Reigniting the American Dream in Oklahoma

Sample Quotes:

• “My Bachelor's degree and nail technician school and license hasn't been able to provide a living wage... Most of us are living just one $500 bill away from disaster. Yet, all I do is work... no matter how much I work and try to save, I can never seem to get my head above water... I guess if there were some sort of support for people that were diagnosed as adults with autism. They provide a lot of support to kids diagnosed now, and I really could have used that to help me find a viable career when I was young.”
• “I hope that we own our own home and we will be financially better off... I have to work more hours to save money... but the minimum wage in our state is extremely low compared to the cost of living. It makes it extremely hard for families to afford to live a comfortable lifestyle... I would like to see an increase in wages to help more families out of poverty so there are less people on snap and government assistance.”
• “I personally retired 3 years ago and couldn't feed myself, so I went to work in a restaurant so I could eat there... My grandchildren cannot feed their families on $7.25 an hour... The minimum wage needs to be higher. Let Oklahoma compete for the workforce instead of our workers going out of state.”
• “I hope that my daughter and I are more comfortable financially... with enough pay that we can sometimes go beyond paying the basics... without anxiety over cost. ... Even a salary like mine that is more than double the minimum wage isn't always enough to cover the basics. ... if people have to take on second and sometimes third jobs, they will be unable to engage with their neighbors, pursue their outside interests or even be there to engage with spouses and children.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I hope that furthering one's education will not cost them for the rest of their lives... it's been 13 years and I'm still so low income I haven't had to start paying back yet... I would like to see more of a push towards what makes our state a great place to learn a skill. The oilfield workers make tremendous money but there needs to be places for the students to live while they learn... I have two boys who are in the oilfield. They didn't have that help while they were learning.”
• “I want to become a family lawyer... because my parents went through a divorce when I was young. My mom had mental health issues and sometimes I had to take care of myself and my sister. When I'm a lawyer, I want to make sure that happens to no children... Something I would like to happen in my state is for cheaper education and increased opportunities for those whose parents have low incomes. The cost of college can make it difficult for students that are capable... from being able to succeed.”
• “I went back to school for my RN license for nursing so I can increase my earned income... I would like to see more support for the students that are trying their hardest to earn a degree and a living for the betterment of their family... If there was more support for these people, there would be an increase in the graduation rates for all schools which would benefit the state.”
• “I would hope that I'm financially more stable... I am skilled in management of employees. I have been successful at managing up to 50 employees... and have the ability to get along with people from all walks of life and to bring them together... It would be easier to achieve with more programs to help people better themselves and to get a better quality of life from working.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like for us to have more jobs��� If our felonies are 10+ years old and we haven't gotten another felony, it should not stop us from getting a job that we would like to get. If we had more job opportunities, we would get less people on welfare and food stamps��� I feel like a person like me is very consistent. In my last job I was there 10 years. My last landlord��� was for 10 years��� if people look at my past as far as my work history and my rental history and not my background, then that should matter, not the law that I broke when I was young and dumb.”
• “People out here need help, need chances to grow, jobs that understand people make mistakes. It's how you come back from those mistakes that shows the person you really are... I know for a fact background check companys do not have the right and true information... I know my back ground check has things on it that ain't even right... and it hurts people. Some make mistakes at 18 and it's still there in their mid 20s and they stayed out of trouble.”
• “I work with individuals with disabilities and finding employment for them is very difficult because of the stigma that has been set... We need employers that more freely hire individuals with disabilities and incentives for the employers... Employing individuals with disabilities, actually decreases employee turnaround and creates a better work environment for other coworkers.”
• “My husband served his time behind bars, yet he still serves time while not behind them by suffering from not getting opportunities... Many of them took classes while behind bars and are now trained in many fields. My husband took classes for small engine repair, leather working, and masseuse... good talent is just being washed away because they are not given chances like everyone else. Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?”

Sample Quotes:

• “Personal experiences with income dips from unpredictable tech repair gigs... have shown how financial stress directly saps energy... and we get sidelined by survival mode. State leaders should... let locals turn side hustles into reliable income without red tape... Seeing neighbors thrive... would spark optimism... shifting the community mindset from 'gigs are all we get' to 'steady paths exist here' and building a culture where success feels achievable instead of rare.”
• “I would like to help my son... start his own business. He is a very good welder and mechanic... He has the skill; he just needs to have a work truck with a welder on it... and he needs new tools... I would like to see more jobs for the people who live in small towns because it doesn't pay for a man to travel an hour... just to get a job that doesn't pay more than minimum wage.”
• “Having funding options to people that are able to show up somewhere and prove their capabilities should be given a shot regardless of their past. ... Over the past year I've been working to get a business started, it's caused me to run my credit into the ground, so funding isn't an option without good credit. I've been needing to purchase equipment and not able to get enough profit to do this.”
• “My personal strengths could thrive since I would have the capital to start my business doing an activity I was extremely successful doing for 2 decades... The most important component will be removal of... stringent criteria to qualify, such as reducing the minimum credit score... and combining this feature with... solid personal references as the primary qualifier... Without fail, it would open up opportunities for a much larger group of workers... These individuals need those doors of opportunity open for the state to benefit.”

Sample Quotes:

• “My son-in-law has a seasonal job and my daughter has a waitress job; it's been extremely stressful and difficult for anyone to allow us to apply for a new home... Our community... could use some more places to work here in Drumright, OK; we have very few work places. Lots of buildings on the main road are empty and dilapidated but historical.”
• “Oklahoma City is rapidly growing and I would like to see some of that growth in Southwest Oklahoma... I often hear there is nothing to do in Altus, especially in the shopping area. We have some great boutiques downtown but not everyone can afford those shops so we go to Lawton or Norman.”
• “For more jobs to be brought into western Oklahoma... this would bring back rural towns... I'm from a small rural town in western Oklahoma and a small town school that I attended as a kid, I have watched this school lose its students and state funding and end up closing...”
• “I've watched... friends and neighbors struggle with low-wage work and limited opportunity while neighboring states, using fact-driven policies, created industries and revenue streams that supported schools and local services. ... The data from other states is clear: legalizing recreational marijuana generates substantial tax revenue and creates jobs... That revenue could be directed toward schools, healthcare, and infrastructure���especially in rural communities like Pittsburgh County that are often last in line for funding.”

