Health is decided by far more than the health care one receives. Some estimates argue that health care is responsible for perhaps 10 percent of one’s actual health, with factors such as employment, food insecurity, housing, literacy, and many more all playing a part in determining health outcomes. However, being able to see a doctor […]
Author Archives: Kara Joy McKee
Education Funding Facts and Upcoming Events with TOK!
Much of America’s prosperity is thanks to our long history of public investments in education. In fact, article 13 of Oklahoma’s Constitution declares: “The Legislature shall establish and maintain a system of free public schools wherein all the children of the State may be educated.” You saw last week in our 8 key facts about Oklahoma’s […]
8 key facts about education funding in Oklahoma (#Betterok Budget Bootcamp)
Much of America’s prosperity is thanks to our long history of public investments in education. Early in our nation’s history we recognized that education was the key to our social and economic future. Publicly-funded colleges were created before the American Revolution and were expanded with federal assistance in the 19th century. Public schools were invented […]
8 key facts about Oklahoma’s budget (#betterok Budget Bootcamp)
“The budget is not just a collection of numbers, but an expression of our values and aspirations.” This quote by U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew is an important starting point when we think about the state budget. Like a family that acts out its values when deciding how much to spend on things like saving for […]
Kicking off the #betterok Budget Bootcamp!
In 2016, Together Oklahoma increased efforts to expand our membership and empower more Oklahomans to fight for a better state budget. With many new members on board as we begin a new year and approach the 2017 legislative session, we felt it important to educate our members on how the state budget effects issues that affect us […]
Who do legislators listen to?
Our legislators listen to people they know, especially when those people are their own constituents, so let’s develop those relationships and write our way to a better 2017! Many of our members have been sending New Years cards to our legislators and it is not too late for you to send yours! This a great […]
Is it luck or divine providence?
When I was in my 20’s I worked on the front lines of poverty at a place called Food and Shelter for Friends. In those trenches I built relationships with many people doing the best they could to navigate life and utterly failing to make ends meet. My biggest take away from my time in that […]
The things we can and cannot control
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the world today, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Some of you don’t need that reminder, because I already see you doing what you can to change things for the better! We can’t control everything that happens, but we can decide what we do with […]
What do we want, how will we get it?
Let me guess: You want great public schools, smooth and sturdy roads and bridges, fire and emergency protection, clean water, opportunities for more and better jobs, access to affordable high quality health care, in safe and collaborative communities – right? It isn’t actually a guess, it is more like cultural commonsense. We may differ on […]
Upcoming events to nourish our advocacy efforts!
As many prepare for time with loved ones, comfort foods, and gratitude, I’m delighted to be able to offer a gift from many of us to all of us. Together Oklahoma members in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Norman are working hard to plan some upcoming events. We will be gathering in the first weeks of […]
