Jessica joined OK Policy as a Communications Associate in January 2018. A Mexican immigrant, she was a Clara Luper Scholar at Oklahoma City University where she obtained a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy. Prior to joining OK Policy, Jessica worked at a digital marketing agency in Oklahoma City. She is an alumna of both the National Education for Women (N.E.W.) Leadership Institute (2013) and OK Policy's Summer Policy Institute (2015). In addition to her role at OK Policy, Jessica serves as a board member for Dream Action Oklahoma in OKC and communications director for Dream Alliance Oklahoma in Tulsa.
Oklahoma Legislature forms Medicaid expansion, health care working group. Experts say state at top of pack in opioid overdoses. Oklahoma to address opioid abuse, rising insulin costs during interim studies. COLUMN: Oklahoma House pursues child-focused interim studies. [More...]
Legislators expect some form of Medicaid expansion; Lawmaker's firm reaps payment to help throw Speaker's Ball; Teacher shortage: State to begin crackdown on emergency certifications for nonaccredited teachers; Tulsa lawmaker uses rarely invoked legal provision to attend closed-door meeting on Epic Charter Schools investigation, educators.... [More...]
This week, advocates will begin collecting signatures to place the Oklahoma Medicaid expansion ballot initiative, State Question 802, on the ballot. [More...]
Epic to receive state funds while OSBI embezzlement investigation continues. Hofmeister: Epic complaints raised for years, but Education Department lacked power to verify. State election board preparing to purge 134,000 from voter rolls. Post-secondary education needs to be revamped, expert tells Tulsa Regional Chamber. [More...]
As opioid crisis surged, state pharmacy board member had the busiest pharmacy in Tulsa County. Doctor traces history of opioid epidemics, explains how heroin use is increasing. Cigarette sales down 25% in Oklahoma, tax revenue up $133 million. Southeastern Oklahoma school district facing forced consolidation says under-fire Epic Charter Schools offered to come to rescue. [More...]
Signature gathering for Medicaid expansion petition to begin July 31. Cell by Cell: With low starting pay and high turnover, Oklahoma County struggles to fully staff jail. Ninety interim studies approved by Oklahoma House speaker. Oklahoma County commissioner releases statement, supports ICE presence at county jail. [More...]
New records reveal Epic Charter Schools' sponsor was in touch with state auditor for months before scandal. Public demands jail trust remove ICE officers from Oklahoma County Jail. Chickasha Democrat will not seek re-election to Oklahoma Legislature. Oklahoma Attorney General drafting restitution plan for qualified Tate Publishing victims. [More...]
18 counties seen at high risk in state opioid crisis; Governor requests state audit of Epic Charter Schools; school's sponsor already in touch with state auditor; Opinions harden amid Epic investigation; House will study virtual charter schools... [More...]
Over the past decade, all state agencies faced repeated and serious budget cuts, but small agencies were hit hardest, with many seeing their state funding cut by 20 to 50 percent. [More...]
Tribes had nearly $13 billion impact on the state in 2017, study finds. Records show FBI has also been looking into Epic, along with federal education investigators. Groups push census participation for Hispanic community. Charter school funding hurts other schools, local school leaders say. [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
Oklahoma Legislature forms Medicaid expansion, health care working group. Experts say state at top of pack in opioid overdoses. Oklahoma to address opioid abuse, rising insulin costs during interim studies. COLUMN: Oklahoma House pursues child-focused interim studies. [More...]
Legislators expect some form of Medicaid expansion; Lawmaker's firm reaps payment to help throw Speaker's Ball; Teacher shortage: State to begin crackdown on emergency certifications for nonaccredited teachers; Tulsa lawmaker uses rarely invoked legal provision to attend closed-door meeting on Epic Charter Schools investigation, educators.... [More...]
This week, advocates will begin collecting signatures to place the Oklahoma Medicaid expansion ballot initiative, State Question 802, on the ballot. [More...]
Epic to receive state funds while OSBI embezzlement investigation continues. Hofmeister: Epic complaints raised for years, but Education Department lacked power to verify. State election board preparing to purge 134,000 from voter rolls. Post-secondary education needs to be revamped, expert tells Tulsa Regional Chamber. [More...]
As opioid crisis surged, state pharmacy board member had the busiest pharmacy in Tulsa County. Doctor traces history of opioid epidemics, explains how heroin use is increasing. Cigarette sales down 25% in Oklahoma, tax revenue up $133 million. Southeastern Oklahoma school district facing forced consolidation says under-fire Epic Charter Schools offered to come to rescue. [More...]
Signature gathering for Medicaid expansion petition to begin July 31. Cell by Cell: With low starting pay and high turnover, Oklahoma County struggles to fully staff jail. Ninety interim studies approved by Oklahoma House speaker. Oklahoma County commissioner releases statement, supports ICE presence at county jail. [More...]
