Oklahoma Democrats Push Back on Governor’s State of the State
- mike33692
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Oklahoma Democrats Push Back After Governor’s State of the State Speech
Democrats at the Oklahoma Capitol are voicing sharp criticism following Governor Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address, saying the speech ignored the needs of working families while reopening long-standing political and cultural divides.
House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said Democrats found little common ground in the governor’s remarks, particularly his renewed call to eliminate Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program through a new state question.
Democrats reject effort to overturn voter-approved medical marijuana
Munson pushed back on the governor’s claim that outside interests misled voters into approving medical marijuana, noting that Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly passed State Question 788 in 2018.
She argued that revisiting settled ballot issues undermines trust in elections and disrespects voters who supported access to medical cannabis for chronic pain, cancer treatment, and other medical conditions.
According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, SQ 788 passed with more than 57 percent of the vote statewide.
Concerns raised over comments involving tribal nations
Munson also criticized the governor’s remarks involving Native American tribes, calling them divisive and harmful to state-tribal relations.
Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes, and Democratic lawmakers say cooperation between tribal governments and the state is essential for public safety, economic development, healthcare delivery, and education funding.
Groups including the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes and the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission have repeatedly emphasized the importance of collaboration rather than confrontation.
Democrats say speech misses economic realities
Democrats argue the governor’s speech failed to address rising utility costs, insurance premiums, and housing affordability, issues they say continue to strain Oklahoma families.
Munson said Democrats will continue pushing policies focused on wages, education funding, and cost-of-living relief during the upcoming legislative session.
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