The first deadline for next year’s Legislature has already passed (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. Although the legislative session does not begin until February 4th, the first deadline of the session, the… Read more [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Olivia Hooker’s legacy; early bill filings; economic optimism; 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...]

Early bill filings reveal legislators’ priorities (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. With the new Legislature now sworn into office, members can begin filing the bills for the next… Read more [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Results of criminal justice reform; stalled progress on child uninsured; immigration rules threaten families; 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...]

Oklahoma’s progress on child uninsured rate has stalled

All children should be able to see a doctor or fill a prescription when they need to. After all, access to quality health care in childhood makes it more likely that a person will succeed and thrive throughout their life.… Read more [More...]

In its first year, SQ 780 reversed 10 years of growth in felony filings

New data shows that State Question 780 reduced felony filings by over 14,000 across Oklahoma’s District Courts in its first year in a major realignment of how the state deals with low-level offenses. SQ 780, approved by voters by a… Read more [More...]

Transition team begins charting Stitt Administration’s direction (Capitol Update)

A course being plotted on an old chart with a pencil and course plotter Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. There’s not a lot of legislative activity to report from last week. Most members were catching up… Read more [More...]

No family should be punished for accepting help when they need it

UPDATE (8/12/19): This week the Trump Administration is expected to submit a final rule on public charge that is set to take effect in 60 days. The Department of Homeland Security noted that, “While some commenters provided support for the… Read more [More...]

Office of Juvenile Affairs makes improvements, but more work needed (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. Last week the Office of Juvenile Affairs Board of Directors (OJA) approved a new, higher rate for… Read more [More...]

The Weekly Wonk: Decrease in property crime; biggest issues facing state workers; key differences in this year’s election; 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...]