“It’s my final regular legislative session, so there are a lot of mixed emotions,” said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson. “But overall, I left feeling pretty disappointed.”

Concerns Over Cost of Living

According to the lawmaker, the legislature failed to adequately address what Oklahomans say matters most: the rising cost of living.

“People are talking about the cost of groceries, gas, home insurance—basic necessities,” said Rep. Munson. “Inflation and cost of living are top concerns, but we didn’t really address those issues.”

She criticized lawmakers for prioritizing funding for programs like private school vouchers and savings accounts over redirecting tax dollars to areas such as public education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“We’re not delivering for everyday people,” said Rep. Munson. “We should be putting those dollars to work in ways that directly help Oklahomans.”

Education Efforts Fall Short

While acknowledging discussions around improving education, she says the legislature didn’t go far enough.

“We talked about education outcomes, but we didn’t get to the crux of the issue,” said Rep. Munson. “That includes increasing funding to reduce class sizes, raising teacher and support staff pay, and adding more counselors.”

She added that more work remains to be done in future sessions.

Bills Left Behind

The Democratic leader also pointed to several proposals she says could have made an impact but didn’t advance, including expanding tax relief programs and increasing the minimum wage.

She also raised concerns about “dynamic pricing” in grocery stores—where electronic shelf labels and algorithms adjust prices in real time.

“That’s something that’s making things more expensive for everyday people,” said Rep. Munson. “It’s an issue we could have addressed.”

Notable Wins and Bipartisan Efforts

Despite frustrations, she highlighted several accomplishments, including approximately 40 bills passed by her caucus in the House, with several of them signed into law.

Among the key areas of progress:

“That was a strong bipartisan effort,” said Rep. Munson. “It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

The Importance of Bipartisanship

She emphasized that meaningful progress often comes when lawmakers work across party lines.

“When Democrats and Republicans work together, we actually solve problems,” said Rep. Munson.

She pointed to the 2023 elimination of the state sales tax on groceries as a successful example of bipartisan collaboration.

Message to Voters

As elections approach, she urged Oklahomans to stay engaged and informed.

“Know who your state representative and senator are,” said Rep. Munson. “Reach out, ask questions, and pay attention to how decisions at the Capitol affect your daily life.”

She also emphasized that civic engagement is a “two-way relationship” between voters and elected officials.

Looking Ahead—and Looking Back

Reflecting on her time in office, she said building relationships has been one of the most important lessons of her career.

“It’s easy to stay divided in politics, but we have to remember we’re all human,” said Rep. Munson. “That’s how real change happens.”

She also highlighted legislation she’s most proud of, including efforts to compensate wrongfully convicted individuals and hold insurance companies accountable for patient care decisions.

Transition in Leadership

As she prepares to step away, she expressed confidence in Representative Melissa Provenzano, who will take over leadership of the House Democratic Caucus.

“She’s fully equipped and ready,” said Rep. Munson. “She’s a strong leader who’s going to do a great job.”

Final Thoughts

While her time in the legislature is coming to an end, she says the work is far from over.

“It’s been an honor to serve my district and the state of Oklahoma,” said Rep. Munson. “The work never stops.”

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Authorities say one person was injured in an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle in northwest Oklahoma City.

Before 7 a.m. on Thursday, emergency crews responded to an accident near N.W. 16th St. and Grand Blvd., near the Will Rogers Trail.

Oklahoma City police tell FOX 25 that the driver stayed on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Crews closed N.W. 16th as it crosses over I-44 as they continue to investigate the crash.

At this point, officials have not released the extent of the pedestrian’s injuries.

In just two weeks, Oklahomans will take to the polls to place their vote for several races in the state’s primary elections.

Two Democratic candidates for Oklahoma state superintendent met Wednesday night to provide their vision for Oklahoma schools. News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc hosted “Education Equation” at the Embassy Suites in Norman, giving the candidates a chance to address key educational issues.

The debate participants were:

Wednesday night’s debate also helped kick off the annual conference for the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, which is dedicated to driving transformation and increased academic achievement in state schools. OPSRC is the presenting sponsor of tonight’s debate, and we are grateful for their support.

Republican Debate Recap

News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc will hosted the Republican primary debate on Tuesday June 2nd.

Debate Recap and Highlights (Watch Full Debate Above)

Opening Statements

Craig McVay opened by readiing about a young boy who was able to translate for his family when they needed help from EMSA after a storm and said it showed the power of education for that young boy. He said he has visited all 77 Oklahoma counties and spoken with superintendents and school leaders in each one. McVay said what he continues to hear is that Oklahoma needs to change the conversation in order to change the direction of public education. He said the state needs an experienced leader who is qualified and certified.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall said she is the mother of three children, grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of three. She said she has worked for both the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, experiences she believes helped prepare her administratively for the role. Marshall is a graduate of Tulsa Community College, Langston University, Southern Nazarene University and Integrity Seminary. She described herself as a lifelong learner and noted that she has served on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education.

“What is the No. 1 Priority for Oklahoma’s next State Superintendent?”

