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
March 21, 2019 // Updated: March 21, 2019
Senate appropriations chairman shoots down supplemental request for Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Legislators to study cost of living adjustments for Oklahoma state retirees. Bill in state senate would make bail more affordable. 11 inmates flagged for "issues" during jail count. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 20, 2019 // Updated: March 20, 2019
Oklahoma City woman jailed by mistake two weeks. Hearing to get Nowata County jail reopened ends in confusion over judge's actions. Former Health Department attorney files lawsuit against Unity Bill. Do you hire lobbyists? Agencies face deadline from Stitt. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 19, 2019 // Updated: March 19, 2019
Thousands more students held back than originally reported. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints members to three state agency boards. Oklahoma health agency shakeups continue. Stitt cabinet lacks diversity. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 18, 2019 // Updated: March 18, 2019
Epic Charter Schools, school reform and funding needs on the minds of Republicans. Proposed Supreme Court district changes could mean more urban justices. Oklahoma officials hope for quick reauthorization of Federal Mental Health Act. Oklahoma Ethics Commission agrees to increase political donation cap. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 17, 2019 // Updated: March 16, 2019
This week, we launched applications for our annual Summer Policy Institute! The Institute is hosted and led by the staff of OK Policy and involves leading policy experts from government, academia, and community organizations throughout Oklahoma. The deadline to apply is May 27, 2019. In the midst of a severe budget crisis in 2016, the Oklahoma legislature slashed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income working families. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 15, 2019 // Updated: March 15, 2019
GOP leaders seek 'objective data,' new budget office. Stitt signs Unity Bill regulating Oklahoma medical marijuana industry. Bill to teach 'consent' fails, sexual assault reported between House pages. Senate OKs plan to push school districts to 5-day weeks. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 14, 2019 // Updated: March 14, 2019
Pardon and Parole Board grants swift parole under new law. 'Local option' Medicaid expansion OK'd by Oklahoma House of Representatives. Agency reforms signed, board members up in air. With lawsuit pending, Stitt nominee for Veterans Secretary withdraws nomination. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 13, 2019 // Updated: March 13, 2019
Restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit is a must this session. Study seeks to counter argument against resentencing Oklahoma drug crimes. Strong income, gross production tax receipts boost state's general revenue. Reform bills that pass Oklahoma House would give Gov. Stitt authority to hire and fire heads of state agencies. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 12, 2019 // Updated: March 12, 2019
'Retroactivity' bill passes Oklahoma House of Representatives. Senate advances bill creating budget office. Senate advances bill creating budget office. Groundwater protection bill awaits action in Oklahoma Senate. Want strong beer and wine at sporting events, festivals, some businesses? Bills approved by Oklahoma Senate would allow that. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 11, 2019 // Updated: March 11, 2019
First inmates to come before pardon and parole board under new law. Census at Oklahoma County jail inmate finds all inmates had court appearances. Ahead of April 1 deadline, all eyes on education funding. Oklahoma treasurer reports overall collections still strong. Medicaid expansion could end up on 2020 ballot. [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
Senate appropriations chairman shoots down supplemental request for Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Legislators to study cost of living adjustments for Oklahoma state retirees. Bill in state senate would make bail more affordable. 11 inmates flagged for "issues" during jail count. [More...]
This week, we launched applications for our annual Summer Policy Institute! The Institute is hosted and led by the staff of OK Policy and involves leading policy experts from government, academia, and community organizations throughout Oklahoma. The deadline to apply is May 27, 2019. In the midst of a severe budget crisis in 2016, the Oklahoma legislature slashed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income working families. [More...]
