Oklahoma Policy Institute now includes tribal-state policy advocacy

OK Policy’s newly created Tribal-State Policy Analyst role will be pivotal in providing research and analysis on tribal priorities within a state policy context. [More...]

The cheeseburger economics of the minimum wage

When talking about raising the minimum wage, opponents sometimes claim that a higher minimum wage will raise the prices of goods, especially in labor-intensive industries like restaurants. This is sometimes accompanied by a jab such as “enjoy paying $20 for… Read more [More...]

A lack of data hinders policy efforts to address anti-LGBTQ2S+ discrimination

Given the importance of data to advocacy efforts, our state government should pursue policies that will further our understanding of anti-LGBTQ2S+ discrimination. [More...]

Data shows discrimination is a clear barrier to the success of LGBTQ2S+ Oklahomans

Source: The Gender Spectrum Collection To ensure every resident has equal opportunities for success, Oklahoma’s elected officials and policymakers must understand the variety of ways discrimination impacts LGBTQ2S+ Oklahomans' lives. [More...]

OK Policy Unveils Policy Priorities for 2022 Legislative Session

Based on feedback from residents statewide, the Oklahoma Policy Institute has developed legislative policy priorities for the upcoming 2022 legislative session that can help Oklahomans live healthier, raise thriving families, and ensure the safety of their communities.  Following the conclusion… Read more [More...]

A Better Path Forward: A Budget and Tax Roadmap for Oklahoma

A Better Path Forward is a comprehensive report from the Oklahoma Policy Institute detailing how the state cut nearly a quarter of the state’s budget capacity and the implications of those decisions. [More...]

Evictions as big business: Handful of companies responsible for vast majority of Oklahoma eviction filings

Oklahoma’s long-standing eviction crisis has been slowed by the infusion of millions of dollars in rental assistance during the last year and a half. While it’s heartening to see major investments in keeping people housed, the eviction process itself is broken, and we need to make it work better for both tenants and landlords. [More...]

Oklahoma’s children deserve better: Leveraging federal aid and policy solutions to improve child well-being

Related factsheet: ARPA and Child Well-Being in Oklahoma (May 2021) From school and child care closings to economic disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many gaps within our state’s systems that support children and families. As we look toward recovery, it… Read more [More...]

Turning the tide on evictions: Using federal aid, support to reduce Oklahoma’s eviction crisis

Evictions are lower than they were before the pandemic, but Oklahomans still experience housing insecurity at alarming rates [More...]

KIDS COUNT 2021: Smart policy decisions can help improve Oklahoma’s dismal child well-being outcomes

Oklahoma children need housing, food, health care, educational opportunities, and stable, nurturing environments to succeed. These essentials, however, are out of reach for many Oklahomans as the result of poverty, structural racism, and other barriers. [More...]