Sample Quotes:

• “There should be assistance for families or single mothers who are trying to achieve independence... I have a niece who is a single mother of three. ... She is trying to go back to school in order to provide for her children ... but her daycare is ridiculous and the co-pays expected lead to choosing to pay for daycare or pay for food, so it's a continual catch 22.”
• “In 5 to 10 years, I hope that I will be able to own my car and be buying a house. I hope that I will be financially stable... I have started schooling because I do want to do better for my children... But one thing that could definitely help me is childcare, especially for my second daughter; she is autistic and nonverbal... My daughter goes to a private school and she only goes for two hours a day... with her schedule it's nearly impossible for me to get a job... I am on Snap benefits and I'm also on TANF so it's really hard.”
• “I've seen neighbors struggle to afford rent and childcare, juggling multiple jobs and still falling behind. Families are stressed, exhausted, and worried about stability, which shows how affordable housing and childcare would greatly improve daily life.”
• “The contrast between scrambling alone versus being backed by predictable systems is what shaped my belief that... we need to expand affordable childcare and after-school programs, so working parents... can stay engaged in the workforce. We also need to incentivize flexible, predictable work arrangements. Predictability helps families plan, reduces burnout, and supports both employee retention and community stability.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I am no longer in a domestic violence situation and was homeless for 2 years upon leaving the marriage. I learned first hand the challenges faced... like finding housing, shelters for abuse victims, food, counseling, transportation, medical and dental care without insurance or money... I feel I relate to many of these women and am able to provide ideas about local resources which many are not aware of. By giving my time and energy it gives me a sense of peace and happiness... There is a need for more housing, domestic violence shelters and public awareness about the challenges these women face while transitioning.”
• “I have had very traumatic experiences growing up from my mother's having a life-changing accident at a young age to now losing both parents before the age of 35. I have seen so many sides of life. People are so much more than the circumstance they are in at that moment.... I would like to see all families fed and all families having the same access to education... I feel people are discriminated against if they need help and that should not be the case. I think there should be less of an us versus them mentality and more of how can we work together to help others live more successful lives.”
• “I would like to see more programs for getting homeless people jobs, and housing and food.... Bartlesville holds a yearly Christian concert at the community center for free. A lot of homeless will show up and we are able to outreach to them to help find them places to go, jobs and assist with getting them food. It's a way of us giving back to the community in a big way.”
• “I feel like if our felonies are 10+ years old and we haven't gotten another felony, it should not stop us from getting a job... If we had more job opportunities, we would get less people on welfare and food stamps... I feel like a person like me is very consistent. If you go in my past, my last job I was there 10 years... if people look at my past as far as my work history and my rental history and not my background, then that should matter, not the law that I broke when I was young and dumb.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like there to be more accommodations for special needs children because my daughter goes to a private school and she only goes for two hours a day... with her schedule it's nearly impossible for me to get a job... In public schools, the special education teachers are not trained well enough to deal with autistic children. My daughter went to public school for one year and she missed more than half of the school year because I was being called to come pick her up... For all parents who are going through the same struggles... when our special-needs children go to school, that's our break, our only break... I feel like it would help a lot of parents who are tired and need a break. It will help with a lot of their mental health.”
• “As a person on a fixed income due to being on disability, it is nearly impossible to increase my income... I recently had to replace the tires on my vehicle as they were literally worn to the point they would not hold air. I had to borrow money from a relative to be able to get new ones, and then had to sell personal items to pay them back... The state needs to increase access to food funds like SNAP and housing and rent subsidies for low-income residents.”
• “I took in a 71-year-old neighbor who's caregiver was abusing him... and am still helping him... I'm helping him get his new home furnished and have the look and feel of a home. ...I know we have a lot of great men that feed a lot of homeless folks at my church as well.”
• “The laws and regulations for prosthetics and what insurance covers are outdated. I also feel that the rules to receive disability in this state are a joke. I lost my leg in my early 30's and went back to work as soon as I could walk again, not knowing I had to stay out of work for a year minimum to receive any... benefits. ...I've never been able to hold a job for more than 7 months because at some point I need medical leave for surgery... With no support, the rules make no sense.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I'm an RN. I have seen the devastating results of those who have waited too long to seek medical treatment. I've seen people who could have been cured with a few days of antibiotics spend months in the hospital because they became septic... 26 years ago,... I opened a free clinic in Muskogee, OK that is still open today providing medical care... free of charge to those who need it.”
• “I would like to see prices come down on... medications. A lot of senior citizens have to choose between eating and buying life-saving drugs, this should not even be an issue... I was without insurance when I had a stroke... the hospital knew I wasn't insured, and they did treat me, but I'm still getting bills in the thousands... The medication that I needed had to be purchased by someone else because I couldn't afford it.”
• “I am getting older and my daughters and their husbands' insurance is getting prohibitive. I just had tests run and it took quite a large sum that was needed in other areas... I would love to see state... healthcare as well as mental health services covered. This would help our state have a healthier, better prepared populace and would also ensure people stay in the state instead of leaving because of medical financial burden... If healthcare were provided, it would essentially be an economic and social benefit where people would feel more secure and satisfied with life.”
• “I have many medical issues that keep me from having a job and I have been denied disability three times including a court hearing where I basically got laughed at... I'm not properly medicated for my narcolepsy and I cannot drive more than 30 minutes by myself... which stems also from not being able to go to a neurologist that specializes in sleep study. If I were on a different insurance company or could afford a different insurance company, I would be able to go to any doctor... that I wanted to... I just feel that younger people get judged on filing for disability... that they're too young unless they have Down syndrome or are paralyzed... I feel like they are gonna contribute to the narcotic and opioid epidemic by saying, 'Oh well you can go to the pain management and deal with what ails you and continue working...' Just because somebody's younger doesn't mean that they legitimately don't have a disability that makes it to where they cannot physically work.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would hope that my grandson would be tested and have a real diagnosis and treatment. The schools kept losing him when help was asked for and he still needs it. ... My grandson would like to get a job and earn a living but as it stands now, no one would want to hire a socially awkward and anxious, possibly on the autism spectrum, young man. ... Get the children tested that need it. Don't let them fall in the cracks.”
• “I pray my living situation becomes better ... due to substance abuse and being unable to keep or get employment ... The biggest change is to leave the drugs alone and focus on myself and child to provide a better life ... but it's too easy to find trouble and do the wrong things in my city ... I would like to see ... more job resources to better help people gain employment ... I remember seeing people use education to better help their family move out of poverty.”
• “My diagnosed social phobia or anxiety disorder is an extra hurdle that many other students don't have.... We need to expand our services and provide services for many people who are struggling with mental illness.... The ones I see near my apartment are clearly in distress because of delusions. They shout at the sky... and they need help.”
• “I'd like to see more mental health and community services that are easy to access... to give people a chance to get back on their feet instead of just surviving day to day. ... My parents and my brother are currently homeless... My mom has so many mental health problems, she is a schizophrenic and schizoaffective... she does not know what reality is... With her having these problems along with being homeless, people avoid her or try to attack her, and my parents and brother don't deserve to be laying in the middle of winter... in a tent like a dog not knowing when they will be able to shower or even eat.”

