The Forum

Affordability Becomes the Midterm Story: Both parties are positioning around "affordability" ahead of the 2026 midterms. The State of the Union on February 24 will offer President Trump an opportunity to refine competing narratives and more fully outline his full affordability agenda before first primaries begin March 3. Democrats will counter with their own housing and healthcare proposals. Whichever party owns the affordability story by spring shapes the legislative agenda

Session Opens with High Stakes and Narrow Windows: The 2026 legislative session begins February 2 with lawmakers facing compressed timelines and competing pressures. Every statewide office is on the ballot in November, June primaries will effectively decide many races, and legislators are already positioning for the post-session campaign sprint. This creates a predictable dynamic: big, controversial reforms face long odds unless they align with easy voter messaging. Expect in

Oklahoma Homeowners Insurance Reform on the Horizon: Oklahoma’s sky-high insurance costs are driving lawmakers toward major reforms in 2026. Among the priciest in the nation, average premiums hit $4,613 for a $300,000 home. Proposed measures include longer cancellation notices, shorter claims lookback periods, rate approval changes, profit limits, and tighter rules on credit-score use. The challenge: protecting consumers without pushing insurers out of the market. Insurers, l

Trump v. Slaughter and What’s Next for Independent Agencies: The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case that could reshape presidential control over regulatory agencies. At issue: whether the President can remove Federal Trade Commission members at will, overturning a 90 year precedent. A ruling favoring expanded removal power could affect roughly two dozen multi-member agencies. For banks, credit unions, insurers, and others that work with these agencies, the deci