Author: Kandis West

Kandis West // kwest@okpolicy.org

Kandis West is a communications professional with more than 15 years of experience. Most recently, she served as the Communications Director for the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus. She spent nine years in the Olympia/Tacoma area of Washington organizing compensation campaigns for teachers for the Washington Education Association. Kandis has a proven track record of increasing community engagement, public awareness and media exposure around the most pressing issues that impact citizens. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism.

Recent Articles

In The Know: Oklahoma releases A-F grades for public school performance | State prepares to perform final execution of 2024 | State, local media vital to Oklahoma’s success

By: Kandis West
December 19, 2024 // Updated: December 19, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Gov. orders Oklahoma DPS to invest in drone monitoring tech | Toll-free routes to Tulsa, other cities | Addressing the complex needs for mental health services for people held in state’s custody

By: Kandis West
December 17, 2024 // Updated: December 17, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Ryan Walters, KFOR settle lawsuit ahead of trial | Helping Oklahomans succeed after incarceration | Policy Matters: Government works best when we work together

By: Kandis West
December 12, 2024 // Updated: December 12, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: State superintendent suggests putting Oklahoma superintendents up for election | Agreement between Oklahoma, Denmark could lead to green methanol power plant in state | Leaders shouldn’t ask nonprofits to do government’s job

By: Kandis West
December 5, 2024 // Updated: December 6, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Gov. names new chief of staff | Pardon and Parole Board resignations delay death-row clemency hearing | A look at the proposed settlement for federal mental health competency lawsuit

By: Kandis West
December 3, 2024 // Updated: December 3, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Lawsuit alleges Walters didn’t adequately investigate bullying | Put out of office by voters, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice has no regrets | Three things needed to reform education in Oklahoma (Capitol Update)

By: Kandis West
November 26, 2024 // Updated: November 26, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Okla. Supreme Court Justice recuses herself from Bible mandate case | Bill filing starts, tax cuts are first on the agenda for Senate | Capitol Update

By: Kandis West
November 19, 2024 // Updated: November 19, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Nex Benedict: Investigation reveals Owasso ‘deliberately indifferent’ to student rights | USDA funds economic support for Oklahoma’s historic Black towns | Policy Matters: We can’t normalize hate

By: Kandis West
November 14, 2024 // Updated: November 14, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma State Superintendent forms advisory committee for Trump’s education reforms | Sen. Markwayne Mullin Cabinet rumor spurs speculation | A look at the incoming class of state legislators (Capitol Update)

By: Kandis West
November 12, 2024 // Updated: November 12, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Education, health care, immigration, industry set for shake-up with second Trump presidency | Nichols to become Tulsa’s first Black mayor | Policy Matters: Prioritize people, not politics

By: Kandis West
November 7, 2024 // Updated: November 7, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]