Senate study looks at poverty in Oklahoma, programs meeting critical needs, and long-term solutions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, presented an interim study to the Senate General Government Committee on Thursday looking at poverty in Oklahoma, the programs that meet critical needs, and long-term paths for Oklahomans to escape poverty.

“Too many Oklahomans are working too hard and still struggling to get by,” Kirt said. “Every Oklahoman deserves the freedom and security that comes with financial stability, but right now 25% of Oklahomans need SNAP benefits to buy groceries – it’s painfully obvious that our economy is failing people. But we are committed to real solutions that rebuild our economy so all Oklahomans can thrive.” 

Presenters from the Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority outlined programs including SNAP, WIC, and Soonercare that provide for critical needs like food and doctor visits. The importance of these programs was underscored by Markeisha Smith who shared her story of rebuilding her life after serving time in prison. As a mom, Ms. Smith described juggling the responsibilities of parenting with those of earning a living, and public programs like these helped her begin her journey to financial stability. 

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. When we invest in ending poverty, we are investing in a stronger, more equitable future for all Oklahomans,” Hicks said. “We have the tools, the data, and the commitment to make real change. But this will require collaboration across sectors – government, business, education, and community organizations – working together with a shared purpose. I am confident that through these discussions, we will begin to craft actionable solutions that lift families out of poverty and create lasting change.”

Other presenters from Hunger Free Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities examined how state services like SNAP, WIC and Soonercare could be enhanced to better support those seeking a way out of poverty, including raising income limits, simplifying the application process and modernizing tax credits. 

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.”

The importance of education in eliminating poverty was spotlighted by Dr. Jarrett Jobe of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Median annual earnings for someone with less than a high school diploma are just over $30,000, compared to more than $55,600 for those with at least a bachelor’s degree. Jobe emphasized that more education means lower unemployment rates and lower poverty rates.

“Public food assistance keeps families from starving. Public health insurance helps babies arrive healthy and keeps hard-working families from falling into medical bankruptcy. These life-saving programs use mostly federal money to meet critical needs; they’re a no-brainer. But we have the chance to do more. We can break down barriers that hold people back from contributing to the state – it’s the difference between surviving and thriving,” Kirt said.

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For more information, contact:  
Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov
Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov