Opinion

"...more than half of Oklahoma’s workforce either owns or works for a small business." - Congressman Tom Cole

"...more than half of Oklahoma’s workforce either owns or works for a small business." - Congressman Tom Cole

A country that thrives on small business

Tom Cole Congressman (ok-4)
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For many Americans, the days following Thanksgiving are filled with starting or finishing up Christmas gift and holiday shopping.
Each year in the United States of America, we observe the special tradition of coming together around a table of food to reflect on our blessings.

Each year in the United States of America, we observe the special tradition of coming together around a table of food to reflect on our blessings.

A unifying tradition

News Staff
Monday, November 25, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Each year in the United States of America, we observe the special tradition of coming together around a table of food to reflect on our blessings. Especially during a time of great division and polarization, it is important for Americans to join in collective gratitude this year.
Southwest Ledger photo by JJ Francais Not in secrecy: The TIF review meeting held Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, was open to public (like all meetings prior to this point).

Southwest Ledger photo by JJ Francais Not in secrecy: The TIF review meeting held Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, was open to public (like all meetings prior to this point).

THE BOTTOM LINE: Leadership

News Staff
Monday, November 25, 2019
With a unanimous vote from the TIF review meeting committee, the temperature in the room seemed to fall dramatically. Lawton Mayor Stan Booker is perhaps one of the most community-minded leaders in southwest Oklahoma.
OHCA Logo

OHCA Logo

Trae Rahill to head OHCA strategic innovation team

News Staff
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Kevin Corbett named Trae Rahill chief of strategic innovation. Rahill most recently was a director of operations at Mercy and has worked in clinic operations for six years.
H.R. 2929, the Rural Broadband Network Advancement (RBNA) Act, which would invest in expanding broadband access in rural areas. This legislation will ensure our rural communities, including our schools, are not left behind in the internet economy.

H.R. 2929, the Rural Broadband Network Advancement (RBNA) Act, which would invest in expanding broadband access in rural areas. This legislation will ensure our rural communities, including our schools, are not left behind in the internet economy.

LEGISLATIVE OPINION: Rural Broadband will improve rural education

News Staff
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
WASHINGTON DC - Education is the most valuable tool that we can give to the next generation and providing resources for our educators and our students should be a top priority in our communities.
One of the most troubling aspects of this trend is the prevalence of hidden costs that are passed on to patients by insurance companies after they deny an out-of-network claim.

One of the most troubling aspects of this trend is the prevalence of hidden costs that are passed on to patients by insurance companies after they deny an out-of-network claim.

Guest column: Surprise medical bills hurt rural Oklahoma

(not verified)
Monday, October 14, 2019
As we continue to grapple with the rising cost of health care and health insurance, especially in rural states like Oklahoma, one of the most troubling aspects of this trend is the prevalence of hidden costs that are passed on to patients by insurance companies after they deny an out-of-network...
Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City), recently announced plans to introduce a bill which would require any junior high or high school that currently (or at a later date of their choosing) provides students with district-issued identification cards to print the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on the back of the ID.

Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City), recently announced plans to introduce a bill which would require any junior high or high school that currently (or at a later date of their choosing) provides students with district-issued identification cards to print the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on the back of the ID.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Let’s talk

Jj Francais Associate Publisher
Monday, October 14, 2019
Last year, members of the Oklahoma House and Senate filed 2,815 pieces of legislation. The vast majority of those bills failed to garner any attention in their respective bodies, let alone with the general public.
Maternal mental health disorders also increase the likelihood the mother could experience self-harm or die by suicide. In an effort to address this, the Oklahoma Legislature passed SB 419 in 2019, requiring all health care providers, including OBGYNs and pediatricians, to “invite” mothers to complete a depression screening while pregnant and before the baby’s first birthday.

Maternal mental health disorders also increase the likelihood the mother could experience self-harm or die by suicide. In an effort to address this, the Oklahoma Legislature passed SB 419 in 2019, requiring all health care providers, including OBGYNs and pediatricians, to “invite” mothers to complete a depression screening while pregnant and before the baby’s first birthday.

GUEST COLUMN: Want healthier moms? Expand Medicaid

News Staff
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
As a state, Oklahoma cares a lot about children and families, but we sometimes forget that a mother’s health is a critical piece of family health. When women are healthy, they have healthier pregnancies, healthier babies, and healthier families.
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