OK Policy Articles & Research - Oklahoma Policy Institute

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Hard work deserves a fair wage. SQ 832 would help make that happen.

By: Gabriela Ramirez-Perez
May 15, 2026 // Updated: June 6, 2026

After years of inaction by state legislators, Oklahomans took matters into their own hands two years ago and began to gather signatures to put a state question on the ballot and finally raise the minimum wage. This ballot initiative, also… Read more More...

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Lawmakers file bills to help tackle Oklahoma’s teacher shortage (Capitol Update)

By: Steve Lewis
December 1, 2025 // Updated: December 2, 2025

A couple of bills prefiled for the next legislative session by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee are thoughtful efforts to meet the challenge of Oklahoma’s critical teacher shortage. The lack of certified teachers is most… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: SoonerCare “Work requirements” won’t work for Oklahoma | Will rising health costs force legislative action? | Fact Check: Is Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal really cheaper this year?

By: Oklahoma Policy Institute
November 30, 2025 // Updated: November 26, 2025

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...]

Fact Check: Is Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal really cheaper this year?

By: Kati Malicoate
November 25, 2025 // Updated: November 25, 2025

There’s a viral claim — being echoed by national and state politicians — that Walmart’s 2025 Thanksgiving meal is “cheaper than last year.” But there is only a savings because Walmart changed what’s in the meal — not because the… Read more [More...]

Will rising health costs force legislative action? (Capitol Update)

By: Steve Lewis
November 24, 2025 // Updated: November 24, 2025

With the legislative session set to begin in February, I’m wondering how or how much the upcoming health insurance crisis will affect the next legislative session. According to the American Hospital Association, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed… Read more [More...]

“Work requirements” won’t work for Oklahoma

By: Kati Malicoate
November 23, 2025 // Updated: November 23, 2025

Few policy ideas have proven as persistent — or misleading — as the notion that forcing people to work will lift them out of poverty. The Big Beautiful Bill, or House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), revives that same flawed logic:… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: Respecting Tribal sovereignty is the path to Oklahoma’s progress | Conflict over executive power halts Stitt’s executive order | More

By: Oklahoma Policy Institute
// Updated: November 21, 2025

Smarter Ways to Support OK Policy

By: Oklahoma Policy Institute
November 21, 2025 // Updated: November 21, 2025

Qualified Charitable Distribution from your Individual Retirement Account A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals with an annual required minimum distribution (RMD) to transfer funds from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a charitable organization, such as OK Policy. This… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Data centers, bitcoin mining concern Oklahoma communities | State Ed Board seeks to reduce reliance on emergency certification | More

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: November 21, 2025

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

Implementing HB 1575: National Best Practices on Reducing IT Project Risk | Oklahoma House Interim Study | Oct. 8, 2025

By: Anthony Flores
November 19, 2025 // Updated: November 19, 2025

•Watch: via YouTube •View: Presentation slides (PDF) •Learn: De-risking Government Technology Guide •See also: Bruce Gros’ experience applying for public assistance managed by state agencies In spring 2025, lawmakers approved a feasibility study (House Bill 1575) about creating a unified… Read more [More...]

Navigating red tape: An Oklahoman shares his story about difficulties applying for public assistance programs managed by state agencies | Oklahoma House Interim Study | Oct. 8, 2025

By: Oklahoma Policy Institute
// Updated: November 19, 2025

•Watch: via YouTube •See also: OK Policy’s Anthony Flores’ presentation on national best practices for managing large IT projects Making applications for public assistance easier and more user-friendly is important for both the Oklahomans who need help and the state… Read more [More...]

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