Oklahoma Senate Democrats Prioritize Wages, Education, and Basic Needs for 2025

Oklahoma City: So, the Senate Democrats in Oklahoma are really stepping up their game for 2025. They held a news conference to share their plans, and it’s all about making life better for folks. They want to tackle worker wages, boost education funding, and improve healthcare access.

They pointed out that many Oklahomans are struggling to pay for housing and medical care. Their public schools definitely need more support too. Julia Kirt, the Senate Minority Leader, expressed her belief in the state’s potential and emphasized the need for change.

To kick things off, they’ve introduced two bills to raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour. One bill suggests bumping it up to $13, while the other aims for $15. If the Legislature doesn’t act, Kirt mentioned that voters could have a say in a statewide vote in June 2026.

They’re not too happy about the long wait for that vote, especially since they gathered way more signatures than needed to get it on the ballot. There’s also a bill that would require the governor to put state questions on the ballot within 250 days after they’re certified.

On the education front, they’re pushing for more funding for Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically Black college, to help close a significant funding gap. They’re also looking to raise teacher salaries, with one proposal aiming for a $3,000 increase.

But here’s the catch: the Democrats only hold eight out of 48 seats in the Senate, so they’ll need some Republican support to get their bills through. Kirt is optimistic about working together, especially on education issues.

With new leadership in the Senate, there’s a chance for some collaboration. Kirt is ready to represent the voices of many Oklahomans and push for meaningful legislation, even with the odds stacked against them.