Show Notes
In this episode of the Jake for the State podcast, host Jake Merrick interviews Oklahoma State Representative Kevin West (R-Moore, House District 54, serving since 2017). Rep. West, a consistent conservative voice in the Oklahoma House, discusses his key legislative priorities for the upcoming session while also campaigning for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner in the 2026 election.Key Legislation DiscussedRep. West highlights two carryover bills from the previous session: Pride Flags on Government Property The bill aims to prohibit the display of Pride flags, BLM flags, and similar symbols on state property (including potential application to schools and municipalities). After committee feedback last year, the approach shifted from listing permitted flags to specifying prohibited ones to avoid complications (e.g., with military/tribal/historical flags at the Capitol). It allows exceptions like MIA/POW or certain approved displays. West notes limited opposition last session compared to prior years and expects smoother passage, with good House-Senate coordination. Franchise Fees on Utility Securitization This addresses the aftermath of the 2021 Winter Storm Uri securitization (spreading massive utility costs over time via bonds). The original legislation unintentionally allowed municipalities (e.g., Oklahoma City) to add franchise fees/taxes on securitized amounts, potentially costing ratepayers $60–100 million extra over 25 years. A court ruling permitted it due to the lack of explicit prohibition. West's bill clarifies that securitization amounts (and future similar mechanisms) are exempt, protecting consumers and aligning with original legislative intent. He criticizes cities for treating it as a "cash cow" and praises the Corporation Commission for initially opposing the fees. Other Topics Property Taxes — West is filing a bill to increase the homestead exemption by $1,000 initially, with potential further reductions (up to ~$4,000 over time) if counties meet financial metrics. He supports broader discussions on replacing lost revenue (e.g., for schools/roads) if initiatives like the homestead elimination petition succeed, emphasizing the need for a replacement plan to avoid service cuts. Run for Labor Commissioner — West explains his candidacy (website: votekevinwest.com), citing his background as a former commercial cabinet maker and small business owner. He wants to prioritize promoting workforce development, expanding apprenticeships (including for 16-year-olds, which he helped pass), workplace safety, and modernizing the department (e.g., online services, consistent enforcement). He opposes extreme minimum wage hikes (e.g., the proposed state question jumping to $15/hour and tying to national inflation), arguing it would hurt small businesses, accelerate automation, reduce hours/benefits, and raise consumer prices. Throughout, West emphasizes conservative principles: keeping money in taxpayers' pockets, local control, transparency, common-sense regulations favoring education over fines, and preparing Oklahoma's workforce (especially trades) for future opportunities like manufacturing resurgence.The episode includes a sponsor shoutout for Modus Health in Yukon and ends with encouragement to support West's campaign and stay engaged with state issues.
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More from Jake for the State Podcast
Full Presidential Pardon - Russell Fincher Jake speaks with Russell Fincher about the federal raid, the felony conviction that upended his life, and the full presidential pardon he says he received from Donald Trump. The conversation covers what happened to his career, his family, and his church community, plus what the pardon changes and what still remains unresolved. In this episode: Russell Fincher recounts being a pastor, former school teacher, and occasional gun show vendor before the raid that changed everything. He describes the SWAT-style operation at his home, the fear for his 12-year-old son, and the trauma of being handcuffed in front of his family. Russell explains how the felony conviction affected his ability to work, including repeated job rejections despite having a master's degree. He shares how his church supported him, refused his resignation, and kept him in the pastorate through the legal battle. Russell details receiving a full and unconditional presidential pardon, including the moment his attorney called with the news. He says the pardon erased the felony from his record and removed the indictment from the official case screen. The discussion touches on outreach from James Langford's office and the role of Senator Markwayne Mullin in supporting the pardon effort. Jake and Russell talk about the firearms taken during the raid and the lingering question of whether any will be returned. Russell reflects on the long wait for relief, saying he believes God remained faithful even when the timing was not his own. The episode closes with talk about Russell possibly returning to public education now that the felony has been wiped away. Timestamps: (00:00) Jake introduces Russell Fincher and frames the major update (01:16) Russell recaps life before the raid as a pastor, teacher, and gun show vendor (01:46) The ATF raid at his home and the fear it caused his family (02:53) How the felony conviction threatened his career and livelihood (03:33) Job