Category: Press Releases & Statements

Governor’s executive order on ‘welfare reform’ misses the real problems facing Oklahomans

While no doubt well-intended, the governor’s executive order for “welfare to work” doesn’t address the real challenges that everyday Oklahomans face and misses the fact that many factors prevent Oklahomans from working. Low wages mean that a job isn’t enough… Read more [More...]

OK Policy comments on revenue numbers estimated during December 2025 Board of Equalization meeting

•Watch the Dec. 19, 2025 Board of Equalization meeting (YouTube) •Proposed FY 2027 Revenue Certification •Board of Equalization packets •Learn more about Revenue Certification The Oklahoma Board of Equalization estimated $8.35 billion of funds available for the Governor’s budget proposal… Read more [More...]

Moving the needle on Oklahoma’s youth justice reform

Reimagining Youth Justice in Oklahoma provides an overview of Oklahoma’s youth justice system by detailing the environment that youth in Oklahoma face, synthesizing data and reporting findings on the state of the youth justice system today, and offering recommendations for… Read more [More...]

New Report: Oklahoma enacted one of the five biggest tax cuts for millionaires in 2025

Contact: Dave Hamby (Oklahoma Policy Institute) dhamby@okpolicy.org or Jon Whiten (ITEP) jon@itep.org Oklahoma lawmakers this year passed an income tax cut that, when fully implemented, will be one of the nation’s most significant income tax cuts for millionaires, according to… Read more [More...]

2024 Census data: Oklahoma ranks as 8th poorest state

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey, released Sept. 11, show that Oklahoma’s poverty rate was 14.9 percent, which means that more than 1 in 7 state residents live in poverty. While the state’s overall poverty rate… Read more [More...]

Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

On July 3, 2025, H.R.1 — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — cleared both chambers of Congress and now heads to the President’s desk for final approval. Statement from OK Policy’s Executive Director Shiloh Kantz:  Today’s… Read more [More...]

Oklahomans should be watching LA immigration raid protests with concern (Commentary)

The federal government's use of tear gas and National Guard troops against protestors in Los Angeles should sound an alarm for residents in every state — including places like Oklahoma that are far from a border. These tactics may start in Los Angeles, but history tells us they won't stay there. [More...]

Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans

The proposed federal budget bill immediately threatens the well-being of countless Oklahomans by slashing essential health care and food programs while creating tax shelters for the wealthiest Americans. Simply put, this bill is a transfer of wealth from America's poor and middle class into the pockets of the nation's richest 1 percent. [More...]

The governor’s agenda isn’t a plan — it’s a power grab (Commentary)

Make no mistake: The latest tax cut push announced by Gov. Stitt and legislative leaders has nothing to do with sound policy. It's about power — and protecting a political legacy at the expense of Oklahoma's future. [More...]

OK Policy Statement on FY 26 Budget Process and Proposed Tax Cuts

While the governor says he wants to make Oklahoma more "pro-business," his rhetoric doesn't match what business leaders call for. Instead of investing in these areas, this proposal includes poorly designed tax cuts that will strip hundreds of millions from state revenue — making it even harder to deliver on the basics Oklahomans expect. [More...]