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.
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...]
One criminal justice reform moves before sine die, others stall. Oklahoma lawmakers end early, give new governor policy wins. Attorney general's office says Medicaid expansion petition flawed but fixable. [More...]
SB 252 bail reform bill fails in Oklahoma House. Oklahoma County Commissioners establish jail trust in unanimous vote. Budget does not include money for treatment and mental health programs mandated by voters. Bill to curb 4-day school weeks sent to Oklahoma governor. [More...]
OHCA reluctantly approves ‘returned mail’ rule. Oklahoma Senate passes $8.1 billion state spending plan. Optometrists given right to practice in retail establishments. Senate approves bill protecting state revenues from oil and gas volatility. [More...]
‘Paid first to the State Treasury’: #okleg moves bill on AG settlements. Oklahoma Senate passes bill to effectively restore five-day school weeks. ‘A compromise by all parties’: Workers’ comp update advances. Gov. Kevin Stitt forms panel on criminal justice reform. [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...]
Oklahoma Health Care Authority resuscitates controversial rule to check Medicaid eligibility by mail. Dean Joseph Harroz Jr., former OU general counsel, named interim president. Budget bills advance in Oklahoma Legislature. Bill to make SQ780 reforms retroactive back on track. [More...]
Budget deal: The full list of new #okleg appropriations. Budget deal includes teacher pay raise. DOC ‘getting closer’ to acquiring device necessary to carry out executions, director says. Oklahoma County a step closer to finalizing jail trust. [More...]
More legislators become lobbyists. Despite opposition, ed board appointees advance. Oklahoma lawmakers feud over state employee raises. Legislature approves change in online sales tax collections. [More...]
Dueling budget pressers show 'rough waters before the agreement'. After spat, Senate advances Mike Mazzei nomination. Oklahoma revenue continues growth, but warning signs ahead. Governor signs bill changing liquor distribution rules. [More...]