I am pleased to announce another incredible addition to the Mayor's Office. Starting Feb. 10, Krystal Reyes will serve as our new Deputy Mayor - the first Latina to hold the position in our City's history!
Krystal comes from our Office of Resilience and Equity and has a lived knowledge of resilience initiatives that impact every citizen in our city.
As Deputy Mayor, Krystal will have a unique focus on overseeing education, youth, and resilience initiatives - helping us establish and oversee the City of Tulsa's first Office of Children, Youth, and Families (more to come!) and oversee the Resilience Office. I'm incredibly eager for her to join the team. You can learn more about Krystal here: https://t.co/WQ41nmqxVP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
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OKLAHOMA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONDEMNS SENATE BILL 484 AS CRUEL AND OUT OF TOUCH
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Democratic Party strongly condemns Senate Bill 484, a proposal introduced by freshman Senator Standridge that would prohibit municipalities with populations under 300,000 from funding programs to support citizens facing homelessness. This legislation, which would affect 75 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, represents an unprecedented level of cruelty and a dangerous disregard for the challenges faced by the most vulnerable Oklahomans.
“Our nation is grappling with a homelessness crisis, and Oklahoma is no exception,” said Alicia Andrews, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. “Homelessness in our state has risen by 18% since early 2023, with families with children experiencing the largest increase. At a time when Oklahoma ranks last in outcomes for women, 45th in family health outcomes, and 46th in education, this bill is not only cruel—it is deeply out of touch with the reality Oklahomans face every day.”
Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness—such as the lack of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and insufficient access to healthcare and education—this bill seeks to punish struggling families and communities. Recent legislative sessions have already seen attempts to criminalize encampments, impose sanitation standards on homeless dwellings, and require city inspections of camps, all while failing to offer meaningful solutions.
Homelessness is not solved through cruelty or neglect. It is solved by investing in the resources and protections that enable people to find and maintain safe, affordable housing. This includes increasing the minimum wage, making higher education more affordable, and removing barriers to workforce participation.
“The predictable and heartbreaking consequence of this kind of legislation is an increase in homelessness,” Andrews said. “This bill is not about fiscal responsibility or public safety. It’s about proving that cruelty is the point, not just a byproduct, of certain lawmakers’ agendas.”
The Oklahoma Democratic Party urges legislators to reject Senate Bill 484 and to instead focus on policies that uplift Oklahoma families, protect vulnerable populations, and address the root causes of homelessness. As the legislative deadline for new bills approaches, we call on Oklahomans to contact their representatives and demand that compassion, not cruelty, guide our state’s policies.
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President Jimmy Carter’s unwavering dedication to peace and democracy has left an indelible mark on humanity, exemplifying compassion and humility. His tireless work long after his presidency continued to uplift the world’s most vulnerable, reflecting a life driven by service and
The OCDP Officers would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. May peace and joy be with you. May those suffering in silence be heard. May we all continue to find ways to show up for each other. 🎄
Gov Stitt just issued this executive order, ending remote work by state employees.
I guarantee we will lose talented workers to the private sector, which understands that flexibility at work is vital in order for people to balance work & family obligations.
This is anti-family.
Senators Nikki Nice and Mark Mann spoke at @OklaCountyDemos general meeting tonight about their experience on the campaign trail and what they hope to accomplish in office!
Oklahoma House Democrats support tribal sovereignty and will continue to collaborate with tribal leaders to elevate their needs within the legislature. #NativeAmericanHeritageDay
@AmyEchos is one of 600 Native Dietitians in the nation and aims to increase awareness of the Indigenous Food Sovereignty movement and the importance of culturally connected foods. Amy also ran for OKC Council Ward 8 in 2023. Thank you Amy! #NativeAmericanHeritageDay
Happy Native American Heritage Day! The Oklahoma County Democratic Party honors the 39 Sovereign Native Nations of Oklahoma.
OCDP recognizes our chair, @AmyEchos (Amy Warne), who is Muscogee enrolled, Seminole, and Tiger Clan.
Today, and every day, we thank you for your commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, to learning and growing alongside us, and for investing in a belief that we are all worthy of safety and representation. Wishing you a day of rest, nourishment, and joy.
Today, the OCDP lives in gratitude and acknowledges the complicated history the day brings. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. For the original stweards of this land, it is also a time to reflect on survival through resilience, strength, and joy.