OKPOLICY.ORG
Category: COVID-19
COVID-19 Policy Analysis: As our nation confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, OK Policy will be analyzing state and federal policies that impact our state and its residents during this national health emergency. These posts reflect the most current information available at publication, and we will update or publish follow-ups as new information becomes available. To share this page, use the link okpolicy.org/COVID-19
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NOTE: OK Policy is not a state agency and we cannot assist in applying for state services or provide legal advice.
- For direct service assistance, please call 211 or visit the 211 website
- For unemployment benefits, contact the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
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Oklahomans deserve state leadership
As a state, we can and must do a better job of protecting those around us. Through personal choices and a commitment from our leaders, Oklahoma can work together to save lives. [More...]
COVID-19 in Oklahoma prisons is a moral emergency
Numerous prisons in this state are battling growing outbreaks, but Oklahoma’s policymakers still have time to act. [More...]
Providing legal representation could begin to fix Oklahoma’s broken eviction process
While we cannot legislate away the pandemic, we can better structure and operate our justice system to ensure that every tenant knows their rights and understands the process. [More...]
Undedicated higher education CARES funding should be invested in students’ immediate needs
Colleges and universities should dedicate CARES Act funding to help ensure students have access to necessities such as food and housing. This can significantly reduce the number of students forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship and help secure Oklahoma’s economic recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19. [More...]
Gov. Stitt’s GEER plan widens the gap in access to technology and online learning for low-income students and students of color
Unfortunately, our Governor squandered an opportunity to use federal dollars to mitigate this harm. As a result, these decisions have left the vast majority of low-income students without the resources they need to access a safe and quality education this coming school year. [More...]
During this economic crisis we want people to work. Let’s give them the tools to do it.
In the midst of crisis, Oklahoma can and should better equip returning citizens to succeed. An accessible path from prison to employment can help those with felony convictions find high-wage employment immediately following incarceration. [More...]
Unemployment insurance keeps Oklahomans safe, supports the economy
Unemployment insurance will be a critical piece of our ability to weather and recover from this economic and public health emergency. It is in everyone’s best interest for the system to be robust and accessible to all who need it. [More...]
Oklahoma schools should use federal Education Stabilization Funds to mitigate learning loss for low-income students
Additional federal dollars should be used to support low-income students through extended instructional time, lower student-to-staff ratios, and other initiatives. Such investments will prevent the COVID-19 slide from widening academic disparities even further. [More...]
Reopening Oklahoma’s courts must be done thoughtfully to avoid a public health disaster
Oklahoma courts should plan to transition back to normal operations gradually and cautiously in order to avoid exacerbating the spread of the coronavirus or facilitating mass evictions. [More...]
Rebuilding Oklahoma: Policy Recommendations to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Strengthen Our State for the Long Term
The Oklahoma Policy Institute has evaluated legislative and administrative actions — both state and federal — that will best prepare the state for a long-term recovery that benefits the health and well-being of all Oklahomans. [More...]
