Equal Opportunity
Social programs are the backbone of any functioning society; however, those social programs only work if they are for everyone. Oklahoma was founded as a state fueled by its diversity. From its Native American populations to the successes of Black Wall Street and historically Black towns and beyond, Oklahoma always has and always will be for everyone. Regardless of a person’s zip code, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status - nothing and nobody should stand in the way of an Oklahoman’s individual rights.
What is Equality?
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The Oxford Dictionary defines equality as “the state of being equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities.” All Oklahomans deserve this. The vast opportunities available to Oklahomans should be available to ALL Oklahomans. Likewise, one Oklahoman should not experience more rights and freedoms than another.
LGBTQ+ Equality
We continue to see more and more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed in our state. Many bills based on national talking points, many of which are harmful to children and members of the LGBTQ+ community, have come through the legislature, leaving parents worried about the future well-being and happiness of their children. Some families have even fled the state to escape this hateful rhetoric. In 2024, over 50 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community were filed by Oklahoma lawmakers. Although a legislative deadline killed many of them, the intention by some of my colleagues is clear - they wish to limit the rights of Oklahomans. I will always fight to ensure all Oklahoman’s, regardless of who they love and who they are, have the same right to happiness and opportunity in our state.
Access to Voting
Let’s be real, Oklahoma continues to rank among states with the lowest voter turnout. In the 2022 midterms, only 4/10 (of) eligible voters actually turned out to vote. Each year, an incredible number of bills move through the legislature that weaken access to participating in Oklahoma’s democracy. As of 2023, the Oklahoma legislature now allows the purging of voter registrations for “unreliable information.” My campaign is committed to registering as many voters as possible before the next election deadline.
Funding Education
With education, you get what you pay for, and adequate education funding lays the groundwork for a brighter future for all Oklahomans. Well-funded education systems contribute to a skilled workforce, vibrant communities and reduced socioeconomic disparities. Oklahoma is $1.2 billion behind our border states in education funding. We spend our money where our values lie, and I value a qualified labor force, taxpayers who want to stay in Oklahoma, and ensuring our youth are the best prepared. I value investing in the future of Oklahoma. We need to move away from patchwork fixes and patchwork taxation, and move toward strategic investments in our next generation.