UPDATE: Oklahoma policymakers are being urged to embrace significant reforms as the new year unfolds. Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, has outlined critical recommendations that could reshape education and economic policies in the state.
Just announced and detailed in a recent list, these proposals aim to address pressing issues facing Oklahoma. Lawmakers are encouraged to prioritize enhanced reading instruction, emphasizing early intervention for struggling readers and a phonics-based approach to literacy. A controversial measure suggests that children lagging more than a year behind should repeat the third grade to ensure foundational learning.
The urgency of this call to action is heightened by the ongoing debate over government price controls, particularly minimum wage laws. Small highlights that while wages have steadily risen, the official state minimum wage has remained stagnant. He warns that artificially inflating the minimum wage could lead employers to reduce job opportunities or relocate to more business-friendly environments.
Another pivotal concern is the proposed shift to a California-style election system in Oklahoma. A new initiative petition seeks to combine all candidates on a single ballot, which may dilute choices for voters. Small argues that this could result in two candidates from the same party advancing to the general election, despite a majority supporting candidates from other parties.
Officials confirm that this system could exacerbate political polarization and confusion among voters. Small states emphatically, “Our election system is not broken, but California’s is.”
Additionally, lawmakers are encouraged to consider making the state superintendent of public instruction a gubernatorial appointee. This change would align educational leadership with gubernatorial campaigns, increasing political accountability and responsiveness to the needs of Oklahoma’s K-12 system.
The state faces challenges in multiple sectors, including state colleges and the food-stamp program, where reports of failure and abuse have emerged. Small insists on the necessity for an overhaul to ensure these programs provide genuine benefits to Oklahomans, stating, “Any funds lost to fraud hurt those truly in need and also penalize hardworking taxpayers.”
Furthermore, moving local elections to November is recommended to boost voter participation and accountability. This change could significantly enhance civic engagement across Oklahoma, giving residents a stronger voice in their local governance.
Finally, Small advocates for the expansion of the successful Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program. This initiative has already helped many low-income and working-class families access private school education, and increasing the cap alongside consumer demand could further broaden educational opportunities.
As 2024 begins, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs emphasizes the importance of seizing these opportunities. Lawmakers are urged to act swiftly and decisively to implement these crucial reforms that could significantly impact the future of education and economic stability in Oklahoma.
Stay tuned for updates on these developing issues as Oklahoma’s legislative session progresses. The choices made now will shape the state’s trajectory for years to come.
