OKPOLICY.ORG
Category: COVID-19
COVID-19 Policy Analysis: As our nation confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, OK Policy will be analyzing state and federal policies that impact our state and its residents during this national health emergency. These posts reflect the most current information available at publication, and we will update or publish follow-ups as new information becomes available. To share this page, use the link okpolicy.org/COVID-19
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NOTE: OK Policy is not a state agency and we cannot assist in applying for state services or provide legal advice.
- For direct service assistance, please call 211 or visit the 211 website
- For unemployment benefits, contact the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
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Workers need Paid Family and Medical Leave all the time, not just during a public health emergency
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, adopted last week by the federal government, includes a limited paid family and medical leave benefit, but it will be inadequate for many families during this emergency. [More...]
Joint Statement: Actions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma’s Criminal Justice System
Nine Oklahoma organizations have come together to urge elected officials and state officials to take urgent action to manage the serious threat of a COVID-19 outbreak in Oklahoma Corrections facilities. [More...]
This is the emergency we’ve been saving for
The State of Oklahoma has $1.035 billion in three savings accounts. Oklahoma has the resources to act quickly. [More...]
Statement: Oklahoma needs to account for all students as schools move to distance learning
As Oklahoma schools are pivoting to distance learning to complete the spring 2020 semester, education officials need to ensure all students have equal access. [More...]
Governor should extend health care comment period as virtual ‘public hearings’ lack transparency, full representation
As Oklahomans are rightly turning their attention to our nation’s urgent health emergency, Gov. Stitt should withdraw his health care proposal, or at the very least, extend the comment period to allow as many Oklahomans to participate. [More...]
The cost of denying paid sick leave
Businesses benefit when workers have time to care for their health. All Oklahomans need paid sick leave, and not just during a public health crisis. [More...]
Evictions currently are suspended in Oklahoma except in cases of “emergency”
Eviction hearings are postponed across the state and that means Oklahomans cannot be forced from their homes by an eviction or foreclosure until April 15 at the earliest. [More...]
Oklahoma prisons at risk during COVID-19 health emergency
Because Oklahoma still has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation, this problem will require more comprehensive solutions than those offered so far. [More...]
School support personnel play vital role, should receive pay during closure
Support staff serve as the backbone of schools, and their responsibility to keep schools safe and clean have become even more critical amidst the coronavirus outbreak. We call on lawmakers and the State Department of Education to continue working together to ensure Oklahoma school support employees are paid during school closures. [More...]
Oklahoma courts have not suspended fines and fees
Oklahoma’s county courts, which handle all civil and most criminal cases across the state, have suspended most of their activities until April 15 at the earliest. There has been no official guidance about the collection of criminal fines and fees while court activity is suspended [More...]
