When ppl say our request (below) is “premature” or “not gaining any traction” to discount us or make it seem as though we’re irrelevant, they are saying more about those in power who can do something than they are about us. 1/

https://twitter.com/oklahousedems/status/1696534174386295280

While the goal is to make us feel small—or even seem ridiculous—that goal isn’t being realized. It actually highlights the supermajority’s inability to hold itself accountable by its refusal to listen to the people who have real & deep concerns about the future 2/

As we begin today’s work, a reflection: what’s happening at the State Capitol this week & next week isn’t normal, so let’s not act like it. We have four months to do our work, so we’ve had plenty of time to discuss the budget — and plenty of money to fund state government. 1/ We’re here because the GOP prioritized funding private schools & pushing extremist legislation at the beginning of Session. As things have moved along, many games have been played for ego sake, not for the betterment of the lives of Oklahomans. 2/

I’ve been pretty snarky on Twitter about HB1028 — the bill that would end corporal punishment for students with special needs in our schools — but on a more serious note, I don’t think I’ve ever been more disturbed by the work we’ve done on the House Floor than today. 1/ I knew there was potential for some push back (for reasons I’ll never understand), but for the bill to die? I didn’t expect that. I made the decision to debate in favor of the bill (yes, authored by a R member) because I’m a co-author, but more so 2/

As we hear from likely everyone on the VW decision, I think this is worth considering: yes, OK is business friendly. But is OK human friendly? The answer is clearly no. We have the tax environment (low taxes, credits, incentives, etc.) to lure any business, and 1/

https://twitter.com/quorumcallshawn/status/1635591805491200001

with each no, they are telling us over and over again what we don’t do well yet we aren’t believing them. We haven’t demonstrated our ability to care for our people (ALL of them) and the people these companies will bring to our state. 2/

Here’s the problem with Oklahoma: its leaders continue to marginalize their own citizens for political gain by operating on fear. When will it end? When will we be expected to do better? If you want your Legislator to have courage, expect them to do more than what is politically expedient. Hold them accountable to a vision that will move Oklahoma forward by including all of its citizens, not just some of them.