Capitol Watch Episode 47 The legislative session is about to start and the topic getting the most attention so far seems to be the various plans to cut or even phase out the state personal income tax. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy go over some of the plans by Republicans and try to find the devil in the details. Then talk turns to the salaries of statewide elected officials and the rejection of proposed raises first reported by Oklahoma Watchdog. (Recorded 3-Feb-2012)
Capitol Watch Episode 46 Big news at the Department of Human Services as Director Howard Hendrick announced he was stepping down after 13-years at the helm of one of the state's largest agencies. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about the decision and where DHS goes from here, including some names as possible replacements. Plus, more details on House Speaker Kris Steele's proposal for criminal justice reform that would help restrain the growth in costs in Oklahoma's prison system. (Recorded 24-Jan-2012)
Capitol Watch Episode 45 The legislative bill filing deadline has passed and host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy go over some of the numbers comparing this year to last year. The House Ethics Committee had another meeting which included a proposed Code of Conduct for members which could have some interesting results. And House Republicans outlined their plans for government modernization and pension reform this year. (Recorded 20-Jan-2012)
Capitol Watch Episode 44 Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss a plan unveiled last week to help Oklahoma's Department of Corrections keep costs from spiraling out of control by looking at ways other than incarceration to deal with the problem. Then the talk moves to education spending, specifically a plan by the Regents for Higher Education to use bonds to pay for a backlog in endowed chair matching funds. (Recorded 13-Jan-2012)
Capitol Watch Episode 43 There's no shortage of news so far in 2012! Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy first talk about the approval of a settlement in the lawsuit against the state Department of Human Services. While it means that it won't go to trial in federal court, there are questions about what the state will have to do and whether lawmakers have any real say in the matter. State Auditor Gary Jones' office is starting the new year off with a Special Audit of the Department of Education which found lax time records for workers and a promise of another audit to come soon. (Recorded 05-Jan-2012)
Capitol Watch Episode 42 Happy New Year! While 2012 has only just begun, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy take a few moments to look back on the biggest stories of 2011 from the state politics point of view. It's the Year in Review episode! (Recorded 21-Dec-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 41 Merry Christmas! In this episode, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss the state's budget and whether the state will have presents under the tree or coal in the stocking when it comes time to develop a spending plan for next year. And is the tax credit task force a Grinch that will be taking away important incentives or will it set up a plan to determine which are naughty and which are nice? (Recorded 21-Dec-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 40 This week's episode is devoted almost entirely to the topic of education. First up, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss the budget request just passed by the State Board of Education. It's the smallest increase request in a number of years, but it's still $158-million during a time when lawmakers are talking about stand-still budgets. Then the talk moves to the announcement that Oklahoma will not be getting a federal grant for early childhood education. Plus more! (Recorded 16-Dec-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 39 The State Auditor released a report on the Grand River Dam Authority that includes five referrals to the Attorney General's office for investigation. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy go over the "highlights" of the report and what it means for GRDA and former CEO Kevin Easley. Plus, the list of candidates is set for Oklahoma's presidential primaries and an agency head has an idea for giving state workers a raise at the expense of the state's pension system. (Recorded 09-Dec-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 38 Oklahoma's income tax is the hot topic in state politics over the last week. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about one plan to phase out the income tax and the support it has received from a man considered the father of supply side economics. They also talk about how the work of two task forces might make tax reform possible and how the state's pension shortfalls might hinder the process. (Recorded 02-Dec-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 37 With Thanksgiving over with, the start of the next legislative session is only about two months away and the state budget - as usual - is expected to be the biggest topic of discussion for lawmakers. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy explain how increased revenue for the state will still mean stand-still budgets for state agencies and how the process could be opened up. The gang also talks about Oklahoma's state pension systems and how their health will either help or hurt the budget process. (Recorded 21-Nov-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 36 Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about comprehensive tax reform and whether lawmakers will actually start on the "glide path" to eliminating the income tax. Three university professors told a task force this week that it's not a good idea and could cause big problems, but others say it's the best way to make Okahoma more competitive to attracting businesses. When the legislature convenes next February, there will be several key changes in key leadership positions and the gang talks about how redistricting will affect the elections to replace those members. (Recorded 18-Nov-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 35 Two important meetings this past week caught the attention of host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy. The pension reform task force met and provided some good news for the future of Oklahoma's debt obligations. And the meeting of the tax credit task force adds an element of optimism that changes will be coming in the nest legislative session. The episode starts with some sad news regarding the unexpected passing of State Senator David Myers who is greatly missed by his colleagues and friends. (Recorded 11-Nov-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 34 Trial has been ordered for State Representative Randy Terrill and former State Senator Debbe Leftwich on charges of bribery. