Tag: COVID-19

More must be done for justice-involved children amid COVID-19 pandemic

While many areas of public concern have been at the forefront of local media coverage, juvenile justice has received far less attention. As our state leaders work to address this pandemic, we cannot leave behind Oklahoma children in custody. [More...]

The Federal Government has taken significant action to shore up the unemployment insurance program — and there’s more Oklahoma can do.

Oklahoma could maximize the benefit of this relief package in the CARES Act by reestablishing our work share program to better help workers who still have jobs, but with reduced hours. [More...]

The state budget is at risk, but how much risk and for how long?

The economic slowdown resulting from the spread of COVID-19 will have significant and harmful impacts on our state’s budget. However, it’s essential that we do our best to understand the possible implications and be ready to respond quickly. [More...]

Oklahoma needs Medicaid expansion yesterday 

Oklahoma’s Medicaid expansion is long overdue, but focusing attention on a July 1 start date overlooks an important fact: there is nothing preventing Oklahoma from expanding Medicaid now, and Gov. Stitt should act to do so as soon as possible.  [More...]

Policymakers must do more to prevent evictions and foreclosures during and after the COVID-19 crisis. We’re tracking these cases with our new Oklahoma Court Tracker tool

The Oklahoma Court Tracker, a tool by OK Policy’s Open Justice Oklahoma program, displays information on who is filing eviction and foreclosure cases and where those cases have been filed. As of April 1, plaintiffs have filed 1,116 evictions and 131 foreclosures since Oklahoma’s emergency declaration on March 15.  [More...]

Workers need Paid Family and Medical Leave all the time, not just during a public health emergency

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, adopted last week by the federal government, includes a limited paid family and medical leave benefit, but it will be inadequate for many families during this emergency. [More...]

This is the emergency we’ve been saving for

The State of Oklahoma has $1.035 billion in three savings accounts. Oklahoma has the resources to act quickly. [More...]

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...]