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
February 27, 2019 // Updated: February 27, 2019
New study shows bail system in Oklahoma costs local governments millions of dollars. Fact Check: Property crime decreased in Oklahoma after SQ 780. Stitt appoints reform advocates to parole board. Children injured and killed by firearms in Oklahoma on the rise. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 26, 2019 // Updated: February 26, 2019
Study proposes actions to help Oklahomans with criminal records get work. As teacher raise quickly moves through legislature, educators ask for support staff recognition. Not just teachers: Lawmakers want to consider education policy, too. House bill would stiffen smoking laws. Bill would set new standards for pet stores. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 25, 2019 // Updated: February 25, 2019
Bill to eliminate pregnancy program that covers undocumented women will not be heard. Bill would allow teens to pre-register to vote. House set to hear proposed regulations on medical marijuana. House passes railroad fine bill by large margin. Bill would make turnpikes free for disabled Oklahoma veterans. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 24, 2019 // Updated: February 24, 2019
In our Bill Watch series, Rebecca Fine gave us an overview of bills that could have a significant impact on Oklahoma schools, and Economic Opportunity Policy Analyst Courtney Cullison highlighted the many opportunities legislators have to make Oklahomans better off economically. An op-ed by Policy Director Carly Putnam in The Oklahoman explained why federal support for health coverage expansion is a funding promise we can count on. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 22, 2019 // Updated: February 22, 2019
Bill Watch: Opportunities to make Oklahomans better off economically this session. House moves $1,200 teacher pay raise, Senate sees classroom priority. OKC school closure plan revealed, vote set March 4. Seeking a higher minimum wage: Should Oklahoma follow the lead of surrounding states? [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 21, 2019 // Updated: February 21, 2019
Bill Watch: A strong bipartisan coalition could make huge advances on criminal justice reform. Board of Equalization: Higher appropriations possible. District courts, others seek supplemental appropriation. Bucking ethics proposal, legislators become lobbyists. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 20, 2019 // Updated: February 20, 2019
A wide range of education issues on lawmakers’ agenda. Oklahoma Senate Committee approves several criminal justice reform bills, but changes likely. Senate panel passes bill to crack down on four-day school weeks. Teachers and parents prepare to advocate against voucher bills at the capitol. Destructive public school laws disguised as education initiatives. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 19, 2019 // Updated: February 19, 2019
Bill seeks to expand health insurance coverage for working poor. Bill expanding association health plans without consumer protections passes Senate committee. Bills seek to modernize 1967 Supreme Court district map. Panel nixes bill to use state money for private tuition. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 18, 2019 // Updated: February 18, 2019
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.
New from OK… Read more [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 17, 2019 // Updated: February 17, 2019
While school enrollment in Oklahoma has been increasing steadily over the last decade, there are 391 fewer support professionals in our schools. How Governor Stitt can use his executive powers to fix parole. Why Oklahoma's Medicaid agency should withdraw a rule to terminate health care coverage over returned mail. Issues we're watching on the budget, taxes, and health care. [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
New study shows bail system in Oklahoma costs local governments millions of dollars. Fact Check: Property crime decreased in Oklahoma after SQ 780. Stitt appoints reform advocates to parole board. Children injured and killed by firearms in Oklahoma on the rise. [More...]
In our Bill Watch series, Rebecca Fine gave us an overview of bills that could have a significant impact on Oklahoma schools, and Economic Opportunity Policy Analyst Courtney Cullison highlighted the many opportunities legislators have to make Oklahomans better off economically. An op-ed by Policy Director Carly Putnam in The Oklahoman explained why federal support for health coverage expansion is a funding promise we can count on. [More...]
