Oklahoma Policy Institute (OK Policy) is committed to advancing policies aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting fiscal responsibility, and expanding economic opportunity. To that end, OK Policy conducts objective analysis of state policy issues in order to better position Oklahoma to become a more prosperous, better educated, healthier, and increasingly equitable state.

There's a New Think-Tank in Town (Tulsa World, June 22, 2008)


"Imagine an Oklahoma where the median income exceeds the national average; where all our kids are healthy; where each child learns the skills they need to succeed."

I wonder if you can.

Editorial: Think Again: New Institute to Fill State's Policy Tank (May 28, 2008)

The Oklahoman Editorial

In the think tank domain, Oklahoma has a new kid on the block but it's not kidding about its mission.

That would include transforming the state into one in which kids are healthy, their parents are prosperous and the population is well-educated.

On those goals, virtually everyone would agree with the new Oklahoma Policy Institute. But not everything the organization advocates will find favor with average Oklahomans, especially the more conservative ones.

FY '09 Budget Review (May 2008)

The 2008 Legislature approved a "maintenance-of-effort" budget that provides a mere 0.7% increase in appropriations for FY '09 compared to FY '08. However, as agencies grapple with rising operating costs and unfunded benefit increases, flat funding may fall short of ensuring a maintenance of effort, and lead instead to cuts in programs and services. Read OK Policy's full issue brief on the FY '09 budget or check out the Budget Basics - complete with agency-by-agency funding levels - in our 2-page factsheet.

On the Brink: Oklahoma Families Are Already Facing Tough Times (May 2008)

Oklahoma's economy continues to outperform the nation's as a whole, yet many families are already caught in the financial pinch of stagnant wages and rising costs. This brief and the fact sheet explore the main factors contributing to the economic squeeze on Oklahoma households and reviews some of the indicators revealing the extent and range of hardships confronting many families. With state tax collections already declining, it will be a great challenge to assist families in need if and when the national economic downturn hits Oklahoma.

Fact Sheet: Property Taxes in Oklahoma (May 2008)

Property taxes, also known as ad valorem taxes, are the largest single local government revenue sources in Oklahoma (54% of local government tax revenue). This fact sheet summarizes many elements of property taxes in Oklahoma.

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