As federal funding for the state faces a temporary suspension, Oklahoma legislators and political analysts have said they have been saying its potential impact, continued conflicts in state education leaders, and states We discuss the future of sports betting.
Federal fund suspension raises concerns
“Look, all of these are moving towards March. They’ll pass on a continuous solution on DC’s budget,” Dunington said. “And there’s a lot of talk about tax cuts. A few weeks ago, we talked about the suspension of broadband and infrastructure funding to Oklahoma at the show.”
Echols warned that if broadband funds are cut forever, they could have great consequences.
“We created a whole new agency for that,” he said. “If that money is taken away forever, it could really be interesting.”
While acknowledging the concerns, Echols emphasized that the funds are not yet out.
“The key to recognizing is that this money is suspended. It’s not stopped,” he said. “We’re looking at all your taxpayer dollars and how they’re being spent.”
Inflation and economic policy under scrutiny
The debate also transformed into inflation and economic policies under President Donald Trump and former Presidents Joe Biden.
“For my Democrats, I’m happy to be aware of inflation,” Echols said. “I hope you joined me three years ago, but I’m very excited to have a conversation right now.”
Dunington countered that tariffs could become the next economic battlefield.
“I think we’re going to talk about customs, duties and duties over the next four years,” Dunington said. There is more inflation as you go along this path of trying to tariff on all the goods that are in the country as you, the consumer, to pay that extra price. ”
School Board Shake-Up Causes Political Drama
Mitchell also nurtured Gov. Kevin Stitt’s recent decision to remove and replace three Oklahoma school board members.
“Oklahoma is not getting better in reading, writing and mathematics,” Echols said. “In the meantime, Congress has added more money to public education over the last eight years than the total for the last 26 years. Do we need more money? We have to do something. ”
Echols supported Stitt’s decision, but criticised the ongoing public feud.
“What disappointed me was the Twitter war between elected officials across the state,” he said. “One of the things we always try to do with this show is to grow up and have hard conversations in a good way.”
Dunington agreed that the focus should be on students rather than on political battles.
“All three of these gentlemen would have either the governor, Superintendent Walter, and Attorney General Drummond had strong leadership qualities or were not elected statewide,” Dunington said. “They need to focus on those qualities and do their best they can for the state, rather than joking with each other online.”
Sports betting is closer to reality
The conversation also touched on sports betting in Oklahoma, with recent legislative efforts pushing the issue forward.
“There are some bills that were passed last week,” Dunington said. “We deal with partnerships with tribes. We deal with partnerships with Thunder, where the Oklahoma City Thunder is allowed to do sports betting.”
However, he said that any path must involve tribal partnerships.
“The only thing I can say about this is that there is only one path, it passes through the tribe,” he said. “Some people may want to do it through lightning. I think Oklahoma citizens are already doing a lot for lightning. We’ve got them to 10 in downtown Oklahoma City. We are building a billion dollar stadium.”
Echols also raised concerns about illegal sports betting apps targeting minors.
“If you have kids, check your phone,” he warned. “There are apps in Oklahoma that I think are illegal because they don’t check their IDs. They’re making underage children bet on sportsbooks.”
What’s next?
With federal funding decisions pending, inflation has grown and progress in sports betting laws, Oklahoma leaders continue to discuss policies that will affect the state’s future It’s there.