searches, rejection, and the reality of being "felony friendly" (04:32) The one employer who looked past the record and gave him work (05:28) Why his church refused to accept his resignation (06:26) How church support helped him survive the lowest point (07:39) Reading the presidential pardon and hearing the words "full and unconditional" (08:18) The attorney's call and the moment Russell realized it might be real (09:23) Confirmation from White House staff and the pardon being verified (10:46) Russell's long relationship with James Langford and the pardon effort (12:44) Support from Senator Langford and Senator Markwayne Mullin (13:44) Timeline of the raid and how long the case dragged on (14:10) Why the confiscated firearms still matter after the pardon (15:23) Russell says the wait taught him to trust God's timing (17:03) A call for real justice and reform beyond the pardon (21:10) Whether Russell plans to return to teaching (23:08) Final reflections on hope, testimony, and continued advocacy (25:12) Jake quotes the First Amendment and argues for petitioning the government (29:29) Closing thanks and final sign-off
One moment changed Russell Fincher's life forever. In this powerful interview, Russell recounts the day ATF agents raided his home, the fear he felt for his son's life, and how he suddenly found himself facing a felony charge. He shares what it was like to have his reputation, livelihood, and sense of security turned upside down—and the difficult process of picking up the pieces afterward. This is more than a story about one federal raid. It is a deeply personal conversation about government power, constitutional rights, family, fear, faith, and what it takes to rebuild when everything you knew changes in an instant. Listen to Russell Fincher tell his story in his own words on the Jake for the State Podcast. (You can watch the conversation here: https://youtu.be/15pFliwj--c) Check out my new line of freedom gear here: https://brushfiresclothing.com
Jake Merrick's Second Amendment podcast episode (≈24–32 min) contrasts two cultures: Disarmed / "soft" approach – Canadian, Australian, and some U.S. police advice that tells citizens to leave keys out or avoid confronting criminals so they won't get hurt. Armed self-defense culture – Sheriffs in Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi who openly support homeowners shooting back at invaders. He then highlights three real-world examples of the second path: Jordan Salinas (Idaho, Aug 1 2026) – An ordinary healthcare worker who returned fire on a mass shooter at an In-N-Out, helping stop the attack and save lives. CMMG (Missouri gun maker) – Refuses to sell government agencies any guns, mags, or suppressors that ordinary citizens in those states are banned from owning. "No two classes of citizens." Oklahoma's strong 2A culture and a call to the Caddo County Patriot Meeting that night in Hinton (Faith • Family • Freedom). Core message: The Second Amendment isn't about hunting—it's about whether we stay a free people or accept a system with restricted citizens and an exempt ruling class. Show up, speak up, and defend the right at the local level.
In this episode, we explore how global geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, directly impact local Oklahoma politics and economic projects, including the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola. We connect international events with local decisions, highlighting the importance of understanding global influences on community and economic development. Key Topics Impact of Middle East tensions on Oklahoma US-UAE relations and their local implications The proposed Inola aluminum smelter and geopolitical risks Role of the Strait of Hormuz in regional security Oklahoma gubernatorial and educational races influenced by global events Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Geopolitical Connections 01:48 Iran's Impact on Oklahoma's Aluminum Smelter Plant 04:38 UAE and Iran: A Complex Relationship 07:14 Local Implications of Global Events 09:44 Investor Confidence and Security Risks 12:16 Political Scrutiny and Local Governance 15:55 Upcoming Elections and Their Significance 18:33 Education and Workforce Development 21:06 Labor Regulations and Economic Growth 23:54 Insurance and Healthcare Concerns 26:33 Conclusion and Call to Action
Congressman Josh Burkeen discusses his recent experiences, including running across Oklahoma and attending events in Poteau. He emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in the country to honor law enforcement and highlights the improvements in border security under the current administration. Burkeen stresses the importance of completing the border wall construction and codifying it into law to prevent future administrations from dismantling it. The filibuster, an unintended rule change from 1806, should be reformed to a talking filibuster to restore the founders' intent of simple majority rule in the Senate. This would empower the majority to pass legislation, including the Secure America Act, and demonstrate to conservatives that their votes can lead to tangible results. Additionally, the Expedited Transparency Act aims to increase transparency in federal spending by requiring agencies to report allocations within three days. The original bill required a partisan approach to pass, but a bipartisan solution is needed to overcome the 60-vote threshold in the Senate.