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…
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By:
Steve Lewis
September 28, 2026 // Updated: September 28, 2026
Three separate interim studies last week highlighted cultural violence or the way we deal with it. The House Criminal Judiciary Committee conducted an interim study on “child-sensitive arrest policies and practices in Oklahoma,” requested by Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta. Turner,…
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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…
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Grocery prices continue to rise, but fewer Oklahomans are receiving help buying food. Since July 2025, more than 130,000 Oklahomans have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — a decline of more than 19 percent.
For families losing assistance,…
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By:
Steve Lewis
September 21, 2026 // Updated: September 21, 2026
The House County and Municipal Government Committee held an interim study (IS 26-50) last week requested by Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Yukon, to study the growing challenges for counties in Oklahoma to balance increasing service demands with constrained revenue. Kelley is…
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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…
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By:
Cole Allen
September 16, 2026 // Updated: October 21, 2026
SQ 845 would change the rules for who can serve on Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission and how its members are selected.
• Download a copy of OK Policy’s SQ 845 Fact Sheet
• Watch OK Policy’s State Question Town Hall…
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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…
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By:
Steve Lewis
September 14, 2026 // Updated: September 14, 2026
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) recently used a letter written on yellow paper to begin notifying certain SoonerCare (Medicaid) members to begin preparing for new federal work requirements that could impact their coverage beginning January 1, 2027. SoonerCare is…
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Key takeaways
Oklahoma’s extensive cooperation with ICE via 287(g) agreements has contributed to the state having the fifth-highest immigrant arrests per capita in the nation in 2025.
287(g) agreements harm all Oklahomans, regardless of immigration status. When a parent is…
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