State Auditor Cindy Byrd

State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd on Wednesday at the Capitol discusses the findings of an investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

Oklahomans paying for turnpike agency’s questionable practices, but no laws broken, audit finds

While an investigative audit found that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority had broken no laws, the Legislature needs to slap some guardrails on the agency, said Oklahma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said Wednesday.

Gov. Kevin Stitt (left) and then-Superintendent Joy Hofmeister at a 2020 press conference. Stitt requested the audit on Hofmeister's department in 2021.

Education

Audit of Hofmeister’s education department finds no wrongdoing but highlights systemic problems

Beth Wallis, StateImpact Oklahoma

An audit of the State Department of Education under former Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt, found no evidence of financial wrongdoing.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks, April 12, 2022, in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools for what he says is a potential mishandling of public funds. Stitt said he ordered the audit on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the request of two Tulsa School Board members, E’Lena Ashley and Jennettie Marshal.

Education

Gov. Stitt requests special audit of Tulsa Public Schools

Robby Korth, SIO, StateImpact Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools for what he says is a potential mishandling of public funds.

Politics and Government

Capitol Insider: Oklahoma House Will Not Hear Senate School Choice Bill

Dick Pryor

In a surprise move for the first week of the legislative session, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Charles McCall has announced a school choice bill authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat will not be heard in the House.