OKPOLICY.ORG
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 The Know. Click here to subscribe to In The Know.
This Week from OK Policy
This week on the OK Policy Blog, Policy Director Gene Perry explained why tax increases would be less harmful to the state economy than budget cuts. Policy Analyst Ryan Gentzler wrote that Gov. Fallin’s new, inclusive approach to criminal justice reform is bearing fruit. In his Capitol Update, Steve Lewis wondered if legislators have grasped the seriousness of the state’s budget crisis.
In his Journal Record column, Executive Director David Blatt argued in favor of a National Popular Vote. An upcoming free public lecture presented by DHS will discuss suicide prevention. OK Policy is excited to welcome Dr. Joseph (Joe) Siano of Norman Public Schools and Charles (Chuck) Garrett of Cherokee Nation Businesses to the OK Policy Board.
OK Policy in the News
This week, Wonkette used OK Policy data in discussing a proposal to eliminate Medicaid eligibility for 110,000 Oklahomans, one of several unthinkable proposals. Perry spoke to World Casino News about fantasy gaming and tribal gaming exclusivity. We’ve written previously that a fantasy sports bill could put state gaming revenues at risk. KTUL spoke with Blatt about tapping the Rainy Day Fund to ease mid-year cuts. Blatt was also quoted by the Norman Transcript on the latest round of mid-year budget cuts.
ATTN College Students: Apply for the 2016 Summer Policy Institute
We are now accepting applications from undergrad and graduate students for our fourth Summer Policy Institute (SPI)! SPI brings together highly-qualified college students from across the state from July 31 to August 3 for a unique opportunity to become better informed about vital Oklahoma policy issues, network with fellow students and leaders in the policy process, and prepare for their future studies and work in public policy-related fields. Learn more and apply here.
Weekly What’s That
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is a state government agency responsible for administering the state’s Medicaid program. Read more.
Look up more key terms to understand Oklahoma politics and government here.
Quote of the Week
“With all of these budget shortfalls, it is the poor people who end up being hurt the most. It seems to me they have very few champions. Whether it’s mental health, human services, education – the people punished most are those that can least afford it.”
– Sen. Earl Garrison (D-Muskogee), on proposed legislation that would eliminate eligibility for very low-income parents on Medicaid (Source)
Editorial of the Week
Taking back our federal health care funds is more critical than ever before. As our state faces a serious economic downturn and a huge budget shortfall, it is important to note that, under the Oklahoma Hospital Association’s plan, for every $1 Oklahoma puts in, $9 return to the state. That’s money Oklahoma sorely needs.
Numbers of the Day
- 23% – Percent of the 669 traffic fatalities in Oklahoma in 2014 that involved alcohol-impaired driving
- 33% – Percentage of Oklahoma adults who were obese in 2015
- $77,268,000 – Yearly state and local tax contributions by undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma
- 16% – Estimated turnout rate for Oklahoma citizens age 18-29 in this year’s Presidential primary election
- 7,705 – Number of cell phones confiscated last year in Oklahoma’s correctional facilities, the most ever
See previous Numbers of the Day and sources here.
What We’re Reading
- Why We Need Parental Leave for the Public Workforce [Governing]
- Differences In Suspension May Cause 20 Percent Of Achievement Gap [WBUR]
- Can a Four-Day School Week Actually Help Kids Who Are Struggling? [Slate]
- The Effects of Changing State Theft Penalties [Pew Charitable Trusts]
- Kansas: More Evidence of the Harm of Large Tax Cuts [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
