Opinion: Oklahoma legislators are ignoring urgently needed anti-poverty measures

Oklahomans must accept responsibility for the condition of our state. Instead of voting along party lines, residents should consider the cost of electing politicians who ignore the real problems in our state.

Using the latest Census Bureau data, the Oklahoma Policy Institute says Oklahoma is the sixth-poorest state in the country. If nothing else, this data shows how policies and legislation passed by Oklahoma state Legislature, the governor and other elected officials trap many families in a cycle of poverty. While they were heavily focused on eliminating DEI policies, families were suffering.

It was not DEI policies that entrap families in poverty. It’s decisions such as not allowing residents to vote on minimum wage legislation at the ballot, limiting programs such as the summer EBT program of $40 per month per child, and voting against passing the expanded child tax credit that keep families impoverished.

More: ‘No place to go.’ Amid deep-seated animosity, small Oklahoma cities try to reckon with homelessness

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS