OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the Governor gave his 2026 State of the State Address on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature.

“The Governor’s State of the State Address did not make me confident he is listening to and prioritizing the needs of everyday working Oklahomans. He touted historic investments during his tenure as Governor, but those are the result of historic cuts made to core services on which Oklahomans rely. Nearly 50% of working Oklahomans cannot afford basic necessities, which contradicts his claim that the state is the strongest it has ever been.

“The Governor’s plan to put state questions back on the ballot–questions that Oklahomans overwhelmingly support–shows a distrust in Oklahoma voters and a refusal to listen to their lived experiences and daily challenges. We are ranked last in the nation when it comes to public education. We are nearly last in the nation when it comes to health outcomes and access to health care services. Every elected official at the Capitol right now represents Oklahomans who are struggling with health care costs and access. Cutting Medicaid expansion–of which nearly half of the recipients are children–would be devastating for the over one million Oklahomans that rely on it. 

“I agree that we need better access to affordable housing and improved literacy rates. I don’t agree that eliminating the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit, diverting millions away from our public schools to put into private schools, is the way to achieve that. I also don’t agree that cutting the state’s income tax, only benefiting the wealthiest Oklahomans, would help with the growing need for housing in Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma House Democrats know that Oklahomans are struggling. We have put forth several policies that we know will help. We must not let the Governor attempt to gaslight Oklahomans into believing they live in an Oklahoma they, quite frankly, do not. Working Oklahoma families voice their needs every day, and this speech did not address solutions to their daily struggles. 

“His comments today about our tribes were deeply troubling. The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus supports tribal sovereignty and acknowledges that our tribes fill important gaps in our education and healthcare systems, as well as other areas throughout our state. I am extremely grateful for the work our tribes have done and continue to do despite vicious attacks on them by the Governor.

“House Democrats stand ready to work across the aisle to represent the needs of working Oklahoma families. I am hopeful the Governor will join us in our efforts to truly strengthen our state and invest in our future. We are here to serve every Oklahoman and improve their daily lives, and that is a mission we will fulfill no matter what.” – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City.

The press conference can be streamed on the Oklahoma House Democrats Facebook Page.

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