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

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...]