Goal-focused approach to evaluating Tax Increment Financing projects (Guest Article)

Tax increment financing districts, often called TIF districts, might seem like something only city planners, developers, or accountants need to understand. But communities across the country use TIFs to fund capital projects, and these decisions can shape how public resources… Read more [More...]

Vote NO on SQ 845 and SQ 847 | Oklahomans need real solutions. These proposals aren’t them.

On November 3, all Oklahoma voters will decide on two proposed changes to the state Constitution. SQ 845 would significantly change the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission that chooses nominees for the state’s top judges. SQ 847 would adjust the assessment… Read more [More...]

Legislative interim study highlights risks of SQ 847 (Capitol Update)

The House County and Municipal Government Committee held an interim study (IS 26-50) last week requested by Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Yukon, to study the growing challenges for counties in Oklahoma to balance increasing service demands with constrained revenue. Kelley is… Read more [More...]

Lawmakers’ FY 2027 state spending decisions did not put Oklahomans first

The legislative session ended early this year with a budget that was released April 1, 2026. Leadership touted this highly unusual early release of the state’s general appropriations bill (Senate Bill 1177) as a feat of transparency. However, simply releasing… Read more [More...]

Property tax cuts aren’t the real driver of housing costs

Oklahomans are frustrated by rising housing costs, but this session, lawmakers are targeting the wrong culprit. While property taxes are drawing most of the attention at the Capitol this year, the real cost surge — homeowners’ insurance — remains largely… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a priority problem (Commentary)

For years, the dominant narrative at the Capitol has been that we simply can’t afford to fully fund the things that make communities work — public schools, infrastructure, basic health coverage. We’re told the budget is tight. That tradeoffs are… Read more [More...]

Eliminating taxes is a trade-off most Oklahoma families can’t afford (Commentary)

The promise sounds simple enough: eliminate taxes and let people keep more of what they earn. No property taxes. No income taxes. No April deadlines. More money in your pocket. But when taxes disappear, everyday life doesn’t stay the same.… Read more [More...]

Statement: Oklahomans deserve to see the full budget process, not just the final result

Statement from OK Policy Executive Director Shiloh Kantz: A state budget deal announced on April 1 raises a few eyebrows, but the real concern to Oklahoma taxpayers isn’t the timing — it’s the process. Once again, legislative leaders are keeping… Read more [More...]

Property tax cuts aren’t the real driver of housing costs (Commentary)

Oklahomans are frustrated by rising housing costs, but this session, lawmakers are targeting the wrong culprit. While property taxes are drawing most of the attention at the Capitol this year, the real cost surge — homeowners’ insurance — remains largely… Read more [More...]

Replacing property taxes with sales taxes would hurt everyday Oklahomans (Commentary)

This legislative session, property taxes have taken center stage at the Capitol. Lawmakers have filed dozens of proposals to cut, cap, or otherwise restrict property taxes, which help fund public schools and local community services. Yet many of those proposals… Read more [More...]