Oklahoma Policy Institute
@okpolicy.bsky.social
Fighting for a fairer Oklahoma where everyone has the chance to thrive. We bring nonpartisan research, analysis, and advocacy to the table — because Policy > Politics. 🌟 okpolicy.org
Oklahoma voters have rejected SQ 844 and approved SQ 846. For SQ 844, lawmakers now need to use the regular legislative process to address problems with the state’s manufacturing property tax exemption. They should not shift these costs onto schools and local communities.
Oklahoma voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide two state questions. Want the rundown on them? We've got you covered in 60 seconds. Here is SQ 844: www.youtube.com/shorts/RVQiF...
Oklahoma's #SQ844 explained in 60 seconds
YouTube video by Oklahoma Policy Institute
youtube.com
Need a breakdown of the State Questions? @okpolicy.bsky.social has done a fantastic job of cutting through the jargon and legalese! You can watch a town hall they put together specifically for the State Questions here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM8y...
As a new school year begins, it’s worth asking a question about every bill, every budget, and every policy debate: What will this mean for the kids growing up here? If we start there, we can build more than better policy. We can build a state worth inheriting. journalrecord.com/2026/08/12/k...
Policy Matters: Building a better Oklahoma starts with investing in our kids
Shiloh Kantz of the Oklahoma Policy Institute urges policymakers to consider the long-term impact of decisions on Oklahoma's children and future.
journalrecord.com
Oklahomans: What matters most to you? 📣 Take our quick survey to tell lawmakers what your community needs. Your voice will help shape next year’s policies! Deadline is Aug. 31. #OKLeg #Oklahoma #YourVoiceMatters togetherok.okpolicy.org/survey-2026/
Share your voice and help make Oklahoma a better place for everyone — 2026 Statewide Survey - Together Oklahoma
Together Oklahoma is asking all Oklahoma residents to share their opinions about the issues and policies that matter most to them and that impact communities statewide. The online survey (also availa...
togetherok.okpolicy.org
What’s actually on your Aug. 25 ballot? You can find out in just one hour. We’ll break down SQ 844 & SQ 846, answer your questions, and help you feel ready to vote. 🗓️ Saturday, Aug. 15 🕜 1:30–2:30 p.m. 📍 Mayflower Congregational UCC | OKC 💻 YouTube livestream okpolicy.org/august2026to...
Know what’s on your ballot before you vote | SQ 844 & SQ 846 Town Hall - Oklahoma Policy Institute
The Aug. 25 election is your chance to help shape Oklahoma's future. Before you head to the polls, join the Oklahoma Policy Institute for a free, nonpartisan town hall that will explain the statewide ...
okpolicy.org
In Oklahoma, the majority of tax breaks for private school education are going to families making over $150k who were already sending their children to private school. Also, try and find a private school in many of Oklahoma's rural areas. The way forward is for strong PUBLIC education.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities@centeronbudget.bsky.social · 4w agoAs states face growing budget pressures, some lawmakers continue increasing spending on costly private school voucher programs instead of investing in the public schools that serve 90% of all students. www.cbpp.org/blog/to-publ...
The best workforce incentive probably isn't another tax cut. It's making sure every employer can hire from a well-educated, healthy workforce supported by strong schools, CareerTech, affordable child care, and thriving communities. That's the conversation we'd like Oklahoma to have.
SQ 844 is on Oklahoma's Aug. 25 ballot. If you're not exactly sure what it does, you're not alone. In this explainer video, we break down: ✓ What SQ 844 would change ✓ The arguments for and against it ✓ Questions voters should consider before casting a ballot youtu.be/70o1gPAqVQI?...
Oklahoma's #SQ844 Explained
YouTube video by Oklahoma Policy Institute
youtu.be
Oklahoma works best when the people most affected by policy have a seat at the table. By completing this short survey, your experiences and ideas can help guide our work and ensure we’re advocating for policies that reflect the needs of communities statewide. okpolicy.org/survey2026
Share your voice and help make Oklahoma a better place for everyone — 2026 Statewide Survey - Together Oklahoma
Together Oklahoma is asking all Oklahoma residents to share their opinions about the issues and policies that matter most to them and that impact communities statewide. The online survey (also availa...
okpolicy.org
In 1958, a group of young people led by Oklahoma City teacher Clara Luper sat down at a lunch counter. Their courage helped move our country forward. They weren’t wealthy or powerful. They were everyday people who believed change was possible — and by working together, they made it happen. 1/
"More than 2 percent of Oklahoma households were shut off each month in 2024, a rate that no other state approaches." #Oklahomaexceptionalism wapo.st/4uWawtH
We are the American story. Not just the powerful. Not just the wealthy. All of us. For nearly 250 years, everyday people have built this country — in classrooms, small businesses, farms, neighborhoods, and communities. But somewhere along the way, our tax systems stopped reflecting that story. 1/
Don’t miss scholar and author Arin Dube—expert on wage labor and the minimum wage—speaking June 9 in downtown OKC as part of UCO's MBA Speaker Series. Just in time for the June 16 vote on the state's minimum wage. Free event, but RSVP required. Details here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Arin Dube@arindube.bsky.social · 3mo agoIf you're interested in following the conversation we're having around The Wage Standard, check out my book page, which is regularly updated. It's a hub with event calendar, and links to media (including interviews and op-eds). (Link in next post)
"Today, a minimum-wage earner in Oklahoma would need to work about 93 hours a week — more than two full-time jobs — just to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. No one should have to work that much simply to survive." otherwords.org/wages-havent...