Mr. McVay said his top priority is ensuring teachers have the resources they need and manageable class sizes to help them succeed.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall said the top priority is cleaning up the Oklahoma State Department of Education and ensuring it functions cohesively so it can properly support teachers and schools.

“What qualities make a good educator and what qualities make a good administrator? “

Mr. McVay pointed to teachers in attendance whom he has worked with over the years and credited them as models for others. As for administrators, he said the most important quality is presence, arguing they must be active and engaged in every aspect of their schools.

Dr. Marshall said a good educator must have a “heart to teach” and a genuine commitment to working with students. She said good administrators must understand teaching and be able to put systems in place that empower both students and educators.

“Do you support Senate Bill 1788’s reading reforms, which include the re-implementation of strict grade-level retention for those who are behind?”

McVay said he does not support the retention requirement because third grade is too late to identify and address reading deficiencies. He said schools need to identify struggling readers earlier and provide support as soon as possible.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes the retention provision for similar reasons. She said reading challenges must be addressed before third grade and that retention should not be punitive. Marshall also called for greater investment in early childhood education and daycare centers so they can serve as educational foundations rather than simply child care providers.

“We asked each candidate to bring a book with them that you would recommend for students’ summer reading lists.”

Craig McVay brought “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. He also recommended “The Cost of Politics in Public Education” by Leon Phillip for Oklahoma voters.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall brought “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. She said the book sends a message to Oklahoma students that they have a bright future ahead of them.

Related Story:

Local Non Profit Works To Help Kids Overcome Summertime Reading Slump

“Yes or No, would you want to restore a public comment period at OSBE meetings? 6″

Both Participants answered yes.

“If you become state superintendent, would you support efforts to add more licensed mental health counselors in schools, and would you include School Counselor Corps funding in your first budget request to the Oklahoma Legislature? Why or why not?”

Mr. McVay said he would advocate for restoring School Counselor Corps funding. He said that on his first day in office, he would submit a budget request to increase counselor funding and argued that no counselor should be responsible for more than 200 students.

Dr. Marshall said she supports directing additional funding to schools for licensed counselors. She said she has seen firsthand the impact counselors can have by helping students process trauma and address mental health challenges before situations escalate. She also discussed creating Parenting Academies to help parents remain engaged in their children’s education.

What policies or strategies would you push for to combat absenteeism? And how do you measure success?

McVay said chronic absenteeism is a difficult issue to address, but expanding access to counselors and school resource officers could help. He said some students face complex challenges, including health issues and difficult home situations, while others may not be properly accounted for. He said all of those issues need attention.

Dr. Marshall said schools must address the needs of families. She pointed to parents working multiple jobs, mental health challenges and unemployment as factors that can affect student attendance.

“As state superintendent, where you draw the line between state oversight and local control?”

Craig McVay said balancing local control ultimately comes down to state law. He cited the debate over instructional hours versus school days as an example. He noted that severe weather events have historically disrupted school schedules, while the state Department of Education remained focused on testing requirements. He said lawmakers addressed that issue by requiring schools to complete 1,080 instructional hours, giving districts flexibility in determining how to meet that requirement.

Dr. Marshall said she approved curriculum during her time as a school board member and believes those decisions should remain with local school districts.

“Do you agree with the decision to have longer school calendars with more days? Why or why not?”

Related Story: New law will mean more classroom time for Oklahoma students

McVay said he supports students spending more time in school but believes teachers and support staff should be compensated for the additional work. He expressed concern about the financial burden additional school days could place on smaller districts with limited budgets.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes adding more days to the school calendar, calling it a temporary fix that could create additional challenges. She said schools already struggle to hire support staff such as bus drivers and custodians and questioned how districts would pay those employees for extra days. She added that she might support the change if additional funding is provided.

“Four years ago, Oklahoma voters elected Ryan Walters to be state superintendent. His tenure was tumultuous, to say the least, and he resigned early to take a think tank job trying to dismantle teachers’ unions.

What did Mr. Walters do well as state superintendent that you would emulate, and what did he do poorly that you would not?”

McVay responded, “hell no,” when asked whether he would emulate Ryan Walters. He said Walters did nothing positive and instead focused on promoting himself and securing another job.

Dr. Marshall said there is nothing Walters did that she would seek to emulate. She said he was effective at disrupting public education but argued that no future superintendent should follow that example.

Related Story: Supt. Ryan Walters announces resignation

“What was your reaction to Mr. Mazzei’s saying Oklahoma schools or school unions are led by “radical socialists,” and have you decided whom you are supporting for governor?”

Related Story: GOP gubernatorial candidates talk tribes, schools, health care and corruption in debate

McVay said his reaction was similar to that of many Oklahoma school superintendents, whom he described as generally conservative or center-right. He said educators want what is best for their students and districts and argued that Mazzei’s comments resemble rhetoric frequently directed at educators during Ryan Walters’ tenure. McVay said he supports Cyndi Munson for governor.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes labeling people and argued that Oklahoma’s school leaders are committed to improving student outcomes and caring for children. She said such comments distract from the work of helping educators and students. Marshall said she supports Sen. Connie Johnson for governor.

Closing Statement Watch Below