OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, issued the following statement urging the Governor to prioritize cutting veteran suicide and homelessness by 80% before Oklahoma considers his “Half and a Path” income tax cut plan: 

“Oklahoma proudly calls itself a state that welcomes and supports veterans,” Fugate said. “With over 275,000 veterans calling our state home, we must uphold the Oklahoma Standard—taking care of our own. Yet, Oklahoma ranks among top ten in suicide rates, and veterans are twice as likely as other Oklahomans to take their own lives.

“While the Governor continues to push his tax cuts—his so-called ‘half and a path'—his path continues the madness and destruction. Instead of another tax cut for the wealthy, it’s time to invest those dollars in mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and wraparound services that provide real support—not just for our veterans, but for all Oklahomans.

“No cuts should be made—not a dime—until we’ve reduced veteran suicide and homelessness by at least 80%. It’s time for Oklahoma to be in the top ten in saving and restoring lives.

“We heard today in a joint session the message to our veterans that, ‘Oklahoma sees you. We value you. And we are committed to standing beside you.’ We were told that ‘our commitment to veterans must be more than symbolic. It must be tangible, ongoing, and rooted in action.’

“It’s time for the legislature to invest to end veteran suicide and homelessness.”

The Oklahoma Veteran suicide rate in 2022 was 44.2 per 100,000, compared to the national veteran rate of 34.7 per 100,000.

If you or someone you know is having a crisis or harmful thoughts/actions, please call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or please call 911. You can also text to 83825. All means of correspondence are confidential and anonymous.

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