Sample Quotes:

• “There should be assistance for families or single mothers who are trying to achieve independence... I have a niece who is a single mother of three... she is trying to go back to school in order to provide for her children... but her daycare is ridiculous and the co-pays expected lead to choosing between paying for daycare or paying for food, so it's a continual catch 22.”
• “The things that hold me back are financial issues and not having child care. If I had child care, then I could go back to school to get a degree... I see a lot of homeless people in the town I live in, and I feel a homeless shelter should be built and help provided for those people.”
• “I've seen neighbors struggle to afford rent and childcare, juggling multiple jobs and still falling behind. Families are stressed, exhausted, and worried about stability... A stable home and reliable support would reduce daily stress... and bring a sense of safety, hope, and emotional balance each day.”
• “I just need a job to bring my 3 year old son to because I can't afford daycare. I also have no one to watch my kid... Tell them to open up more daycares and I will get a daycare job... I will know that he is taken care of and he is safe.”

Sample Quotes:

• “The specific moment is when we elected a new president of the US. He promised lower prices and an affordable economy and now it's unbearable; everything is expensive from rent to groceries... One day my son... came to me and said, "Mom, I just saw a family with a toddler looking through trash trying to find something to eat." That hurts; nobody should go hungry... I would like to see more food pantries, more funding to different organizations that can help people in need with rent, utility and whatever other resources people need to survive.”
• “I would change the income guidelines... They do not take into consideration inflated prices at the store as well as the amount we pay for utilities... I pay $400 a month for my insurances as I don't qualify any longer for SoonerCare because of my income... so people like me can't buy much groceries... If the government officials were given the amount of money I have left over after bills to feed their family for two weeks maybe it would help them to understand.”
• “If a city has a higher tax rate, I'll go to the next city with a cheaper tax rate... I would love to have my money stay local but I cannot justify spending $30 more for the same prescription if I can get it cheaper online... I want Oklahoma to have no state taxes, and food purchases at the grocery store should be tax free. I want better health insurance.”
• “The laws and regulations for prosthetics... and... the rules to receive disability in this state are a joke. I lost my leg in my early 30's and went back to work as soon as I could walk again, not knowing I had to stay out of work for a year minimum to receive any... benefits... I've never been able to hold a job for more than 7 months because at some point I need medical leave... With no support, the rules make no sense.”

Sample Quotes:

• “What would make it easier is having leaders who listen, offer resources, and communicate clearly instead of leaving people guessing. ... If state leaders were actually listening, I'd want to see more support for stable housing and safer shelter options... to give people a chance to get back on their feet instead of just surviving day to day. My parents and my brother are currently homeless... My mom has so many mental health problems... people avoid her or try to attack her and my parents and brother don't deserve to be laying in the middle of winter... in a tent like a dog not knowing when they will be able to shower or even eat.”
• “I would like for leaders to pay more attention to the ridiculous speed our homeless community has more than doubled and is now an epidemic we just can not overlook... When my youngest daughter was only 1 yr old, I was forced into a situation landing myself, my daughter and my husband homeless and living at the Salvation Army shelter for a couple of months... that was an experience I would never wish upon anybody.”
• “I was once a very vital and active member of society... Now I have MS and I have faced the wheelchair and having to figure out how to maneuver through travels, life and healthcare adventures. ... Government needs a public liaison which brings real issues from real people who live in our state.”
• “I'd like to see it not be illegal to be "homeless." ... These new statutes making the unhoused citizens either chose JAIL or REHAB borders on some form of government that is NOT democracy. I have struggled to keep a roof my entire life and lived without one many times. It's difficult enough to survive, without laws like that.”

Sample Quotes:

• “My state is Republican while I'm Democratic, which means a lot of things that happen I don't necessarily agree with. I could go vote, and show my support for different issues... Living in a community with different viewpoints allows people to express their own views and many ways to help with different problems. It allows the state to hear many different solutions.”
• “When I was a young adult, they changed AFDC to TANF... 30 years later, I've yet to see any changes or benefits and would like to know where all the money have went... Transparency would show that we as a community would have some type of say so in our own neighborhoods... and put a community pools back in.”
• “We no longer bother calling the cops because they don't respond... I had a friend who worked for the streets department... and he informed me that our neighborhood was at the very bottom of the list of priority, and if anyone else was added to the list, they were added over us, and we were bumped to the bottom... Being consistently overlooked means I will even patch holes in front of my house instead of bothering to report them.”
• “I want to see uniform sentencing for those who prey on children and teens. The Morris and Butler cases left survivors with no sense of justice... Complaints from people in my community give me the impression our voices aren't being heard... We want to be able to live freely and not worry about other ideologies creeping in to make life more miserable.”

