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 11, 2019 // Updated: March 16, 2019
The Summer Policy Institute is hosted and led by the staff of OK Policy and involves leading policy experts from government, academia, and community organizations throughout Oklahoma. Participants have a chance to network with fellow students, leaders in the policy process, and past SPI alumni. The Institute is open to any undergraduate or graduate student at an Oklahoma college or university, or graduate from an Oklahoma high school, who has completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credit or graduated December 2018 or later. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
March 10, 2019 // Updated: March 10, 2019
This week, a new study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that despite gains from last year's teacher walkout, Oklahoma school funding is still significantly below pre-recession levels. You can read the full report here. Currently, Oklahoma schools desperately need more counselors, and Education Policy Analyst Rebecca Fine explained why it is in our children's best interest for the legislature to grant the State Department of Education’s request to fund the School Counselor Corps. [More...]
Oklahoma House approves eviction measure in marathon session. Senate effectively kills legislation for minimum wage increase. Bill making some crimes retroactive would reduce prison population but could have unintended consequences. Judge directs every Oklahoma County jail inmate be checked after one was lost for almost eight months. State lawmakers take another run at Oklahoma Supreme Court redistricting. [More...]
Oklahoma K–12 funding up big after teacher walkout but still lagging. Oklahoma ranked among worst states for babies. Project Oklahoma: Report finds minority schools receive less funding in Oklahoma. Stitt financial disclosure shows wide-ranging investments. Gov. Kevin Stitt requests Health Care Authority audit. [More...]
Stitt, GOP leaders announce deal on agency directors. Legislation would ease licensure for certain professions. Despite boost last year, Oklahoma's per-student formula funding remains well below decade ago. Superintendents: Classes too large. Bartlesville High School senior: 'We deserve better' from our Legislature. [More...]
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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.
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Lawmakers want to fund fraction of recommended DOC raises. Data: Crime dropped after criminal justice reform state question. Stitt’s pick for Veterans Secretary accused of underpaying veterans. Tulsa World editorial: Make State Question 780 retroactive. [More...]
This week, a new study by Open Justice Oklahoma Director Ryan Gentzler analyzed the impact of money bail on vulnerable communities and how passing Senate Bill 252 could change that. Education Policy Analyst Rebecca Fine informed us that increasing the scholarship tax credit hurts public schools. Policy Director Carly Putnam explained why implementation of Medicaid work requirements in Oklahoma is unlikely to happen quickly - and why that’s a good thing. [More...]
Rejected by voters as a state question, legislation would let eye doctors practice in big box stores. Oklahoma House passes medical marijuana 'Unity Bill' after lengthy discussions on firearm ownership, tenant-landlord rights. COLA for pensions: Budget chairmen split on funding options. Corporation Commission adopts rule change that will require wind facility operators and developers to pay annual fees. 'No perfect system': Revamped grade cards are better but don't fully accomplish goal, school leaders say. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 28, 2019 // Updated: February 28, 2019
Reform bills amended to eliminate state agency boards. State begins seeking private vendors for SoonerCare eligibility checks required by new law. Stitt signs permitless carry bill. Bill sets plate reader limits. Legislative watchdog bill advances. [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
The Summer Policy Institute is hosted and led by the staff of OK Policy and involves leading policy experts from government, academia, and community organizations throughout Oklahoma. Participants have a chance to network with fellow students, leaders in the policy process, and past SPI alumni. The Institute is open to any undergraduate or graduate student at an Oklahoma college or university, or graduate from an Oklahoma high school, who has completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credit or graduated December 2018 or later. [More...]
This week, a new study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that despite gains from last year's teacher walkout, Oklahoma school funding is still significantly below pre-recession levels. You can read the full report here. Currently, Oklahoma schools desperately need more counselors, and Education Policy Analyst Rebecca Fine explained why it is in our children's best interest for the legislature to grant the State Department of Education’s request to fund the School Counselor Corps. [More...]
Oklahoma House approves eviction measure in marathon session. Senate effectively kills legislation for minimum wage increase. Bill making some crimes retroactive would reduce prison population but could have unintended consequences. Judge directs every Oklahoma County jail inmate be checked after one was lost for almost eight months. State lawmakers take another run at Oklahoma Supreme Court redistricting. [More...]
