Author: Kandis West

Kandis West // kwest@okpolicy.org

Kandis West served as OK Policy's Communications Associate from October 2023 through February 2025. She previously 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. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism.

Recent Articles

Black Health: Dying in Oklahoma (Commentary)

By: Kandis West
February 20, 2025 // Updated: February 20, 2025
Neither the United States Constitution nor the Bill of Rights guarantee health care as a basic right for any American. Our nation and our neighbors struggle with access to affordable health care and prescription medicine. However, for Black Oklahomans, lack… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma governor rejects immigration checks in schools | Tax Commission trying to ‘recapture’ $5 million in private school tax credits | The smartest tax cut Oklahoma can make

By: Kandis West
February 13, 2025 // Updated: February 13, 2025
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: A peek at the governor’s FY2026 budget proposal | SCOTUS case involving St. Isidore will be heard in April | Oklahoma Democratic lawmakers reveal tax cut proposal | Oklahoma institutions respond to Trump’s health research funding cuts

By: Kandis West
February 11, 2025 // Updated: February 11, 2025
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, local officials plan for potential immigration enforcement at schools | Questions linger following OSU president’s sudden resignation | Policy Matters: ‘Path to zero’ is a dangerous road

By: Kandis West
February 6, 2025 // Updated: February 6, 2025
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 governor calls for education reforms, smaller government | Oklahoma bill takes aim at resources available to students on IEPs | Day Without Immigrants impacts Tulsa-area businesses, schools | Mostly flat budget requests from state’s health, human services agencies

By: Kandis West
February 4, 2025 // Updated: February 4, 2025
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: Supreme Court says Drummond can’t take over tribal-gaming case over Stitt’s objection | Tulsa faith leaders react to Trump’s lifting of ban on immigration arrests in church | Initial budget picture should caution state lawmakers

By: Kandis West
January 23, 2025 // Updated: January 23, 2025
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: Agency asks for funds for an Oklahoma militia | How does Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system work? | Policy Matters: Lawmakers should solve problems, not hide them

By: Kandis West
January 16, 2025 // Updated: January 16, 2025
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: Gentner Drummond announces gubernatorial bid | Bill could ban most cities from offering homeless outreach | Oklahoma Senate Democrats release 2025 policy agenda

By: Kandis West
January 14, 2025 // Updated: January 14, 2025
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: New OSDE rules would harm children, undermine transparency | Two Oklahoma senators aiming for harsher abortion restrictions in new session | For Some Oklahomans, Eviction is a Death Sentence

By: Kandis West
January 9, 2025 // Updated: January 9, 2025
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 lawmakers appeal Corporation Commission’s approval of OG&E rate increase | Rule changes discussed for state House of Representatives | Oklahoma open primary supporters refile petition to clarify issues

By: Kandis West
January 7, 2025 // Updated: January 7, 2025
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...]