Wages Haven’t Kept Up — And Working Families Are Paying the Price - OtherWords
Lawmakers have passed the buck on raising the minimum wage. Voters are taking matters into their own hands.
otherwords.org
OK Policy is honored to be included in the @newamerica.org cohort to address the connection between eviction and housing instability. We're grateful to be working alongside such a great cohort to tackle these important issues. www.newamerica.org/insights/sta...
Announcing the 2026–2028 Eviction Data Response Network Cohort
newamerica.org
The Iran war has already cost Americans $39 billion in higher gas prices this year — and counting. You can see the war's impact on your wallet here. itep.org/iran-war-fue...
Iran War Fuel Costs
The Iran War has significantly raised energy prices. This website provides continually updated tabulations of the additional amounts Americans have paid in higher motor fuel costs due to the war. It a...
itep.org
OK Policy's Carly Putnam will be speaking at this panel on Thursday (noon, CST) to talk about the work being done in Oklahoma to address raising the minimum wage. Register today! us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Economic Policy Institute@epi.org · 4mo agoHow high could policymakers set a national minimum wage? Find out as we discuss a new, evidence-backed framework for raising the federal minimum wage, and efforts to raise minimum wages across the country—including in Oklahoma. Register here 👉 us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Starting today, Oklahoma now runs its own health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, but enrollment still happens on the federal website. Here are important issues to watch during this transition.
Claire Heyison@claireheyison.bsky.social · 4mo agoToday is #Oklahoma ’s first day as a state-based marketplace on the federal platform (SBM-FP). The state will now certify #ACA plans and run its own consumer outreach program. The change was approved less than a month ago, making this the fastest SBM-FP transition to date. A few things to watch 👀
Do you know of any students (undergrad/grad) or new professionals with an interest in public policy and the betterment of Oklahoma? OK Policy offers a three-day summer program that helps connects students/new professionals to state policy issues. Apply by May 10. okpolicy.org/events/summe...
Apply Now – Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute - Oklahoma Policy Institute
SPI offers participants a unique opportunity to become better informed about the most important Oklahoma policy issues, build relationships with their peers and leaders, and prepare for their future s...
okpolicy.org
Winning teams invest to see results. 🏀 The OKC Thunder build for the future — and Oklahoma should too. Investing in our people and communities makes our state stronger. Read our latest Policy Matters column 👇 #OKPolicy #Oklahoma #OKLeg #OKCThunder #PolicyMatters
If silence worked, things would already be better. Change happens because people speak up — again and again — even when it feels like no one is listening. Read this week’s Policy Matters. 🔗 Link in comments #Oklahoma #OKPolicy #OKLeg #Democracy #CivicEngagement #SpeakOut
Most decisions are made with input from just a handful of people. That’s it. Advocacy training teaches you how to be one of them — without burning out or embarrassing yourself. So if you want to stop doom-scrolling and start doing, register today for an advocacy training in your community!
Red tape is not neutral. H.R. 1 would add barriers to coverage that lead to delayed care, higher costs, and increased strain on Oklahoma hospitals — especially in rural areas. #OKPolicy #Oklahoma #Medicaid #SoonerCare #HealthCare #OneBigBeautifulBill #HR1
What the pretrial process could look like under SB 1381: a judge hearing within 48 hours (72 on weekends), risk-based assessments, and fewer people jailed simply for being poor. #Oklahoma #OKPolicy #CriminalJustice #PretrialReform #OKLeg #CapitolUpdate
Since when did meeting basic needs become controversial? Our latest Policy Matters column looks at why investing in people — housing, health care, education, food — shouldn’t be up for debate. #Oklahoma #OKPolicy #Education #Housing #HealthCare #Community #Poverty #SocialSupport
#CapitolUpdate: Oklahoma’s teacher shortage demands real attention. Two new bills focus on recruiting educators and supporting districts that develop their own teachers. It’s a start — and the state needs more solutions like these if we expect long-term improvement. #oklaed #teachershortage
There’s a lot of talk about Thanksgiving being “cheaper this year,” but that only works if you ignore what’s actually in the basket. We deserve transparency about costs, not headline spin. #Thanksgiving #Oklahoma #OKPolicy
