also pinpointed some specific action items that could improve the system. Elizabeth Shimek, Campaign Legal Center’s Senior Legal Counsel for Campaign Finance also presented during the study about the Voters’ Right to Know Act in Arizona, a state question that was passed by more than 70% of voters. It made significant changes that resulted in greater transparency regarding the use of money in elections and what disclosure must be required of those funding the efforts. The entire study can be streamed on the Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-
OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, and Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, today released the following statements regarding the arrest of a Tecumseh High School student accused of making social media threats to harm other students. "This situation is deeply troubling, and hits close to home for our entire community," Sterling said. "I have been working closely with the OSBI, local law enforcement and school officials since the initial arrest. Their quick action not only prevented further tragedy but also uncovered a broader, coordinated effort to target schools nationwide. Situations like this are fluid and must be handled discreetly so that investigators can continue uncovering information that could save more lives. I am incredibly grateful for the swift and thorough work being done to keep our students safe." "As a former educator of 40 years, 16 of those as a principal at Tecumseh High School, I understand the fear and uncertainty that come with threats like this. No parent should have to wonder if their child is safe at school. Going into this next legislative session, we must make school safety, including the discussion of metal detectors and funding to further support them, a top priority. Our students, parents and teachers deserve peace of mind knowing that our schools are safe places to learn and grow," Sterling said. Tecumseh Public Schools cancelled classes Monday and Tuesday. The student has been charged with making terroristic threats, threatening an act of violence, violating the Computer Crimes Act and possessing and distributing obscene material. Kerbs, who represents the district neighboring Tecumseh, emphasized that everyone is working together to ensure the safety of Oklahoma communities. "Shawnee and District 26 stand ready to support our neighbors," Kerbs said. "We are concerned, and we are committed to doing everything possible to provide the safety our schools need." Should local school districts decide to purchase metal detectors, funding is available. Public school boards in Oklahoma can purchase metal detectors through various means, including general funds, the School Security Revolving Fund, grant opportunities and federal resources. School board members are best positioned to determine the needs of their school grounds, and they are elected by local voters to represent those interests.
OKLAHOMA CITY –Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, hosted an interim study on Thursday on the impact of building code revisions to encourage the development of workforce housing. “Thank you to our local experts for joining us at the State Capitol to better inform members on how we can improve the paths to building the kind of safe, quality housing our workforce and families need,” Schreiber said. “This is just the beginning of this conversation, and I look forward to the work we can do together.” The study explored collaborative and comprehensive solutions and included presentations from the Cindy Giedraitis with the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Mark Tackett with Oklahoma Fire Sprinkler Association, Mark Gandy American Institute of Architects, Oklahoma Chapter, David Adcock of the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, Austin Tunnell of Building Culture, Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Keith Bryant, and Tyler Parette with Housing Forward, the executive director of a statewide non-profit using data and policy to advancing housing preservation and expansion in Oklahoma. The study explored data on the needs for workforce housing and the gaps across the state in meeting the need for those seeking housing for one to two occupants. The discussion explored fire safety and where regulations applicable to larger multi-unit dwellings may not be needed. Participants acknowledged that despite market demands the regulatory environment is sometimes cost-prohibitive for the needed smaller multi-units dwellings. “We want Oklahomans to stay, live, and work here–and we want to welcome anyone who wants to come to our great state–but we have got to have places for these folks to live. Quality workforce housing is desperately needed across the state and that requires a regulatory environment that is willing to move quickly with that need,” Schreiber said. “We have developers, builders, and businesses across the state that want to help meet the needs with safety and quality, but they are challenged with burdensome processes and with unnecessary regulations.” Legislators, housing and workforce advocates, and industry leaders can collaborate to remove cost barriers while maintaining the safety of Oklahomans. -END-