Weekly Wonk - Oklahoma Policy Institute

The Weekly Wonk: Bills we’re watching; addressing racial disparities; federal funding we can count on; & more…

By: Jessica Vazquez
February 24, 2019 // Updated: February 24, 2019

In our Bill Watch series, Rebecca Fine gave us an overview of bills that could have a significant impact on Oklahoma schools, and Economic Opportunity Policy Analyst Courtney Cullison highlighted the many opportunities legislators have to make Oklahomans better off economically. An op-ed by Policy Director Carly Putnam in The Oklahoman explained why federal support for health coverage expansion is a funding promise we can count on. [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Shrinking school support staff; how Gov. Stitt can fix the parole process; bills to watch; & more…

By: Jessica Vazquez
February 17, 2019 // Updated: February 17, 2019

While school enrollment in Oklahoma has been increasing steadily over the last decade, there are 391 fewer support professionals in our schools. How Governor Stitt can use his executive powers to fix parole. Why Oklahoma's Medicaid agency should withdraw a rule to terminate health care coverage over returned mail. Issues we're watching on the budget, taxes, and health care. [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Mental health policy fellowship; don’t delay pre-K; teacher walkout message ignored…

By: Jessica Vazquez
February 10, 2019 // Updated: February 10, 2019

Applications launched for the 2019-2021 cohort of the Mental Health Policy Fellowship. Why delaying Pre-K under Senate Bill 11 would be a step back for Oklahoma's most vulnerable children. How a lack of funding forces thousands of families raising a child with a developmental disability to wait over a decade for critical services. Resources to help you follow what’s happening and in the Legislature. [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Oklahoma’s new economic ranking; 2019 Legislative Primer; how new Legislature is unlike others; & more…

By: Jessica Vazquez
February 3, 2019 // Updated: February 3, 2019

This week, Economic Opportunity Policy Analyst Courtney Cullison published an analysis of Oklahoma’s economic ranking in the Prosperity Now Scorecard, which dropped for the third consecutive year. We also released our 2019 Legislative Primer to help veteran advocates and political novices alike stay informed and actively engaged during the upcoming legislative session. [More...]