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.
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 23, 2021 // Updated: November 23, 2021
Oklahoma has significant health inequities, but Medicaid expansion could pave way for improvement; Gov. Kevin Stitt signs congressional, legislative redistricting bills; State Health Department restores most but not all COVID-19 data, prompting mixed reactions; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 22, 2021 // Updated: November 22, 2021
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 19, 2021 // Updated: November 19, 2021
Oklahoma governor grants Julius Jones clemency after two-decade fight to get off death row; Oklahoma Senate passes redistricting map; Initial unemployment claims decline by 24% in Oklahoma, continued claims by 14.5%; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 18, 2021 // Updated: November 18, 2021
Family, supporters of Julius Jones make final pleas ahead of Thursday execution; Concerned about execution protocols, board recommends life without parole for Bigler Stouffer; Oklahoma Health Care Authority board passes rules that that some say could reopen door for managed care; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 17, 2021 // Updated: November 17, 2021
Redistricting bills advance from committees in special session; Stitt still mulling fate of Julius Jones two days before execution date; Oklahoma AG sues Biden administration over health care worker vaccine mandate; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 16, 2021 // Updated: November 16, 2021
Five Republican House members urge Stitt to grant clemency for Julius Jones (Capitol Update); Lawmakers convene special session on redistricting; Legal battle continues between State of Oklahoma, Ascension St. John over vaccinations; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 15, 2021 // Updated: November 15, 2021
Special session to set new congressional, legislative districts begins Monday; 'A little blind': Officials, health experts frustrated after State Health Department stops publishing local COVID-19 data; State granted temporary restraining order preventing Ascension St. John from enforcing employee vaccine mandate; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 12, 2021 // Updated: November 12, 2021
Thousands of Oklahomans still eligible for health care through Medicaid expansion; 7 questions answered about COVID vaccines for kids 5-11, including where to get them in OKC; Stitt issues executive order on amending birth certificates; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 8, 2021 // Updated: November 8, 2021
Does your child age 5-11 really need a COVID-19 vaccine? Pediatricians in Oklahoma say 'Yes'; Oklahoma governor criticizes firing of maskless teachers; Oklahoma special session won't address COVID-19 vaccine mandates, a divisive issue for GOP; [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
November 5, 2021 // Updated: November 5, 2021
Agency: 80,000 Oklahomans likely eligible for SoonerCare under Medicaid expansion; Health department begins administering pediatric vaccines; OK Policy announces new board member; [More...]