For Immediate Release
Analysis Uncovers Economic Cronyism and Soft on Crime Issues in Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA), which engages a network of more than 20,000 faith-based employers across all 50 states, including many of the largest faith-based organizations in the country, today released the Oklahoma edition of its Biblical Business Index. The Index measures how closely lawmakers’ voting records align with principles rooted in Scripture.
The report found that 50 of the 149 members of the Oklahoma Legislature voted with the biblically based position at least 80% of the time or more and will receive the Defender of Biblical Business Award at a private award event that will bring together leading Christian CEOs from across Oklahoma.
The study encompassed an exhaustive review of the bills advanced in the legislature and the extraction of more than 5,000 individual votes cast by lawmakers. CEA’s research team then applied a clearly defined methodology grounded in Scripture and longstanding Judeo-Christian social principles.
Based on the data, lawmakers suffered lower scores primarily due to struggles on economic and crime related issues. On the economic front, the Legislature enacted a host of crony tax incentives and carve-outs that provide benefits to select businesses, shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and industries not favored by government. Furthermore, additional mandates were imposed on health insurance plans, leading to higher premiums.
On the crime front, Oklahoma continues to pass so-called “criminal justice reforms” being advocated by groups receiving dark money connected to the Defund the Police movement. This includes passage of a bill that allows criminals convicted of domestic violence to escape jail time, despite warnings and a veto issued by Governor Stitt.
“Oklahoma lawmakers are facing unprecedented pressure from well-funded, out-of-state interests seeking to shape policy according to ideological priorities that do not reflect the values of many Oklahomans,” said CEA President Margaret Iuculano. “We are launching the BBI in Oklahoma to provide lawmakers with clear, biblically grounded policy guidance and to equip business owners and citizens with a transparent tool that holds policymakers accountable to the principles that strengthen families, businesses, and communities.”
Media inquiries: ian@christianemployersalliance.org or 202-321-0715