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Governor should extend health care comment period as virtual ‘public hearings’ lack transparency, full representation

As Oklahomans are rightly turning their attention to our nation’s urgent health emergency, Gov. Stitt should withdraw his health care proposal, or at the very least, extend the comment period to allow as many Oklahomans to participate.  [More...]

The cost of denying paid sick leave

Businesses benefit when workers have time to care for their health. All Oklahomans need paid sick leave, and not just during a public health crisis. [More...]

Evictions currently are suspended in Oklahoma except in cases of “emergency”

Eviction hearings are postponed across the state and that means Oklahomans cannot be forced from their homes by an eviction or foreclosure until April 15 at the earliest. [More...]

Oklahoma prisons at risk during COVID-19 health emergency

Because Oklahoma still has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation, this problem will require more comprehensive solutions than those offered so far. [More...]

School support personnel play vital role, should receive pay during closure

Support staff serve as the backbone of schools, and their responsibility to keep schools safe and clean have become even more critical amidst the coronavirus outbreak. We call on lawmakers and the State Department of Education to continue working together to ensure Oklahoma school support employees are paid during school closures. [More...]

Oklahoma courts have not suspended fines and fees

Oklahoma’s county courts, which handle all civil and most criminal cases across the state, have suspended most of their activities until April 15 at the earliest. There has been no official guidance about the collection of criminal fines and fees while court activity is suspended [More...]

Future uncertain for Oklahoma’s 2020 Legislative session (Capitol Update)

It's an understatement to say the future of this legislative session is uncertain. Last Tuesday when legislators left the Capitol, we knew the session would be interrupted for the week, which was already planned for spring break. [More...]

COVID-19 crisis shows the need for health care now. Here’s three things lawmakers can do to protect Oklahomans’ health care. 

There are many things the state can do to address the issues, but here are three actions state policymakers must immediately take. [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Policy analysis related to COVID-19 outbreak; Gov.’s health care plan revealed; 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...]

Providing food security for Oklahoma students who might otherwise go without meals

In response to this need, OSDE received approval for waivers to allow schools to provide “grab and go” meals at no cost to low-income students who qualify for free and reduced-priced lunch through the Summer Food Service Program. [More...]

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