Dear Friend, “Whatever finally happens, you guys are winning the debate.” That’s what a senior Republican lawmaker told me in the midst of the Special Session that was called to prevent disastrous cuts to key services and fund other important Oklahoma needs. A few years ago, OK Policy was a lonely voice in the wilderness sounding the alarm about the state's structural budget deficit, the underfunding of state services, and the need for new permanent revenues. Today, these themes are expressed by the Governor, elected officials from both parties, and broad swaths of the population. Thanks to YOU, OK Policy is making a difference. Slowly but steadily, our rock-solid policy information and analysis, along with our work bringing together advocates who can put this information to use, are changing the debate. Now that we are so close to major policy breakthroughs, your help is more critical than ever. So please help OK Policy by making a tax-deductible year-end donation of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or whatever amount you can afford. There are many examples of how together we are having an impact: - This year, when lawmakers approved a new predatory loan product with annual interest rates over 200%, we led a coalition of faith groups, seniors, and consumer advocates that rallied public opposition and persuaded Gov. Fallin to disregard powerful industry lobbyists and veto the bill.
- On budget issues, after years of OK Policy arguing against tax cut triggers, lawmakers this year had the good sense to repeal a trigger that would have lowered the top income tax rate as soon as revenues began to recover. I
- Working with a freshman Republican legislator, we helped pass a bill that will reveal crucial information about the impact of tax proposals on Oklahoma families and individuals. As a result, future attempts to cut taxes for the wealthiest while doing little or nothing for the average family will be much more difficult to sneak under the radar.
- We have been active leaders in a broad-based coalition pushing for a smarter justice system– one that focuses on treatment and prevention over costly, ineffective incarceration. We have shined a light on the mounting cost of legal fines and fees that trap Oklahomans in a cycle of debt and incarceration, and we will continue this focus in our 2018 legislative agenda.
As you know, our work goes beyond the Legislature – we are the source of reliable information that Oklahomans like you can count on. Every morning, thousands of you awake to find In the Know, our daily news digest, in your inbox to get you caught up on the day's most important news. Our legislative primer helps you understand how things work at the Capitol and our county-level data center helps you understand how your community compares to others in the state. This past year, we published a fully updated Online Budget Guide, a comprehensive resource that explains how state and local governments in Oklahoma raise and spend the dollars that support public services. We also published our first print essay compilation, Neglected Oklahoma, which tells true stories, written by Oklahoma City resident Camille Landry, of Oklahomans struggling with the kinds of troubles that pile up for those on the margins of society. There is so much more to come. In 2018, we will continue to make the case for sensible and sustainable tax policies that will allow Oklahoma to finally make the investments we need to be prosperous and competitive. We will be in the thick of the debate to revisit State Question 640, the supermajority tax requirement that is making Oklahoma ungovernable. And along with our usual schedule of events, this September, we’ll invite you to join us for our 10th anniversary celebration as we look back on our achievements and ahead to many more success to come. Timely information and effective advocacy on behalf of all Oklahomans— that’s what supporters like you have come to expect from OK Policy. With your support, that's what we will keep on delivering at a time when our voice has never been more critical. You can make a donation online through our secure server or you can send a check to Oklahoma Policy Institute, 907 S. Detroit, Suite 1005, Tulsa, OK 74120. An ongoing monthly contribution in any amount is especially helpful in supporting our work year-round. With best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy, peaceful holiday season. Sincerely, David Blatt, Executive Director | Oklahoma Policy Institute
907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005
Tulsa, OK 74120
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