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 15, 2019 // Updated: February 15, 2019
Digital licenses, card payments among Stitt's desired 'quick wins'. Stitt appoints Steve Buck, Charlie Prater to positions. Lawmakers react to state's teacher exodus. Teacher strikes made 2018 the biggest year for worker protest in a generation. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 14, 2019 // Updated: February 14, 2019
Gov. Stitt can save Oklahoma millions through parole reform. Support staff pay raise and restoring cuts is key to improving Oklahoma’s schools. Controversial rule dropped from Health Care Authority agenda. Teacher raises advance in Oklahoma House with unanimous committee vote. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 12, 2019 // Updated: February 12, 2019
Plan would terminate health coverage over returned mail. Auditors tell prosecutors to send collection agency after unpaid fees. Coalition wants standard definition of possession with intent to distribute. Voters consider school bond issues, city council and mayor races. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 11, 2019 // Updated: February 11, 2019
While Stitt seems more funding for parole board, his appointments could have more impact. County jail not safe for mental health court participants, judge says. Most prosecutors saw increase last year in forfeited cash and property, though total statewide seizures decreased. Oklahoma's final education budget could include more classroom spending than Gov. Stitt proposed. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 10, 2019 // Updated: February 10, 2019
Applications launched for the 2019-2021 cohort of the Mental Health Policy Fellowship. Why delaying Pre-K under Senate Bill 11 would be a step back for Oklahoma's most vulnerable children. How a lack of funding forces thousands of families raising a child with a developmental disability to wait over a decade for critical services. Resources to help you follow what’s happening and in the Legislature. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 8, 2019 // Updated: February 8, 2019
Stitt says business savvy, diversity are priorities in search for new OU regent. Gov. Kevin Stitt reaffirms pro-life stance, declaring 'life begins at conception' during Rose Day address. Permitless carry gun bill sails through Oklahoma committee. Medical marijuana working group to consider several outstanding issues. Bill aims to stop stalled trains at intersections. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 7, 2019 // Updated: February 7, 2019
Stitt seeks more transparency for his own office funding. More clarity sought on where Stitt stands on Medicaid expansion. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel warns of economic slowdown. Criminal justice reform bill sees pushback from district attorneys. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 6, 2019 // Updated: February 6, 2019
Delaying Pre-K would be a step back for Oklahoma’s children. Democratic agenda includes issues key to red rural Oklahoma. Annotating Stitt's 'State of the State' speech. Officials seek higher wages for all state employees. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 5, 2019 // Updated: February 5, 2019
Stitt pushes flat agency appropriations, modest increase for education, money to savings. Oil and gas group vows to support Gov. Stitt’s state goals. No Time to Read: How the Oklahoma State Legislature does the impossible. Advocates say expanding Medicaid would greatly benefit Oklahoma children. [More...]
By: Jessica Vazquez
February 4, 2019 // Updated: February 4, 2019
Oklahoma's legislative leaders look for less fighting, more problem-solving in session that starts today. Growth figures for state budget expected to drop. New challenges, including a budget surplus, face the 2019 Legislature. Criminal justice reform coalition announces legislative agenda. [More...]
OKPOLICY.ORG
Digital licenses, card payments among Stitt's desired 'quick wins'. Stitt appoints Steve Buck, Charlie Prater to positions. Lawmakers react to state's teacher exodus. Teacher strikes made 2018 the biggest year for worker protest in a generation. [More...]
Applications launched for the 2019-2021 cohort of the Mental Health Policy Fellowship. Why delaying Pre-K under Senate Bill 11 would be a step back for Oklahoma's most vulnerable children. How a lack of funding forces thousands of families raising a child with a developmental disability to wait over a decade for critical services. Resources to help you follow what’s happening and in the Legislature. [More...]
