Former Executive Director David Blatt joined OK Policy in 2008 and served as its Executive Director from 2010 to 2019. He previously served as Director of Public Policy for Community Action Project of Tulsa County and as a budget analyst for the Oklahoma State Senate. He has a Ph.D. in political science from Cornell University and a B.A. from the University of Alberta. David has been selected as Political Scientist of the Year by the Oklahoma Political Science Association, Local Social Justice Champion by the Dan Allen Center for Social Justice, and Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers.
By: David Blatt
June 25, 2012 // Updated: May 1, 2019
In the wake of three consecutive years of steep budget cuts, the number of state employees staffing correctional facilities, inspecting restaurants and nursing homes, serving victims of abuse and neglect, and performing other public functions has declined sharply.
In FY… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
June 19, 2012 // Updated: June 19, 2012
Oklahoma Policy Institute has announced that Linda Edmondson, a social worker and community volunteer, has joined its Board of Directors.
“We are greatly honored to have Linda Edmondson join the Board of Oklahoma Policy Institute,” stated Board Chair Vince LoVoi.… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
June 13, 2012 // Updated: June 13, 2012
Earlier this year, OK Policy was hosting a briefing in Oklahoma City about the ongoing battle over taxes and the state budget. During the question period, a woman in the audience rose with a question that went something like this:… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
June 7, 2012 // Updated: May 2, 2019
Voices of Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “preserving Oklahoma’s legacy, one voice at a time.” Click here to hear Henry Bellmon’s story, in his own words, interviewed by John Erling.
George Santayana (1863 – 1952) wrote “…Those who… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
June 6, 2012 // Updated: May 2, 2019
The FY 2013 budget negotiated by legislative leaders and Governor Fallin had some encouraging aspects. Overall appropriations increased by $253 million, or 3.8 percent, and there was additional funding for targeted priorities in human services, health care, transportation and public… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
May 31, 2012 // Updated: May 1, 2019
In the 1960’s, Richard Fariña titled his novel of his college days and experiences, “Been Down So Long It Feels Like Up To Me.” The sentiment might also apply to the state budget for the upcoming year. After being down… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
May 30, 2012 // Updated: May 2, 2019
Dr. Michael Givel is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma
What’s the best way to measure social progress? For decades, the United States and other nations have primarily measured social progress by the economic measure of… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
May 23, 2012 // Updated: May 2, 2019
Stephen Ellis, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma. His research areas include philosophy of economics, decision theory, philosophy of mind and ethics.
The Oklahoma income tax ‘wars’ have gone national! The latest… Read more [More...]
By: David Blatt
May 22, 2012 // Updated: May 2, 2019
NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect slightly revised numbers in state aid funding for FY 2008 and FY 2012. The text has been corrected to correspond.
The FY 2013 budget agreement announced yesterday provides no increase in state… Read more [More...]
Will Oklahoma families pay higher or lower taxes under HB 3061, the tax plan agreed to last week by Governor Fallin and legislative leaders? The answer depends on a number of variables, including household income, family size, and whether or… Read more [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
In the wake of three consecutive years of steep budget cuts, the number of state employees staffing correctional facilities, inspecting restaurants and nursing homes, serving victims of abuse and neglect, and performing other public functions has declined sharply.
In FY… Read more [More...]
Oklahoma Policy Institute has announced that Linda Edmondson, a social worker and community volunteer, has joined its Board of Directors.
“We are greatly honored to have Linda Edmondson join the Board of Oklahoma Policy Institute,” stated Board Chair Vince LoVoi.… Read more [More...]
Earlier this year, OK Policy was hosting a briefing in Oklahoma City about the ongoing battle over taxes and the state budget. During the question period, a woman in the audience rose with a question that went something like this:… Read more [More...]
Voices of Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization dedicated to “preserving Oklahoma’s legacy, one voice at a time.” Click here to hear Henry Bellmon’s story, in his own words, interviewed by John Erling.
George Santayana (1863 – 1952) wrote “…Those who… Read more [More...]
The FY 2013 budget negotiated by legislative leaders and Governor Fallin had some encouraging aspects. Overall appropriations increased by $253 million, or 3.8 percent, and there was additional funding for targeted priorities in human services, health care, transportation and public… Read more [More...]
In the 1960’s, Richard Fariña titled his novel of his college days and experiences, “Been Down So Long It Feels Like Up To Me.” The sentiment might also apply to the state budget for the upcoming year. After being down… Read more [More...]
Dr. Michael Givel is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma
What’s the best way to measure social progress? For decades, the United States and other nations have primarily measured social progress by the economic measure of… Read more [More...]
Stephen Ellis, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma. His research areas include philosophy of economics, decision theory, philosophy of mind and ethics.
The Oklahoma income tax ‘wars’ have gone national! The latest… Read more [More...]
NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect slightly revised numbers in state aid funding for FY 2008 and FY 2012. The text has been corrected to correspond.
The FY 2013 budget agreement announced yesterday provides no increase in state… Read more [More...]
Will Oklahoma families pay higher or lower taxes under HB 3061, the tax plan agreed to last week by Governor Fallin and legislative leaders? The answer depends on a number of variables, including household income, family size, and whether or… Read more [More...]
