oklahoma article

On Tuesday night, Oklahoma State Questions 780 and 781 to reform the state’s criminal justice system prevailed against pushback from the state’s district attorneys.

Question 780 reclassified certain property offenses and simple drug possessions as misdemeanor crimes, and Question 781 used money saved by this reclassification to fund rehabilitation programs to help those in need of substance abuse and mental health treatment.

“Today, Oklahoma’s voters have spoken loud and clear: it’s time to take a smarter approach to public safety and finally reform Oklahoma’s criminal justice system,” said former Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele, who led the effort to get these measures passed. “Because of the tremendous support we’ve received from Oklahomans everywhere, Oklahoma will take a major step toward reducing our prison population and investing in rehabilitation and treatment services to address the root causes of crime and better invest in public safety. This new approach is good for taxpayers, is good for small businesses, is good for public safety, and is good for families.”

Red states have proven that these policies work time after time. Their success has inspired a strong movement in DC to overhaul America’s broken justice system.

Americans for Tax Reform congratulates Steele and Oklahoma for passing these common-sense reforms that will prevent people from entering prison unnecessarily and help taxpayers keep money in their pockets. 

On Tuesday night, Oklahoma State Questions 780 and 781 to reform the state’s criminal justice system prevailed against pushback from the state’s district attorneys.

Question 780 reclassified certain property offenses and simple drug possessions as misdemeanor crimes, and Question 781 used money saved by this reclassification to fund rehabilitation programs to help those in need of substance abuse and mental health treatment.

“Today, Oklahoma’s voters have spoken loud and clear: it’s time to take a smarter approach to public safety and finally reform Oklahoma’s criminal justice system,” said former Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele, who led the effort to get these measures passed. “Because of the tremendous support we’ve received from Oklahomans everywhere, Oklahoma will take a major step toward reducing our prison population and investing in rehabilitation and treatment services to address the root causes of crime and better invest in public safety. This new approach is good for taxpayers, is good for small businesses, is good for public safety, and is good for families.”

Red states have proven that these policies work time after time. Their success has inspired a strong movement in DC to overhaul America’s broken justice system.

Americans for Tax Reform congratulates Steele and Oklahoma for passing these common-sense reforms that will prevent people from entering prison unnecessarily and help taxpayers keep money in their pockets.