From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Twenty-five percent of Oklahomans need Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to buy groceries, Sen. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) told the Senate General Government Committee last week during a legislative interim study focused on poverty in the state.
“Too many Oklahomans are working too hard and still struggling to get by,” she said. “Every Oklahoman deserves the freedom and security that comes with financial stability… it’s painfully obvious that our economy is failing people. But we are committed to real solutions that rebuild our economy so all Okla-homans can thrive.”
Sen. Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City) partnered with Kirt to present the study looking at poverty in Oklahoma, the programs that meet critical needs, and long-term paths for Oklahomans to escape poverty.
A legislative press release stated that presenters from Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services, Department of Health and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority outlined programs including SNAP, WIC (Women Infants and Children) and Sooner-Care (Oklahoma’s Medicaid program) that provide for critical needs like food and doctor visits. Hicks said the overall goal is not just to address the symptoms of poverty, but to break the cycle of poverty, which ultimately impacts all Oklahomans.
“A child growing up in poverty has fewer opportunities for success, which impacts their future contributions to our society and economy,” she said. “When we invest in ending poverty, we are investing in a stronger, more equitable future for all Oklahomans.”
Hicks believes that collaboration across all sectors, including government, business, education and community organizations, working together with a shared purpose will help to make what she called “real change.” The end goal of the study and discussions is to “craft actionable solutions that lift families out of poverty and create lasting change.”
Mary Knott, of the Poor People’s Campaign of Oklahoma, urged lawmakers to think outside the box when looking at ways to end poverty.
“We have somehow overlooked that our people are our most valuable resource.” Knott said. “Our education system is the primary key to unlocking this most important resource – our people.”