Sample Quotes:

• “My community right here in Chickasha needs improvement from worn out streets to have more job opportunities... I've been here almost 6 years and it's taking forever just to improve the streets and a lot of businesses have come and gone way to many times.”
• “What would help me achieve a better tomorrow is policy change at the state level���not ancient laws that aren't reasonable, from a time when we went off of hysteria... I've also seen friends and neighbors affected by policies driven by stigma rather than facts���people losing time, income, or stability over non-violent issues... When leaders rely on data and real-world results, policies are more effective, and local families are better positioned to thrive.”
• “I hope that whoever is running the country at the time is someone who we can trust... One thing that I'd want to see in Oklahoma is better education. Alone in my family's school district there's been 2 teachers arrested and fired. One for drinking on the job, and the other for inappropriate conduct with a student... The school systems are failing at employing the correct staff, as well as the curriculum.”
• “When I worked for corporations in Oklahoma we often had to go out of state to hire qualified candidates with the right education... I would like to see Oklahoma reduce corporate taxes in order to attract more corporations... and raise taxes and use the additional money to improve our educational systems at every level... Improving our education standards would also help attract more corporations.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like to see our elected officials make decisions based on what's right for our state... and put the people of this state first. The political rhetoric has gone too far... As a parent of Native American kids, my kids shouldn't have to carry their tribal papers so they aren't harassed in the state they were born in... I think there are good people in office who are pressured to follow their affiliation more than the needs of the people.”
• “I would like to see our state representatives, our governor, and our senators come together as a team. Plain and simple. Team members work towards the betterment of all parties involved... State leaders are supposed to bring people together to find common ground... As far as personal experiences go, my state has decided that I'm not smart enough to make a choice in regards to a pregnancy. And that says it all. That says they consider me less than. We are governed by people who feel the need to micromanage everyone and everything they can. They were never elected to do that.”
• “I'd love to see state government to stop with partisan politics but instead invest in the community as it benefits the state.... The local government hasn't taken the time to encourage new businesses to invest in the city. The ones that have, have found it difficult to work with the city. Tax demands or permitting costs have driven many new opportunities to disappear.”
• “I've seen firsthand how families who depend on federal programs face immediate crisis when political gridlock in Washington threatens their ability to feed their children or keep a roof over their heads. The anxiety and humiliation people experience when they can't provide basic necessities���through no fault of their own���is something no one should endure... What has been especially moving is seeing how tribal nations in Oklahoma step up during these crises to provide food assistance... to anyone in need���not just tribal members, but the entire surrounding community. When the federal government fails, tribal food distribution programs... become lifelines for people of all backgrounds... These aren't abstract policy issues���they're life-and-death realities for real Oklahomans. Our state has the resources and the heart to do better. We've seen what's possible when tribal nations lead with compassion and community care. Now it's time for state leaders to follow that example and build systems that protect everyone... That's the Oklahoma I want to live in, and that's the Oklahoma our leaders have the power to create if they choose people over politics.”

Sample Quotes:

• “As a citizen, I want to see where my taxes are being used... If you do see people in the office, usually we are being ignored... Acknowledge citizens as we come in. If there is a delay, explain; don't make us guess. I appreciate customer service.”
• “I would like there to be a better system of checking how funds are used, and for people to be accountable when taxpayer money is mishandled or embezzled. ... I heard on the news in the last year that whoever was in charge of mental health services mismanaged a lot of money... As a former nurse, this enrages me. People are only as good as their word, and it's difficult to know who to trust anymore.”
• “I would really like to see where the money from medical marijuana taxes are going. Our streets still have potholes, our teachers are still struggling.... It's not apparent to the average citizen where this money is actually going.... Seeing the roads being repaired and our teachers not striking for the pay they deserve... would attract good teachers in the schools for our children.”
• “I hope the government isn't so corrupt... It's impossible to get a leg up when you live in a small town that has no growth/opportunity, let alone when the forces at be don't care about facilitating growth. ... Everyone is stressed out and struggling, it's hard to worry about the community when you don't even know if you're gonna be able to keep a roof over your kids head.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I live in Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation capitol. I would like to see more state run programs. I am not a Native American... Almost all programs of any kind here are run by Cherokee Nation and I do not qualify. The non-natives in this area need help too... For example, with healthcare, they have WW Hastings hospital and all the clinics that go along with it and they pay nothing for anything. Completely free healthcare.”
• “I plan to vote only for people who FULLY support my family being accepted, provided healthcare, and a stable living environment... A mosque was recently voted down in Broken Arrow because of "water and run off issues." Yet an "Innovation Area" was just approved in that same area. That is WRONG. Prejudice and fear were evident in a meeting attended by 1300 people in Broken Arrow this week... I want to see healthcare for all because it is a basic human right.”
• “At this point with ICE detaining tribal members I feel helpless and scared... My wife was harassed at the courthouse when we went to get our wedding license. She used her tribal ID, which is federally recognized and yet three people told her that she couldn't use that as her ID... I believe the government... should be for ALL people.”
• “I want to contribute with my vote, and be a supporter of the candidates that offer me solutions with real actions... Generally, I trust more on Republican's candidates, but lately I've noticed too many issues... on the economy, immigrants, rights and humanity respect... and more security focused policy.”