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss what has happened so far and why defense attorneys are optimistic. Staying within the judicial system, the talk turns to efforts to restrict information available through Open Records requests when it comes to state employees and why that's not good for the public. (Recorded 04-Nov-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 33 The Task Force on Tax Credits and Incentives met earlier in the week and host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about how some of the most contentious talk was among lawmakers. The presentations dealt with a couple tax credits for the energy industry, but reactions to the coal tax credit were vastly different from those of small wind turbine production. The other big meeting of the week was the House Committee on Pension Reform. McGuigan and Rudy were there and explain how the outlook is vastly improved, but there is more work to be done to get the six main pension funds fully funded. (Recorded 28-Oct-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 32 The gang is back together again! The Department of Human Services is the main topic for host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy. House Speaker Kris Steele announced a new oversight committee to look into all aspects of DHS while two members invited DHS Commissioners to the Capitol to talk about what has been going on recently (only three showed up). Then the discussion moved to the prospect of wine and strong beer sales in grocery stores and an historic vote for the next Speaker of the Oklahoma House. (Recorded 21-Oct-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 31
In this week's episode of Capitol Watch, Patrick B. McGuigan talks with Joel Kintsel, executive vice president at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, about prospects for passage of a balanced budget amendment. The key question, Kintsel says, is whether or not the potential federal constitutional measure has real “teeth,” and how quickly it might head to the states for ratification. McGuigan reports on the Oklahoma City version of the “Occupy” movement. Born from frustration with successes of the Tea Party on the conservative end, the Left flank of President Barack Obama and the Democratic party is pressing strong criticisms of bank bailouts and other financial policies at the federal level. McGuigan cautions that the rhetoric of some Occupy speakers, including one in Los Angeles last week, may impede the movement's progress. McGuigan also summarizes largely positive news about Oklahoma's economy presented at a recent Oklahoma City briefing by officials with the Federal Reserve Bank. Casting a dark shadow over the state news, however, is bad news at the national and international level. McGuigan summarized the mixed views from Fed economists this way: “Things will be fine, unless they're not.” (Recorded 14-Oct-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 30 In this week's Capitol Watch podcast, host Billie Rodely guides CapitolBeatOK editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Jonathan Small of the Oklahoma Council of Public Public Affairs through discussion of a controversy over a state Education Department staffer's criticism of Jenks and Union public school officials as "dirtbags" for opposing aid to special needs children, and for suing parents seeking government scholarship aid for their children. McGuigan notes that state Rep. Jason Nelson and other advocates say such criticism will continue so long as the local officials impede implementation of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for special needs students. In other discussion, Nichols lays out the details, presented in an OCPA-sponsored special hearing last week, of recent spending patterns in Higher Education, where expenditures are increasing even as state funding is pinched by the aftermath of the national economic downturn. Regular participant Peter Rudy, of Oklahoma Watchdog, is away from Oklahoma City for a couple of weeks. (Recorded 30-Sep-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 29 State government spending is the main topic of this week's episode. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy first talk about the Department of Human Services which is preparing a budget request for next year that calls for a 37% increase, even though DHS officials admit it's not going to happen in the current budget climate. Oklahomans are okay with less government spending according to a recent Sooner Poll and the future of some tax credits are in doubt. (Recorded 23-Sep-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 28 In this week's episode host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy start off with discussion of the House Special Investigative Committee which wrapped up its work on the situation surrounding Rep. Randy Terrill. The talk then turns to a decision that will lead to many state workers getting a raise thanks to the Employee Benefits Council and finally, some thoughts on the sale of OPUBCO to a Colorado billionaire. (Recorded 16-September-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 27 Host Billie Rodely says tax credits continue to be a hot topic at the State Capitol and CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan talks about plans one lawmaker has to address the issue of transferring tax credits for cash. Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy has the latest on Open Meeting Act violations at the Human Services Commission and updates his series on Higher Education spending. (Recorded 09-September-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 26 The federal government's decision to file suit against the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile is "highly unusual" and CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan explains why. Then Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talks about a legislative hearing on state-owned golf courses before the episode finishes up with a discussion of water issues. Host Billie Rodely is out of town, but on the phone keeping the show organized. (Recorded 02-September-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 25 Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about education and tax credits in this week's episode. State senators will talk about Higher Education in an upcoming interim study and Billie has all the details on what areas will get a lot of attention. Pat talks about the benefits given to administrators of the Oklahoma Education Association. And then talk turns to the most recent meeting of the tax credit task force which looked at programs aimed at boosting investment capital in the state. (Recorded 26-Aug-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 24 Education is the main topic of this week's podcast. First up, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about Higher Ed and two institutions that are actually spending less this year than last year. But maybe not in the way you might think. Then the discussion switches to the recently released ACT scores and how Oklahoma fares in the region and nationally. (Recorded 19-Aug-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 23 This week, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about a couple breaking news items that came out just before recording started. First it's a federal appeals court ruling striking down the individual mandate provision of Obamacare. Then it's a letter Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater sent to the Oklahoma Human Services Commission asking them to 'show cause' for violating the Open Meeting Act in June, a story first reported by Oklahoma Watchdog. And then it's a brief discussion of the latest meeting of the tax credit task force. (Recorded 12-August-2011) [Ed. note: during the discussion of the individual mandate, Pat misspoke when he mentions Justice Sotomayor as having a potential conflict of interest. It is Justice Elena Kagan who served as Solicitor General under President Obama.]
Capitol Watch Episode 22 The gang is back together again! Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss the debt ceiling deal, the votes of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation and how President Reagan handled budget negotiations back in the day. Then the discussion moves to Higher Education spending and how state colleges and universities keep spending more when the state has less money. (Recorded 03-August-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 21 This week's episode was recorded right after the 'Education in the Digital Age' conference hosted by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs on Friday. CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy are joined by special guests State Representative Jason Nelson and school choice advocate Bill Price to talk about issues raised by the speakers and what it means for the future of education in Oklahoma. (Recorded 29-July-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 20 While the national news focuses on the debt ceiling and a possible default by the federal government, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about what the default would mean for Oklahoma and it's not a pretty picture. Also, Higher Education spending remains a topic of conversation. (Recorded 21-July-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 19 This week's episode comes to you from the State Capitol where host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy attended the first meeting of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Tax Credits and Exemptions. Other topics include the budget gimmicks being used by the Health Care Authority and payroll cuts by the State Department of Education. (Recorded 15-July-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 18 Oklahoma's economy is doing very well according to State Treasurer Ken Miller. Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about how what happens on the federal level could change that. Also, will lawmakers simply spend any revenue increases or use the opportunity to continue "right-sizing" government? (Recorded 07-July-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 17 It's the Independence Day edition of Capitol Watch! Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about Higher Education spending again. You can add two more state universities to the list of those who are spending more this year than they did last year, despite appropriations cuts. And where does Oklahoma rank compared to other states when it comes to the economy? It depends on who you ask, but one group thinks it's pretty favorable lately. (Recorded 01-July-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 16 Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy get together once again for a lively discussion on the topics of the national debt and Higher Education spending. Pat gives the lowdown on the scary numbers facing Congress and the President when it comes to trying to tackle the country's spending problem. Meanwhile, Peter was at some Higher Education meetings and explains how one person's "cuts" are another person's "increased spending." (Recorded 24-Jun-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 15 Another week, another state agency board "behaving badly" as host Billie Rodely puts it. Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talks about how he attended a Human Services Commission meeting and then reported what he witnessed to the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office as a possible Open Meetings Act violation. Then CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan explains a new study of Higher Education in Oklahoma which includes some extremely low graduation rates at state universities. (Recorded 16-Jun-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 14 Is this what lawmakers had in mind when they passed the hospital tax? Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy explains his story on Health care Authority CEO Mike Fogarty getting a raise and bonus while proposing accounting gimmicks to balance the books. CapitolBeatOK Editor Pat McGuigan talks with host Billie Rodely about the now wide open race for Oklahoma's Second Congressional District and how it's attracting national attention. (Recorded 10-Jun-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 13 In the Lucky Number 13 Episode, host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss Governor Fallin and the 120 or so appointments she has made so far this year. Is she changing things up or just leaving the status quo? Plus the gang talks about whether the hospital provider fee is a tax and why Americans for Tax Reform seems to be hesitant to come out against 18 lawmakers and the Governor for violating their pledges not to raise taxes. (Recorded 03-Jun-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 12 The end of the session doesn't mean the end of Capitol Watch! Host Billie Rodely, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy still have plenty to talk about, including government modernization, the Attorney General issuing an opinion against the State Superintendent and water issues coming to the forefront in Oklahoma politics. (Recorded 27-May-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 11 The legislative session is over! This week's edition of Capitol Watch was recorded about an hour after the House completed its work. Host Billie Rodely asks CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy to talk about the major accomplishments of this session. Pension reforms and improved transparency both make that list. And with the session over, what can we expect from lawmakers between now and the start of next session? (Recorded 20-May-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 10 The long awaited budget agreement has finally arrived! Host Billie Rodely is back with CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy to talk about the budget deal and how lawmakers are making it balance. Plus, Governor Fallin signed major pension reform bills into law and redistricting maps have been approved by both bodies. And will next week's episode be recorded on Sine Die? (Recorded 13-May-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 9 Regular host Billie Rodely is out of town this week, so it's the first guest appearance on Capitol Watch! OCPA fiscal policy director Jonathan Small joins CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy to talk about the as-yet-unseen state budget, the tax credit scholarship bill heading to the Governor's desk and a bill that could reduce transparency in local governments. (Recorded 06-May-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 8 It was an eventful Deadline Week in the legislature.CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss the tax credit scholarship bill that passed, the fallout from remarks on the House Floor made by State Rep. Sally Kern and a major change in how the House will run bills through conference committees. (Recorded 29-Apr-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 7 This week's episode of Capitol Watch was recorded while watching the House Session in progress as lawmakers prepare for another Deadline Week next week. Water issues are sure to get a lot of attention this year as a Comprehensive Water Plan is unveiled. And about his research on pensions that has revealed how some former lawmakers are raking in the dough through their retirement pay. (Recorded 21-Apr-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 6 Oklahoma made national news when Governor Fallin, Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman and House Speaker Kris Steele announced the state was not accepting a $54-million federal grant to implement a health insurance exchange. CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about that issue plus an education reform bill that passed the House this week. (Recorded 15-Apr-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 5 A U.S. Supreme Court decision is good news for a scholarship tax credit law that is making its way through the legislature. CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan explains why. Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talks about a new system in the State House that shines light on a previously opaque lawmaking procedure. And CapitolBeatOK contributing writer Billie Rodely keeps it all on track. (Recorded 08-Apr-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 4 In this week's episode, CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy comment on former Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan's indictment on federal bribery and conspiracy charges and the unexpected announcement that the State Senate will not hear Governor Fallin's health insurance exchange bill. (Recorded 01-Apr-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 3 CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss Governor Fallin's embrace of health insurance exchanges, the use of private lobbying firms by state agencies and the continuing problem posed by pensions. (Recorded 25-Mar-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 2 CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy talk about two reprimands of Oklahoma House members during Deadline Week, the continuing pension and Corrections reform and a Senate bill that would not allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. (Recorded 18-Mar-2011)
Capitol Watch Episode 1 CapitolBeatOK Editor Patrick B. McGuigan, contributing writer Billie Rodely and Oklahoma Watchdog Editor Peter J. Rudy discuss Oklahoma's pension problems, the problems House leadership has with some conservative Republican members and the state's higher education system. (Recorded 11-Mar-2011)