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’s budget impasse continues | Outcry over OU’s anti-DEI actions | Oklahoma City’s Police Chief discusses problems with anti-immigration law

By: Kandis West
May 9, 2024 // Updated: May 9, 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...]

OK Policy Institute to Host FREE Sales Tax Relief Credit Virtual Town Hall Meeting Thursday, May 9

By: Kandis West
May 8, 2024 // Updated: May 8, 2024
Oklahoma has a tax credit on the books designed to help low- and middle-income families, but the amount of the credit hasn't been adjusted in more than three decades. OK Policy and TogetherOK will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, May 9, so Oklahomans can learn how they can increase the value of their Sales Tax Relief Credit for tax savings.  [More...]

In The Know: State Superintendent, Attorney General challenge new Title IX rules with lawsuits | Disagreements apparent as Stitt, state leaders meet on budget | Violent tornadoes leave thousands without power | Gov. Stitt signs bill to reduce maternal death rates

By: Kandis West
May 7, 2024 // Updated: May 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...]

In The Know: Instability around budget talks escalates in Senate | President Biden approves federal disaster declaration for 3 counties in OK | Minimum wage petitioners working on signature gathering | Bill protecting private school tax credits from state garnishment heads to governor | Stitt vetoes bill requiring farmers and ranchers to track water use | Mammograms should start at age 40

By: Kandis West
May 3, 2024 // Updated: May 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: Oklahoma rebuilds after 25 tornadoes | Tornadoes likely to impact state budget talks | Restrictive zoning laws add to affordable housing crisis | 90-day countdown begins for SQ 832 | Rural hospital closures shortens lifespan for Native American women

By: Kandis West
April 30, 2024 // Updated: April 30, 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: U.S. Supreme Court to decide if states can criminalize homelessness | OKC’s Mexican diplomat speaks out against anti-immigrant bill | Oklahoma Hispanics, Blacks have worse health outcomes | Capitol Update

By: Kandis West
April 23, 2024 // Updated: April 23, 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: #OKLeg stalemate: Senate and House clash over state budget numbers | Southeast Oklahoma prepares for total eclipse | Oklahoma voters deserve choices at the polls

By: Kandis West
April 4, 2024 // Updated: April 4, 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: Medical examiner releases report of Nex Benedict’s death | Ties, electrical cord used to lock OK State Dept. of Ed entrance | Immigrants are vital to Oklahoma’s well-being

By: Kandis West
March 28, 2024 // Updated: March 28, 2024
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. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Signature collection for minimum wage state question on hold | Proposed changes to judicial nomination process would increase politicization | More

By: Kandis West
March 26, 2024 // Updated: March 26, 2024
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. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Lawmakers want immigration law like Texas | Budget transparency needs all players on board | Bill allows some nurses to prescribe drugs | Hunting and fishing fees could increase

By: Kandis West
March 21, 2024 // Updated: March 21, 2024
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. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]