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.
1.4 billion opioid pills prescribed in Oklahoma. In wake of criminal investigation into Epic Charter Schools, lawmaker has questions for State Superintendent. Chris Bernard of Hunger Free Oklahoma: 'Hunger costs Oklahoma $1.4 billion a year'. Joe Dorman: Summer nutrition programs are key to fighting hunger. [More...]
OSBI warrant: 'Ghost students' at Epic. Missing in Oklahoma: State could take steps to curb 'epidemic' of missing Native American women. Kiowa Leader: Find other solutions to increase state revenues. Pain meds as public nuisance? Oklahoma tests a legal strategy for opioid addiction. [More...]
Attorneys make closing arguments in state case against opioid manufacturer. County Jail Trust to hold planning workshop, decide on end goals and path forward. Summer meal program grows. Insurance recovery doubled in Oklahoma. [More...]
Groups take aim at "failure-to-protect" laws. For first time, 'Read or Fail' Law is fully funded. Will it reduce retentions? Report says underfunded justice system helps drive Oklahoma's high incarceration rate [More...]
This week we launched The State of Work in Oklahoma, a new three-part paper series that sheds light on those Oklahomans who have been left behind by the economic recovery. [More...]
Oklahoma’s largest private prison plagued by gang violence and lockdowns. Stitt inauguration sets spending record. State senator raises new questions about Epic Charter Schools and oversight by Oklahoma State Department of Education. [More...]
Majority of claims by sexual assault survivors to state crime victim program are denied, data shows. Tribes weigh in on debate over gaming fees. CNBC: Oklahoma one of the worst states for business. Opioids trial: Expert points to nation's rise in chronic pain. [More...]
Stitt calls for renegotiating Oklahoma tribal gaming compacts. Uncompensated Loss: Black families of murder victims more likely to be denied aid from state program. Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority announces legislative changes to program. Health department stresses water safety as drowning deaths climb. [More...]
Oklahoma tax revenue up $1.4 billion in FY '19. Oklahoma ranked fifth-best state in US to start a business. Oklahoma's quake numbers decline, but likelihood of a damaging earthquake remains high. Oklahoma, city leaders request levee study be expedited. [More...]
Stitt outlaws state agency lobbyist hiring with executive order. Pardon and Parole Board appoints new executive director. District Attorneys use twin groups to push criminal justice policies. Cigarette sales down 25% in Oklahoma, tax revenue up. [More...]