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.
New online tool tracks Oklahoma's prison population. Oklahoma rests case in opioid trial against drugmaker Johnson & Johnson. To add hundreds of faculty, Epic Charter Schools obtained personal information of thousands of Oklahoma public school teachers. Early childhood advocates discuss hurdles to health care, education access. [More...]
Meet the members of the Oklahoma County Jail Trust. Oklahoma's medical marijuana enrollment among top in U.S. Risk of opioids addiction questioned by J&J witness. State improves rankings on structurally deficient bridges. [More...]
Annual 'point in time' homeless count: Having a job doesn't guarantee having a place to live in Tulsa. More electronic monitoring means less need for halfway house beds, Department of Corrections says. Dozens of new laws along with $1,500 pay hike for state employees go into effect on July 1. Oklahoma lawmakers request interim studies. [More...]
What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In The Know. [More...]
Oklahoma's teacher shortage: 3038 emergency certifications approved, up 54% in 2018-19. Oklahoma dams near expiration dates as scientists predict more extreme weather. Banker named to Wildlife Conservation Commission. Muscogee (Creek) Nation: ‘Dust will settle’ after Supreme Court pass on treaty case. [More...]
Oklahoma Health Care Authority approves $6 billion budget. Oklahoma among top 3 medical marijuana states by patients one year after SQ 788 vote. Denying dispensaries: Not all property owners interested in this booming business. Ed secretary backs funds for inmate education during Oklahoma visit. [More...]
Oklahoma in bottom 10 of annual 'Kids Count' report. State's proposed 30-year plan to abate opioid crisis calls for hiring 1734 state employees. Pharmaceutical company agrees to not promote opioids in Oklahoma until 2027. Money from opioids settlement to fund part of recovery plan. [More...]
KIDS COUNT Data Book: Oklahoma in bottom 10 for child well-being. Medicaid expansion ruling puts pressure on Oklahoma's governor, Legislature. Medicaid expansion is a 'common decency issue' for Oklahomans. State leaders reach agreement on $85 million opioid case payment. [More...]
What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. [More...]
Wellness expert: Recovery from state’s opioids crisis could take decades. In Oklahoma, opioid case windfall starts winners squabbling. Referee hears arguments on controversial liquor law. SMC leader supports Medicaid expansion. In Oklahoma, lawsuit options limited when prisoners claim constitutional rights violations. [More...]