All articles tagged with #legislative overhaul
New Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk announced a major leadership shake-up and expanded committee structure for the 2026 session, including new committees and leadership roles, aimed at addressing federal cuts and state challenges, with a focus on diverse and regional representation.
Oklahoma teachers who received bonuses of up to $50,000 in error are being asked to repay the money, sparking criticism from lawmakers. The bonuses were part of a program to recruit teachers for hard-to-fill positions, but some were paid in error. Lawmakers are seeking to overhaul the program to prevent similar issues in the future. The state superintendent of public instruction suggested that some bonuses were paid due to teachers misrepresenting their experience and qualifications. This comes amid previous criticism of alleged misspending of public funds by the education department.
Oklahoma sent bonuses of up to $50,000 to elementary and special education teachers, only to ask for the money back due to errors in payment. The state's education agency is facing criticism from lawmakers, and there are calls for an overhaul of the program to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The department is seeking to recover the overpaid bonuses, with at least nine teachers asked to return amounts ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. State Superintendent Ryan Walters suggested that some bonuses were paid due to misrepresentation by teachers, but lawmakers from both parties have criticized the agency's oversight and handling of the situation.