OKPOLICY.ORG
As the end of the year approaches, you’re no doubt besieged by dozens of organizations that do good and important work pleading for a donation. While we too spend a lot of time telling our supporters why they should donate to OK Policy, it’s become a year-end tradition for us to remind you that there are plenty of great reasons not to contribute to OK Policy as well. Here are five of them:
1. Facts don’t matter
Facts, schmacts – who needs ’em?? If you believe public policy debates and decisions should be guided by party affiliation, ideological beliefs, and ill-informed opinion, please do NOT click here to donate to OK Policy. Because our role is to provide independent, data-driven information, analysis, and ideas on the major policy issues facing Oklahoma. Our legislative primer, county facts, poverty profile, and budget highlights all provide the facts you’ll want to avoid.
2. There’s only one side to every debate
When one party controls the legislature and executive branch, it can be easy to get everyone on board on issues like cutting the income tax or opposing the expansion of health care coverage. Who needs a think-tank complicating matters by presenting the other side of the argument in a way that claims the attention of policymakers, editorial boards, and engaged citizens? OK Policy is that irksome voice ensuring that competing points of view are heard in Oklahoma. But if you believe there’s only one side to every debate, then you should most definitely not donate to OK Policy
3. You shouldn’t know how the state budget is spent
OK Policy works to explain the appropriations process, show where state revenues come from and how they are spent, and track budget trends over time, guided by the belief that an informed citizenry is vital to a healthy, functioning democracy. With an ever-shrinking Capitol press corps, many people count on OK Policy to shine a light on what’s happening behind the curtains. But if you prefer to remain in the dark, then making a tax-deductible contribution to OK Policy is most certainly a bad idea.
4. The state’s approach to budget and tax policy is just fine as it is
Oklahoma is facing a budget shortfall of close to $1 billion for the upcoming year. While plummeting oil and gas prices are clearly playing a role, the fact is that in good times and in bad, the state is falling far short of collecting enough revenue to meet our needs. Teachers have gone years without a raise, our prisons are critically understaffed, and the waiting lists to serve those with mental illness and development disabilities are swelling. Some say that to balance the budget, we just need to double down on spending cuts and not look at restoring our tax rates and curbing unnecessary tax breaks. If you agree, you should not donate to OK Policy.
5. There’s always Mississippi
Despite our relative prosperity in recent years, one out of every six Oklahomans, and one in four children, live below the federal poverty line. On a whole range of health and social indicators, Oklahoma ranks close to dead last among the states with the worst outcomes, leading some to suggest our state motto should be “Gratias Deo pro Mississippi” or “Thank God for Mississippi.” One of OK Policy’s core convictions is that we need purposeful strategies aimed at expanding opportunities for all Oklahomans. We put forward thoughtful, practical policy proposals that will lead to a more prosperous, healthier state. But if you think we just need to work harder to catch up to Mississippi in the race to the bottom, donating to OK Policy is probably not a good idea.
Joking aside, if you value the unique role that OK Policy plays in ensuring vigorous debate, spreading data-driven analysis and information, and promoting practical policy solutions, we sincerely hope you will make a tax-deductible one-time or recurring year-end donation. We greatly appreciate your support, and we wish you all the best during this holiday season.
Best,
David and the OK Policy Team
PS: The best way to stay uninformed about the budget crisis facing Oklahoma is to not attend our State Budget Summit on Thursday, January 28th in Oklahoma City. And if you do decide to attend, please wait until after January 7th to buy your tickets so as not to be eligible for our special early-bird registration price of $50!
