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.

Boosting the Grocery Tax Credit

Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Credit, also known as the grocery tax credit, is intended to offset the state sales tax paid on groceries. The credit of $40 per household member is avaibale to households with income up to $50,000 for tax filers who are elderly, have a physical disability or claim a dependent, or $20,000 for other households. The amount of the credit has been left unchanged since 1990, while its income eligibility limit was last expanded in 1998.

Increasing the State EITC

The EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) is a refundable tax credit for working families that has been shown to reduce poverty, encourage work, and help local economies. Oklahoma's state EITC, enacted in 2001, is set at 5% of the federal EITC and provided an average credit of about $95 to some 280,000 Oklahoma households in 2005.

Oklahoma's Fiscal Outlook: Facing the Challenges to Achieve Our Common Goals (revised October 2008)

With revenues stumbling and funding levels staying flat, Oklahoma faces great challenges in making progress towards its goals of becoming a healthier, better-educated and more economically vibrant state that provides opportunities to all. This presentation from OK Policy provides a wealth of information about how we fund public services, with a particular emphasis on the short-term and long-term challenges ahead. The presentation includes updated information reflecting decisions made in the 2008 legislative session.

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