ICYMI: AFFM in Oklahoma Energy Today: “Oklahoma Lawmakers Get It Right On Protecting Free Markets”

Oklahoma needs transparency, accountability and policies that serve the people—not political maneuvering that jeopardizes the state’s economic health.”

In case you missed it, Americans For Free Markets (AFFM) Executive Director John Wittman recently authored an op-ed in Oklahoma Energy Today applauding the Oklahoma legislature for defending free markets by rejecting ‘debanking’ legislation and burdensome, opaque interchange fee proposals. Wittman also voiced strong support for ongoing efforts to amend misguided policies that have sown financial uncertainty throughout the state.

In his op-ed, Wittman commends legislators for rejecting risky ‘debanking’ legislation, reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding financial institutions and protecting free enterprise from politically charged ideological interference. He states:

“Lawmakers halted ‘debanking’ legislation that would have only added further restrictions to Oklahoma’s financial services market and contributed to a patchwork of state legislation on the issue that harms consumers and the interstate commerce crucial to the state’s economy.” 

He draws a direct connection to President Trump’s national push to curb federal overreach that threatens financial services and burdens taxpayers, and to the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act (FIRM)—a pivotal federal effort to protect financial services from political weaponization. Wittman highlights Oklahoma’s leadership in echoing those same free-market principles at the state level, and praises legislators for striking down dangerous interchange fee legislation, too:

“Further, lawmakers avoided disastrous interchange fee legislation that would have made it more difficult for small businesses to accept credit cards and for consumers to use them.”

Wittman concludes by urging legislators to remain steadfast in their commitment to free market principles and to prioritize transparent, accountable policymaking that serves the long-term interests of the state:

“State lawmakers made smart choices this session to protect free markets and support Oklahoma’s economy. Through continuing that approach and fixing flawed policies like the EDEA, they can keep advancing practical, pro-growth solutions that benefit taxpayers, businesses, and public servants alike.”

To read the full column in Oklahoma Energy Today, click HERE.