Recent Articles

Announcing OK Policy’s Fall 2020 Interns and Fellows

An often unsung element of OK Policy’s mission is the opportunity to engage college students and recent graduates into Oklahoma policy work. Below are our Fall 2020 Interns and Fellows who will be playing a crucial role for our work… Read more [More...]

SQ 814: Decrease Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund Payments and Fund Medicaid Program Amendment

State Question 814 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to change the way Oklahoma’s tobacco settlement money is distributed.  [More...]

SQ 805: Criminal History in Sentencing and Sentence Modification Initiative

State Question 805 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to end the use of sentence enhancements for people convicted of nonviolent crimes [More...]

We’re hiring for Legislative and Outreach Director

OK Policy is now hiring for its Legislative and Outreach Director. This position is responsible for representing the organization by developing and maintaining close working relationships with key audiences and partners, including members of the Oklahoma Legislature, community organizations, and… Read more [More...]

Burglary reclassification is another measurable win for criminal justice reform

Our analysis suggests that SB 786 resulted in a substantive decrease in second-degree burglary charges and fewer prison sentences in the months following its November 2018 implementation. As Oklahoma continues efforts to reduce our prison population, this analysis reinforces how legislative reform can create swift and durable change.  [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...]

Statement Re: Passage of State Question 802

Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute: Oklahomans made the right choice Tuesday by passing SQ 802, which will provide life-changing health care coverage for more than 200,000 Oklahomans and create a significant economic stimulus when implemented. OK Policy is grateful… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma’s primary is Tuesday | Get out and vote (safely)

On Tuesday, Oklahomans will go to the polls for the statewide primary election, which also includes State Question 802 to expand Medicaid. If you have not already cast an absentee ballot or participated in early voting, polls will be open for in person voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.  [More...]

Medicaid expansion: Ten years of unparalleled return on investment, improved outcomes

This research shows that Medicaid expansion provides significant benefits not only for low-income adults in the U.S., specifically in states that expanded Medicaid, but also across local and state economies. No state has rolled back their expanded coverage through Medicaid, which perhaps serves as the best validation of the program’s strength.  [More...]

SQ 802 is good for Oklahoma — but don’t just take our word for it

On June 30, Oklahomans will be going to the polls in a statewide election that also includes SQ 802, which would expand Medicaid coverage in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Policy Institute, which rarely takes a position on state questions, has endorsed SQ 802. [More...]