Category: Press Releases & Statements

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, join the Oklahoma Policy Institute for a free, nonpartisan town hall that will explain the statewide ballot measures and answer your… 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...]

Know what’s on your ballot before you vote | SQ 844 & SQ 846 Town Hall

The Aug. 25 election is your chance to help shape Oklahoma’s future. Before you head to the polls, join the Oklahoma Policy Institute for a free, nonpartisan town hall that will explain the statewide ballot measures and answer your questions.… Read more [More...]

Statement: Oklahomans deserve to see the full budget process, not just the final result

Statement from OK Policy Executive Director Shiloh Kantz: A state budget deal announced on April 1 raises a few eyebrows, but the real concern to Oklahoma taxpayers isn’t the timing — it’s the process. Once again, legislative leaders are keeping… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma budget faces $571M shortfall: Low- and middle-income residents will be hit hardest

From OK Policy’s Fiscal Policy Analyst Aanahita Irani Ervin: At February’s Board of Equalization meeting, one urgent fact stood out: Oklahoma is shifting the cost of essential services onto low- and middle-income families. Year-over-year comparisons show the state is experiencing… Read more [More...]

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...]