Category: Media

2025 Census Data: Oklahoma remains entrenched among the nation’s top 10 poorest states

Data from the Census Bureau’s 2025 American Community Survey released Oct. 29 show that Oklahoma’s poverty rate was 14.4 percent, which means that nearly 1 in 7 state residents live in poverty. Oklahoma’s overall poverty rate in 2025 improved by half a percentage point compared to the previous year. For the second consecutive year, Oklahoma had the eighth highest poverty rate in the country. [More...]

SQ 845: To know history is to not repeat it (Policy Matters)

This column originally ran Oct. 22, 2026 in The Journal Record • SQ 845 Fact Sheet • SQ 845 Explainer Video • What’s on the Nov. 3 ballot in Oklahoma  One of the darkest chapters in our state’s history shaped… Read more [More...]

Vote NO on SQ 845 and SQ 847 | Oklahomans need real solutions. These proposals aren’t them.

On November 3, all Oklahoma voters will decide on two proposed changes to the state Constitution. SQ 845 would significantly change the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission that chooses nominees for the state’s top judges. SQ 847 would adjust the assessment… Read more [More...]

OK Policy to host Oct. 20 state questions town hall in Oklahoma City, online (News Release)

For Immediate Release Contact Dave Hamby, OK Policy Communications Director, at 918-810-0182 (call/text) or [email protected] for more information or to schedule interviews.  – – – OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma voters looking to learn more about two state questions on the… Read more [More...]

Latest Census Bureau poverty data misses state-by-state trends

The U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday released new Current Population Survey data showing that programs like SNAP and Medicaid help reduce poverty and improve economic security for families across the country. ​But this week’s release does not include important state-level… Read more [More...]

Know what’s on your ballot before you vote | SQ 845 & SQ 847 Town Hall

The Nov. 3 general election is your chance to help shape Oklahoma’s future. Before you head to the polls, watch OK Policy’s nonpartisan town hall that explains the statewide ballot measures and answer your questions.   – – – During… Read more [More...]

Worker empowerment strengthens Oklahoma businesses

Labor Day arrives each year as the unofficial end of summer. But its history asks us to remember something more important: Our economy’s strength depends on the people who do the work. This column originally appeared in the Journal Record… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma can bring dark money into the light

Oklahoma voters this election cycle have been bombarded with outrageous political mailers, turning elections into a contest of sensational attacks — and it’s time we demand something simple: if someone spends thousands to influence our votes, we deserve to know… Read more [More...]

Vote no on SQ 844 and SQ 846: Protect Oklahoma’s Constitution

On August 25, all Oklahoma voters can help decide on two proposed changes to the state Constitution. Even if you are registered as an independent or don’t have a candidate on your primary runoff ballot, you can still vote on… Read more [More...]

OK Policy hosting Aug. 15 nonpartisan town hall about the state questions on the August ballot

The Oklahoma Policy Institute will hold a free, nonpartisan town hall on Saturday, Aug. 15, to help voters learn about the two state questions on Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 ballot. Presenters from OK Policy and the ACLU of Oklahoma will discuss… Read more [More...]