An Epic week in Oklahoma politics

Monday was a barn-burner of a news cycle when it comes to Oklahoma politics, with important developments about everything from pandemics to Medicaid managed care, from new cabinet & agency heads to Epic Charter School investigative audits, and a ribbon of Governor vs Legislature running through most issues.

Links are below:

• Rep. Ryan Martinez (R-Edmond) announced plans to file legislation aimed at blocking Governor Stitt’s plan to move the public health lab to Stillwater
• Numerous legislators have voiced opposition to the Governor’s plan to privatize Medicaid (notably Rep. McEntire, Sen. McCourtney, and Sen. Standridge)
• Governor Stitt appointed former Senate Pro Temp Brian Bingman as new Secretary of State & Governor’s Finance Secretary Mike Mazzei resigned
• Governor formally appointed three state agency directors - Rachel Holt (OJA), Lt Col Lance Frye (OSDH), Carrie Sutton-Hodges (ODMHSAS)
• AG Mike Hunter assigned special counsel to investigate Epic Charter Schools
• State Board of Education giving Epic 60 days to pay back $11 million 
• Statewide Virtual Charter School Board moves to begin process of ending contract with Epic