Oklahoma Policy Institute (OK Policy) began operations on January 28, 2008, just before the 2008 regular legislative session. The creation of OK Policy followed a nearly year long effort to establish a new non-profit that would  provide timely and credible analysis of state policy issues, with the goals of educating the public and guiding public policy decisions. OK Policy was originally conceived to fill the need for a results-oriented, analytical organization in Oklahoma that would focus on the problems faced by low- to middle-income Oklahomans, with a particular focus on state budget and tax policy.

Oklahoma Policy Institute will work to alleviate poverty, promote fiscal responsibility, and expand economic opportunity for all Oklahomans. Depending on the issue and the identified need, OK Policy may advance these goals by providing research and information, facilitating coalitions, or actively taking a position and advocating for it. We have the flexibility to tailor our actions on each issue, ranging from playing a support role to acting as the lead advocate to initiating debate on an issue that is not yet on the legislative agenda.  

OK Policy is committed to being actively engaged in conducting research and educating various constituencies about budget and tax policy consistent with our mission and vision. On-going policy debates affect long-term success. As such, OK Policy evaluates proposed policies in light of short-term goals and long-term impact and will educate policy decision makers about both. We take our position based on what the data says is best for the state, rather than molding the data to support the policy positions. Our bi-partisan board has declared its desire for the organization to work across party lines to accomplish its aims.

The concerns of low- and moderate-income families will be central to the work and mission of OK Policy. Our stated mission is to focus on policies aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting fiscal responsibility and expanding economic opportunity. We believe that this focus will allow us to pursue issues of concern to all the state's residents, while at the same time giving the highest priority to promoting greater opportunity and equality for the poor and disadvantaged. The organization aspires to serve and be recognized as an "irrefutable conscience" for the state, which includes providing voice and representation to the interests of those who are often overlooked in the policy process.

These core values will be reflected in both our choice of policy issues and the approaches and positions we develop. Our budget and tax work, in particular, is explicitly guided by an understanding that fiscal policy issues affect our ability to fund public services that promote well-being, security, and opportunity for all Oklahomans. As pressing issues arise, OK Policy is committed to recognizing those issues and providing quick, accurate, and objective analysis.

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