Sample Quotes:

• “If our felonies are 10+ years old and we haven't gotten another felony, it should not stop us from getting a job... I'm very consistent. At my last job, I was there 10 years... if people look at my past as far as my work history and my rental history and not my background, then that should matter, not the law that I broke when I was young and dumb.”
• “Maybe they can come up with a program... like a pardon program so mistakes I made 5 years ago are not still causing me missed job opportunities. I am willing to admit I was wrong and have kept my nose clean for 5 years; hopefully there's a light at the end of the tunnel... It might make people feel welcome and wanted and accepted for who they are, mistakes and all. It might even give them a sense of support so they keep making those better decisions... so they won't ever feel like they have to run back to that life.”
• “When a sentence gets satisfied by society, they should completely remove it from the records... it was 29 years ago and I still am being punished... I want a pardon from the governor... a good job, a chance at a normal life, help to get back on my feet.”
• “A BETTER TOMORROW WOULD BE FOR MY SON AND FAMILY to COME HOME AND NOT FEAR PRISON AND LIVE FREELY... Since Oklahoma has become a legal marijuana state, we should wipe all records prior to the year it became legal... so my family stays together not stressing about loosing a child because of a history or past records haunting him.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I try to be outspoken about my relationship with my Savior. I also try to walk the walk as well. I took in a 71-year-old neighbor who's caregiver was abusing him... and am still helping him... I also just paused this survey to go pickup a couple of other neighbors that were on the side of the road. I feel that talking the talk is pretty easy... it's walking the walk that really shows the kind of love that Jesus has for us... I really hate politics... politics are so divisive... I know of people who will ask you if you're a republican before even talking about Christ... I just wish people could disagree and not hate each other.”
• “I would like to see the state of Oklahoma represented by church going politicians that believe more in the Bible than just creating laws to make money.... In my town, Bartlesville holds a yearly Christian concert... for free. A lot of homeless will show up and we are able to outreach to them to help find them places to go, jobs and assist with getting them food. It's a way of us giving back to the community in a big way.”
• “Opening up another homeless shelter in Tulsa County would help because we only have one right now that I have volunteered at before... the homeless shelter helps people who are homeless and dealt a bad card to get a job and get somewhere in life rather than leaving them to figure it out on their own because sometimes resources aren't given and it's a lot harder to get a job when you don't have a home, you don't have a car, and you don't have a phone that they can get a hold of you on.”
• “I want my handyman business to be able to make great money so it can donate... If a neighbor's driveway is bad... we can tell them, "Don't worry, we got this," and we go fix it right and they pay nothing... Elders can't afford it... and I believe it's our job to take care of them, and we are falling very short of doing what is needed.”

Sample Quotes:

• “Oklahoma has made huge strides in being recognized for being a great place to live, and as a state that supports each other known as the Oklahoma Standard... We treat humans with kindness and we prosecute people based on the crimes not their skin color. As a parent of Native American kids, my kids shouldn't have to carry their tribal papers so they aren't harassed in the state they were born in... I lead a very diverse and large team at work. We all work together to achieve our goals... respectfully and without regard for race or origins. I find this is no different than what I expect our politicians to do. We have a mutual respect and a shared vision.”
• “Govern from a perspective of love, please. Support the lowest in society... It's everything I've been taught my entire life, but haven't seen as an adult. I watched women like my paternal grandmother, a first-generation Mexican-American... achieve a higher security clearance than any woman had ever been granted (at the time) at Tinker Air Force Base, become someone whose citizenship would be in question today... and men like my mother's favourite cousin, a... US Army captain... return home to Oklahoma as he lost the battle with AIDS..., a man who if alive today would see... the queer community suffer further scrutiny... It's clear that when the margins of society are supported, we all flourish.”
• “I know many immigrants who are hard-working and no different from those of us born in the US. They should not be stereotyped or demonized... Education on this and other topics is key - by learning more, we see the world is NOT black and white. There are infinite perspectives, and no one person or group has all the answers. We must support quality education”
• “I would like to see unity happen... I think there should be less of an us versus them mentality and more of how can we work together to help others live more successful lives... I have had very traumatic experiences growing up... I have seen so many sides of life. People are so much more than the circumstance they are in at that moment. Small acts of kindness can go so far and usually don't cost a thing.”

Sample Quotes:

• “Some kind of community thing to bring more people together would be awesome. We could come together to help someone, come together to have fun... When I was younger, playing outside was the best way to get to know people... My friends' parents would often give us rides places and have us over for dinner and it took tons of stress off my mom. We had always lived in poverty so when my mom had any kind of help it was greatly appreciated.”
• “More activities that are family oriented. More parks instead of parking lots. More simple yet free programs for families to be together... growing up my family had bouts of being homeless... we still stayed together. But I feel things would be stronger had we had more help for roots.”
• “I am fairly new to OK. I moved here 1 1/2 years ago to be near my daughter, grandchildren and now great grandchildren... It would be nice to have more family entertainment to enjoy. Blanchard, OK needs a bigger grocery store and a few more restaurants.”
• “I would like to see more people in the community work together to make it a better place. It seems like nowadays, people don't even know who their neighbors are. When I was younger, you knew who everyone in your neighborhood was... We need community get-togethers and people getting out more, getting off of their phones and away from the t.v., and just intermingling with their neighbors.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like to see order and respect. Meaning, we don't mind immigrants, but we will not be taken advantage of. We love you enough to let you come, but not enough to sacrifice ourselves for you. Love and respect goes a long way. ... Personally, I'm a FBA! I understand that people are undermining us, and it is wrong. ... The disrespect is too much. I feel some type of way.”
• “I would love to see our leaders get together. Be respectful of their opinions, listening to what the people want, not just their party's... Our small town did come together respectfully and we got some changes for our town and now they have a meeting every two weeks.”
• “The world would be a better place if we were all even just a fraction more accepting... I do not experience prejudice myself, but I witness it. I stand up for those who experience it, but not everyone does as they should... We need leaders who are more accepting and inclusive... that aren't extremists on either side and are able to be in the grey area.”
• “I don't think many people understand how to be open minded and tolerant of each other and their different viewpoints... For some of my friends they cannot reveal their political beliefs in fear of retaliation. I can't even wear a California sweatshirt without a rude comment... I wish our leaders would calm the nation instead of agitating everyone.”

