Paul Monies

Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ is directing the $2 billion Tobacco Endowment Settlement Trust’s new investment consultant to rank fund managers by alignment with state values, extending beyond typical investment criteria and injecting culture-war issues into public investment decisions.

More than 8,500 state employees are working remotely at least some of the time, with the arrangement mostly from a lack of space at agencies.  The Office of Management and Enterprise Services compiled the latest numbers after a December executive order issued by Gov. Kevin Stitt mandating a return to the office for state employees.  […]

Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ pushed an investment board for the state’s tobacco settlement trust to target 10 major companies with 2026 shareholder proposals on abortion drugs, DEI, ESG and “gender ideology.” The effort continues conservative-led, anti-ESG activism despite past shareholder support on previous resolutions below 1%.

Candidate loans remain unlimited in Oklahoma, fueling concerns over costly campaigns and barriers for everyday citizens seeking public office. The latest campaign reports show big loans for several statewide candidates.

Oklahoma’s $50 million emissions rebate program is attracting major energy firms like Continental and ONEOK to reduce methane emissions amid a new EPA rule. While some smaller firms have yet to participate, legal and political battles over federal regulations continue in the new Trump administration.

Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ failed to gain support for shareholder proposals targeting “ideological activism” at major companies. Backed by conservative groups, his resolutions drew less than 1% of the vote from shareholders.

A private religious school’s election-season email supporting a GOP-favored tax credit raises concerns about nonprofit rules, political influence and transparency in Oklahoma’s school choice policies.

Nearly 8,000 Oklahoma state employees retained remote or hybrid work arrangements despite a return-to-office order issued by Gov. Kevin Stitt in December. Many agencies lacked space or met exceptions under the policy. But critics argue the mandate caused confusion, disrupted services and contradicted previous support for flexible work policies.

Oklahoma released names and tax credit amounts for thousands of residents using the Parental Choice Tax Credit, which mostly benefited higher-income families. The data release came after months of delay and pressure from Oklahoma Watch under the state's transparency laws.

Oklahoma’s mental health agency faces an evolving budget shortfall and may miss payroll, agency leaders told lawmakers this week. Legislative hearings have uncovered poor budgeting practices and spending inconsistencies. Multiple investigations are underway as the agency works with state leaders to stabilize finances and maintain services.