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The Weekly Wonk: New online budget simulator, Vacancies may make it easier to increase revenue, budget concerns may be holding up CJ reform, and more

What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

Statement: We thank Gov. Fallin for vetoing expansion of predatory lending

Oklahoma Policy Institute released the following statement in response to Governor Mary Fallin’s veto of HB 1913, a bill that would have allowed a new form of very high-cost lending: By vetoing HB 1913, Governor Fallin has prevented the expansion… Read more [More...]

House and Senate vacancies should make passing revenue bills easier (Capitol Updates)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. Several revenue-raising measures were introduced last week, and at least some will soon be making… Read more [More...]

Misguided budget concerns are endangering criminal justice reform

This year’s legislative session started with high hopes for the strong reform proposals that came out of the Governor’s Justice Reform Task Force (JRTF). While most of the bills sailed through their first tests of support, many have been severely… Read more [More...]

How would you fix the budget?

Oklahoma lawmakers have just a few more weeks to balance the state budget. Their budget decisions are deeply important for Oklahomans’ lives, yet with so many budget needs and revenue proposals flying around, it can be hard for the average voter to… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Bill to increase lottery prizes, payout to education signed by Gov. Mary Fallin

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. Check out OK… Read more [More...]

Itemized deduction reform is a promising state budget solution

When Oklahomans filed their state income taxes in 2016, more than 70 percent of households used the standard deduction, which was $6,300 for individuals and $12,600 for married couples filing jointly. The remaining households itemized their deductions, adding up deductions for mortgage… Read more [More...]

HB 1270 adds bureaucratic hurdles for Oklahoma families and won’t generate promised savings

Earlier this spring, we warned that HB 1270 would grow administrative waste and punish poor families by requiring substantially more rigorous and more frequent verification procedures for families applying for SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid (SoonerCare). Following public outcry, HB… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Proposed budget cuts could interrupt Oklahoma’s highway projects

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. Check out OK… Read more [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: New OK Policy budget report examines past successes and current struggles, Save Our State releases budget blueprint, and more

What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

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