Category: Press Releases & Statements

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...]

Statement: Gov.’s veto of SB 128 rejects bipartisan solution that would have helped landlords and kept Oklahomans in their homes

Gov. Stitt's veto of Senate Bill 128 is more than a missed opportunity — it's a step backward for housing stability in Oklahoma. This bipartisan bill would have added just five days to the eviction trial timeline and increased the notice period from three to seven days. Five days could mean the difference between a family staying housed or landing in a shelter. [More...]

Only smash the piggy bank in emergencies (Policy Matters)

This column originally appeared in The Journal Record on April 23, 2025 Imagine you’re saving money in case your roof starts leaking during a storm. One day, instead of fixing the roof, you decide to hand that money to someone… Read more [More...]

Statement: OK Policy responds to governor’s misleading comments on SB 675

Statement from OK Policy Executive Director Shiloh Kantz about the governor’s comments accusing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of leading the charge to block Senate Bill 675, which would have granted the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority access to law enforcement records to… Read more [More...]

Statement: DOGE-OK recommends health care cuts that are harmful, counterintuitive

The governor’s office this week released its first DOGE-OK report to promote government efficiency at the state level, mimicking the aims of the federal effort being led by Elon Musk. The DOGE-OK report identified $157 million in “wasteful” health care… Read more [More...]

Governor’s costs for his proposed income tax cut have quietly increased. Here’s why lawmakers should prioritize targeted tax credits to help working families.

Last month, when the governor initially announced a proposal to cut the state’s personal income tax by a half-percent, the Oklahoma Policy Institute raised the flag that these cuts would cost about $660 million in state revenue annually – nearly… Read more [More...]