Sample Quotes:

• “Alone we can't make much headway, but together, collectively we can steer our voices towards what matters... I had the privilege of attending a small country school. We knew right from wrong. We continued prayer every single day after the pledge of allegiance long after the feds told us we couldn't because it's the right thing to do and we turned out alright.”
• “Attending church helps my children to be kind and caring towards others... Being around sincere and kind people helps... We need our voices heard to leaders.”
• “I already volunteer at a 7 month addiction recovery program... and we make a huge difference. ... I would like you to fund Christ-based long term... addiction recovery centers. ... This will strengthen and bring back many families and give children back parents who are able to raise them properly.”
• “I pray our state continues to stick with Christian and nuclear family values... I have seen men who were homeless for years accept Christ and learn to become disciples who not only turn their lives around. I see them get their families back and become real fathers to their children and real husbands to their wives and become real supporters of their families, both financially and spiritually.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I hope that furthering one's education will not cost them for the rest of their lives... It's been 13 years and I'm still so low income I haven't had to start paying back yet... I would encourage school age children to bypass college and go to a tech school... I would like to see more of a push towards what makes our state a great place to learn a skill.”
• “I'm afraid that the cost to live will be so high that my grandchildren won't even be able to think about furthering education... We need youth centers with active adult members to answer questions, help with school studies, personal issues, or even home life... With most homes having both parents working to provide, there is nobody for them to ask for help or guidance.”
• “I want more paid training programs in Oklahoma. They would help young people earn while learning and avoid falling behind. ... My cousin quit college for bills. If he earned while learning HVAC, he would still be building a future.”
• “Having enough money and time to go back to school are the issues I am facing... State universities should offer tuition assistance where credit is given to those who have worked full time for 5+ years in the state of Oklahoma as an incentive to go back to school. This will only help the state.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I hope those grandchildren who are still in public school are getting the best possible education and are afforded access to higher levels of learning... I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful school but let it go... I would like to see my schools give students the supplies and resources they deserve to get better education... With students learning to think... the community would grow and bond together to make a better life and future for all.”
• “I hope... beliefs in... education... have been restored... Education... is key - by learning more, we see the world is NOT black and white. There are infinite perspectives, and no one person or group has all the answers. Being exposed to these ideas, such as in college and grad school, has helped shape my worldview. We must support quality education”
• “I've seen friends and classmates feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck when they don't have someone to guide them... I would like to see... more access to mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities for young people... to gain guidance, confidence, and practical knowledge that school alone doesn't always provide.”
• “I would like to see more businesses offer employment to... unskilled workers. Government programs that offer basic on the job skills training would be fabulous. ... I have experience with the homeless population and I have found that a lot of them desire a different... lifestyle but are unsure where to start to better themselves.”

Sample Quotes:

