Month: August 2025

George Nigh’s legacy wasn’t just in policy, but in people (Capitol Update)

After a long life of service, former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh died last week. He served as governor for six of the years that I was a member of the Legislature. I could share many of the experiences I had… Read more [More...]

In The Know: SNAP cuts could starve food safety net | 2025 student test scores available for Oklahoma | Gov.’s executive order blocks SoonerCare funds for ‘abortion-affiliated providers’

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: It’s past time to raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage | Data is key to bringing justice-involved people back to workforce | Oklahoma legislators to tackle child well‑being in 2025 interim studies

What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

SQ 832 ($15/hr Minimum Wage)

In 2024, an initiative petition campaign for State Question 832 gathered more than enough signatures for a ballot measure to raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage, currently at $7.25/hr and unchanged since 2009.  The ballot measure was designed to increase the state… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Sheriff ‘surprised’ by DA’s request for OSBI to assist in Ryan Walters investigation | U.S. Reps. Cole and Lucas spoke to in-person groups | New online school can’t participate in private school tax credit

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

The Big ‘Beautiful’ Delay: How a Republican Congress rigged the federal megabill (Policy Matters)

Behind "The One Big Beautiful Bill" is a carefully engineered blueprint to fast-track tax cuts for the wealthy, while paying for them by snipping the ropes of the social safety net for our working poor. The deceptive part is that these cuts won't take effect until after next year's midterm elections. That's not a coincidence. It's a calculated move. [More...]