• “Furthering my education is my ultimate end goal... It is hard to do better in this economy when it feels as if they just want us to stay right where we are instead of grow. I have a nephew that... fell in love with going to school. His teachers at his new school listen to him, and actually take the time to educate him... He also feels heard and seen.”
• “We need to have a school and not have to take such a long bus ride to town that's over 20 miles away. ... During my local meetings, we have several parents who have spoken about the length of time that it takes their children to get to school, how long it makes their day and how hard it is to keep everyone focused, especially when you don't eat for several hours after school begins. Several of our parents have spoken of the long evenings in which they've had to drive more than 20 miles for any school events or ... teacher conferences.”
• “I'd like to see more go into schools because my nephew is in school and I'd like to know that he's always safe and secure so I can see him when he comes home every day... I'd like to see more security but not too much because I don't want it to feel like it's a prison for the children.”
• “I'd like to see more anti-bullying being discussed in schools... These kids are already having trouble finding their selves; they need support and someone on their side. ... I was bullied all through school; no one ever cared. I was beat up, jumped and ignored by teachers... I had to switch schools because of how I was being treated.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I think bringing the Oklahoma education system back as one of the best in the country can pave the road for a better tomorrow... On the theme of education reform, teachers should be paid more, schools should be better equipped for modern learning, and please keep the bible or any other religious text out of the classrooms... I was raised Catholic. Almost all my learnings of the Bible came from going to church on Sunday... I was able to learn about it because it was a separate from school... The teacher was more enthusiastic about it. So they made it fun to learn on Sunday.”
• “I want to make sure my kids are in a good spot to live and be in college or working a profession they're happy with... Oklahoma has a horrible education system. I would hope to see the money they get from taxes go to the children's education... To be honest, it would probably be the lunch room. The food children eat at school has a noticeable correlation to the income the school is receiving.”
• “I went to school here in Oklahoma, both high school and Vocational school... Despite our general education being lowly rated, at Votech they bragged that Oklahoma is one of the best states for votech and it showed. There's no reason why public schools can't be that way as well if they're funded and treated right.”
• “It is harder to help my children as much as I would like since I am retired... We need to spend more money on education for the public school systems in order to increase the likelihood that businesses will want to reside in the state.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I hope by the next five to ten years Oklahoma has risen from last in education to the top ten... There are many teachers, unfortunately, who are not qualified and don't have a teacher's heart. My own children had true teachers and teachers who were there to collect a paycheck. With true teachers, they thrived and learned and succeeded at reaching educational goals and milestones... A true teacher understands her students and how they learn and makes adjustments as needed, for all of her students.”
• “I want to see... better education. Alone in my family's school district there's been two teachers arrested and fired... The school systems are failing at employing the correct staff, as well as the curriculum... I believe that higher standards should be placed on anyone who is an educator... Working with children, especially in the time where they learn the most and grow the most, isn't something that can be dealt with lightly.”
• “I'm a teacher, so I'm exhausted and have no money or time to donate... I'm watching my brother and his wife struggling to support their kids. My sister-in-law is a teacher, and my brother is a school counselor with a master's degree, and he's having to work at Reasors part time so they can scrape by. I'm struggling to keep up myself as a teacher living on my own. It shouldn't be this difficult... This is not the life I was promised as a kid. I'm exhausted.”
• “I'd love to see our state come out of 50th place in education! ... I know a couple of teachers who put way more into their classrooms than they are paid for. How is the state to attract qualified, caring people to teach without providing a decent salary? The state is failing its teachers, the students, and the population as a whole.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would really like to see our schools have better special education programs, and better training on children who are on the spectrum... If a child has to be restrained, every teacher, principal, and counselor... needs to be properly trained... My son got suspended... because the principal hit him across the center of his face... all because of improper restraint... A lot of rural schools in Oklahoma do not have proper training or proper staffing for special needs special education, children, and it's sad because these children suffer greatly... Honestly, they need proper training... every single teacher needs it and administrator... if you work for the school you need that... they need to learn how to talk to them and how to approach them... If parents know... what restraint actions work best for their child... Those parents need to express those maneuvers and ways that work for their child to the school.”
• “If I could send my son to school. He is nonverbal autistic and it's hard finding a good school around here. ... A good school would need more teachers and paras, ... more people specialized in ... understanding children with autism. ... I hope Oklahoma can do better, because I don't see myself here for another 5-10 years.”
• “The schools kept losing my grandson when help was asked for and he still needs it. He did graduate from High School but with our school standing-that doesn't say much. ... I would like to see schools that actually teach the children, teach them to learn - not to take a test... Get the children tested that need it. Don't let them fall in the cracks.”
• “I hope there will be more resources available for parents of disabled children, especially those with autism, that's more natural care rather than pushing medication on them. ... I would like to see us have more safe places for children with autism for them to be able to be children and have fun and run their energy out where parents don't fear their child being mistreated. And make homeschooling funds available for parents of children who are homeschooled.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like for there to be more bins for trash and recyclables so that every household could separate trash and recyclables... Here in the city of Lawton,... the streets here and the water treatment plant are far gone. The local streets all around Lawton are cracked, pitted, falling apart, and I've seen that since before I could drive and have yet to see... many streets renewed.”
• “I've came across the same pot hole for the longest time until my truck's control arm broke. The lack of fixing these problems caused me money to fix my own... In Oklahoma City there is still lots of work to be done. I thought taxes were supposed to take care of this; I guess only certain places have more rights than others.”
• “I would like to see the roads get fixed and our little town, Spiro, to actually have a decent park to take our kids to play... It's about having something to do with our kids, and especially for the families that can't afford to take their kids anywhere.”
• “We need to fix the roads... so everyone in our community can be safe and happy, for a bright sunny future. I've damaged several tires from the damaged roads in our community.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I know it'll take a while but having walkable cities is my dream. Cars are truly the ruin of us all and pollution is a big bad thing so if people were able to walk more and be outside we would all be more happy... When I was younger, playing outside was the best way to get to know people... We were able to come together and be friends. My friends' parents would often give us rides places and have us over for dinner and it took tons of stress off my mom. We had always lived in poverty so when my mom had any kind of help it was greatly appreciated.”
• “I'd love to see more sidewalks since I constantly see children too close to the road. I even saw one child get hit by a vehicle... The community would grow more positive and healthy since we'd be able to walk more... Parents would also feel more confident in their children making it back and to school safely.”
• “I would like to see some of these vacant houses that just sit empty and debilitated... I've seen them like this since I moved to this town 21 years ago. If we could take some of those empty houses and get some people to volunteer their time and fix them up and turn them into... a place that people who don't want to be on the streets... could go and have a bed to rest in... The people that really... were willing to help themselves could have a way to do so without feeling like people were just giving them handouts... Take that desperation away and give them a way to build up some type of Hope. I think it would make the community better.”
• “I would like to see more youth based activities and buildings built for our community... It will allow kids who aren't in school activities have things to do and to meet other people. It will also give parents a break to take care of things around their house or simply have some alone time.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I am in a very rural area and would love to volunteer some of my time in nearby towns but I can't drive and can't have a strict schedule as I have focal epilepsy that has disabled me. The towns have buses for things like that but not where I am and it's isolating. There are a lot of elderly and disabled that suffer because of this.”
• “Improving accessibility would restore a type of quality of life that is missing for many including Veterans. Wheelchair access is not available everywhere... I was once a very vital and active member of society... Now I have MS and I have faced the wheelchair and having to figure out how to maneuver through travels, life and healthcare adventures.”
• “I would strongly encourage state leaders to look at our cities and focus on how they can be improved. Better public transportation... I don't own a car. So in order for me to go to places, I need to ask for a ride, take Ubers or walk. Public transportation feels unreliable and unsafe.”
• “I haven't had a car for over 2 years... Even though I'm 82, I don't want to spend my last years figuring out what I'll watch on tv. I want to be useful... I would like to see our city taxi services expand to make it easier for young (pre-drivers) and older people to get around town.”

Sample Quotes:

• “Damages can cause sickness, and mold to grow... I have Lupus and day by day things can be a struggle... I would like to see programs to help renters and people that rent to own fix their houses so... it doesn't become a blight in the neighborhoods... so that their health and mental well being increase and in the long run save the state money on health care for low income and disabled families.”
• “Hopefully 5 to 10 years down the road I do not see myself here in Will Rogers Courts, but I know that there will be others that will need this service but not in the shape that it is in right now. We have old appliances that don't properly work, there are animals (mice) inside the walls... barreling tunnels, and very loud chewing... The windows are so old you have to put plastic on them because every bit of the wind that's on the outside we feel on the inside right now during winter! I'm pretty sure people... that have health issues, need some type of cooling during these hot months.”
• “I want to be able to give back to my elders... by helping with getting running water in their homes, things that they really need, roof leaks... If their driveway is bad... we go fix it right and they pay nothing. Things that most people can afford, elders can't in my area, and I believe it's our job to take care of them and we are falling very short of doing what is needed.”
• “I know that there are current plans to build a data mining center near by and I hope that they can look into our power grid because... we will start to struggle with power outages because we are on the verge as is. I also hope that they deal with the roads flooding... it blocks off entire roads... We are worried because it will effect our way of life. And where we are is the edge of two counties so a lot of the time when we have an issue we have to go back and forth between them... because they keep saying it is the other county's problem.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I would like to see more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. I live in a food desert... A friend who worked for the streets department... informed me that our neighborhood was at the very bottom of the list of priority... Being consistently overlooked means I will even patch holes in front of my house instead of bothering to report them.”
• “We need to be able to have fresh local produce and meats instead of driving 20 miles or more... It would keep dollars in the local economy, which would contribute to us being able to have a school and not have to take such a long trip on a bus... Several parents... have spoken about the length of time that it takes their children to get to school, how long it makes their day and how hard it is to keep everyone focused, especially when you don't eat for several hours after school begins.”
• “I would like the city to care for all the neighborhoods the same. East Tulsa roads are not cared for in the same manner as south Tulsa. I would also like to see all our street lights turned on and working... This would make our city safer. ... It would help us feel like we are appreciated and that all citizens are equally important.”
• “In my community we need places for homeless people. I live in a small town so there is not much support. As far as the state goes, they need to help the homeless vets... We need free housing for them, and places where they can get a hot meal, and out of the cold, especially in the winter time.”

Sample Quotes:

• “At this point with ICE detaining tribal members I feel helpless and scared. I don't go outside if I don't have to... My wife was harassed at the courthouse when we went to get our wedding license. She used her tribal ID, which is federally recognized and yet three people told her that she couldn't use that as her ID... We need to train and fund police more appropriately with stiff penalties for officials breaking the law. This would begin to bring back a trust and support for police and all first responders.”
• “I hope for fairness and equality for every race... I help create a more secure future by reporting crime or vandalism to the local police. We live in a neighborhood watch area and I like it.”
• “I'm stuck in Oklahoma due to custody issues. I wish that it was easier and more affordable for me to terminate the parental rights of my ex, since he threatened to come after me... He has free access to legal help because he's Choctaw. Meanwhile I'm not on Native American rolls and make too much to qualify for free or cheap legal assistance. I also don't make enough to afford it on my own.”
• “In the future, I want to become a family lawyer... because my parents went through a divorce when I was young. My mom ended up getting sole custody of me even though it was not the right thing. My mom had mental health issues and sometimes I had to take care of myself and my sister. When I'm a lawyer, I want to make sure that happens to no children and that they are put in a good living situation.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I'd like to see homelessness rates go down and new approaches to helping addicts struggling. ... I personally know a lot of good people who have become homeless because of their struggles with addiction, who before were thriving contributors to the community.”
• “I already volunteer at a 7-month addiction recovery program... and we make a huge difference. I would like you to fund Christ-based long term (7-12 months) addiction recovery centers... This will strengthen and bring back many families and give children back parents who are able to raise them properly.”
• “Engaged teens are less likely to be engaged in criminal behavior and make our future safer. ... We treat humans with kindness and we prosecute people based on the crimes, not their skin color. ... As a parent of Native American kids, my kids shouldn't have to carry their tribal papers so they aren't harassed in the state they were born in.”
• “Putting a real effort into cleaning up neighborhoods. North Tulsa is absolutely frightening to drive through... We really need to crack down on drug sales... not marijuana but pills, fentanyl and meth... We have quite the homeless problem here in Tulsa... A lot of them need mental help... We ignore what we don't want to look at and that is the mentally ill homeless people.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I was a victim for many years and tried to receive protection but the police seemed to side with "the man".... My former abuse issues may no longer exist but I have never fully recovered financially... Hopefully I live long enough to see a change in police protection and more resources for those who truly need it.”
• “I would like to see a reform in the handling of mental health patients because they usually handle it with lethal force... I also had a few bad experiences where they had guns pulled out instead of tasers which was not the best approach and decreases my trust... If someone calls the police instead of 988 it can result in death.”
• “Forcing the homeless from their shelters is NOT going to end homelessness. It's merely going to force it into the shadows... Stop using our Highway Patrol as limbs of a federal agency such as ICE. ... I live downtown. I encounter homeless people daily. I've seen their interactions with law enforcement.”
• “I hope we can still live in a peaceful quiet community... and have no fear of drugs or child molesters being allowed to go free... I hope the police are allowed to do their job of keeping everyone safe... In this community we watch out for those that are older and frail. My hope is other people... watch out and try to help those where they live.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I feel like if our felonies are 10+ years old and we haven't gotten another felony, it should not stop us from getting a job... I'm very consistent. My last job I was there 10 years. My last landlord I have was for 10 years... If people look at my past as far as my work history and my rental history and not my background, then that should matter, not the law that I broke when I was young and dumb.”
• “My husband is a convicted felon from past mistakes. He has changed his ways, but can't land a job due to his past.... My husband served his time behind bars, yet he still serves time while not behind them by suffering from not getting opportunities.... Many of them took classes while behind bars and are now trained in many fields. My husband took classes for small engine repair, leather working, and masseuse.... Good talent is just being washed away because they are not given chances like everyone else.... Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?”
• “People out here need help, need chances to grow, jobs that understand people make mistakes. It's how you come back from those mistakes that show the person you really are. People feel they have no other choice but to make money in whatever they can... so they do some bad things to make the money to feed the families... It's a cycle and with out better help it won't ever change... I know for a fact background check companies do not have the right and true information... I think there should be a time frame for some things. If some one has not been in anymore trouble... they should be able to go... some where easy and get things... taken off... some make mistakes at 18 and it's still there in their mid 20s and they stayed out of trouble.”
• “Housing instability is, in my opinion, the #1 reason for recidivism; without stable housing, people are forced to revert to what they know to survive... I was a returning father who was forced to live in the "unwanted" neighborhoods... Through programs that instilled hope in me, I have been able to find my purpose and give back to my community.”

Sample Quotes:

• “I was robbed at gun point several years ago. ... They got jail time, not enough though, and 18 months later they repeated the act... Please crack down on crime and the flow of drugs that is affecting our young people. They are our future.”
• “I would like to see an honest attempt at reforming our criminal justice system. I feel that it is broken and it is a revolving door that traps people. ... I have personally been caught in that revolving door myself. ... Ever since I was 18... I have been under their control... and constantly in debt to them.”
• “I recall the time I spent in prison. Instead of finding rehabilitation and therapeutic support, I ended up surrounded by individuals entrenched in illegal activities... What I truly craved was a compassionate space where I could receive the help that would enable me to heal and rebuild my life.”
• “I would like to be able to take walks down the street without having to worry about my safety... Security, whether that be increased toughness in crime or created more rehabilitation opportunities for those in need, but something needs to change at the smaller level.”