State of Oklahoma Archives: on Welfare & Poverty
Andrew Rice:
Our churches have engaged society to try to improve society
Q: If I remember correctly, you have an educational background in theology as well, don’t you?A: Yeah, I have a master’s in theological studies. There are some areas that, as a Christian, with the work I’ve done I understand our theological history
and scripture and traditions and the way that our religious communities and our churches have engaged society to try to improve society. There are some common areas there that I think with my past work I can find some common ground with voters.
Source: Judd Morse, Ada Evening News, on 2008 Oklahoma Senate Debate
Jul 9, 2008
Frank Keating:
Able-bodied people must stand on their own two feet
This legislature passed welfare reform, which I signed. And welfare rolls are down by over 70% in Oklahoma. We are not saying, in a mean spirited way, that we're not in a position to help those who are frail or elderly or incapable of helping themselves.
What we are saying is if you are able-bodied, if you can take care of yourself, it is your responsibility as a human being to stand on your own two feet and contribute to the economic vitality of our state. Welfare reform has worked in Oklahoma.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Joan Farr:
Get Out of Debt Plan has rich paying off others debts
Joan is proposing a "Get Out of Debt Plan" that is a step toward this goal and toward trying to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Her idea is that if a poor/middle class person will agree to try and improve their lives for one year
(stop drinking, doing drugs, smoking, gambling, etc., whatever their struggle might be), then a rich person agrees to pay off their debt up to a certain amount. In order to achieve this, the person would agree to being monitored (i.e., wear a bracelet).
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com
Jul 19, 2021
Kevin Stine:
Give safe shelter & basic sanitary needs to the homeless
Q: What issues do you believe are most important for the 2016 agenda?A: The urban growth boundary is the most important issue we will address. It's a very inside-baseball issue which will expand the city's borders, but one that will resonate for years
to come.
Q: What issues do you hope to bring to the agenda?
A: I want to see an area for the homeless. One that can give safe shelter, basic sanitary needs, and a platform to get back into the workforce and self-sufficiency.
Source: Rogue Valley Messenger on 2016 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 7, 2016
Mike Workman:
Create more affirmative action programs to address poverty
Q: Do you support affirmative action programs?
Mike Workman: Regardless, we should create more social programs to address poverty
Source: iSideWith.com voter guide on 2016 Oklahoma Senate race
Aug 31, 2016
T.W. Shannon:
Require 20 hours of work activity for food stamp recipients
Shannon also targeted several of the state's welfare programs last year, pushing one bill that would require some food stamp recipients to perform at least
20 hours of "work activities" each week and another to divert federal Temporary Aid to Needy Families funds to create a public service campaign promoting marriage.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
AdWatch: Success comes from hard work, not handouts
State Speaker T.W. Shannon is up with his first TV ad of the cycle. The minute-long bio spot, which details Shannon's faith and his stance on lowering the debt, is backed by a $150,000 buy. It will run on broadcast stations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa,
and statewide on cable stations."T.W. Shannon is a 6th-generation Oklahoman," a narrator says in the ad. "T.W. is guided by his faith. Raised by working class parents, T.W. learned that success comes from hard work, not handouts.
And it's those values that T.W. and his wife, Devon, are teaching their two kids."
Shannon is facing a competitive GOP primary with two-term Rep. James Lankford, among others. The seat is open due to GOP Sen. Tom Coburn's decision not to finish out his
term, slated to end in 2016. Oklahoma law allows Coburn to finish out the year in the Senate while a special election is held to find his replacement, ensuring there will not be a lapse in representation.
Source: Rollcall AdWatch on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 19, 2014
Connie Johnson:
Focus on affordability and access to affordable housing
- Focuses on helping working families struggling with rising costs.
- Supports expanding access to affordable housing, healthcare and public services.
- Frames affordability as a major challenge facing everyday Oklahomans.
- Believes economic growth depends on investing in people through education and healthcare.
- Supports policies aimed at improving economic opportunities for working families.
Source: News 9 on 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jun 10, 2026
Cyndi Munson:
Expand EITC; invest in working families
- Supports targeted tax relief for working families.
- Wants to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and Sales Tax Relief Credit.
- Opposes broad tax cuts that could reduce funding for state services.
-
Believes economic growth starts with investing in education and workforce development.
- Supports policies aimed at helping working families afford housing, healthcare and everyday expenses.
- Focuses on strengthening Oklahoma’s middle class.
Source: News 9 on 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jun 10, 2026
Jake Merrick:
Limit government growth to lower family costs
- Favors reducing government spending and limiting government growth.
- Believes less government involvement can lower costs for families and businesses.
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Supports protecting private property rights and limiting government intervention.
- Opposes what he considers government overreach through eminent domain.
- Emphasizes small-government policies and reducing regulatory burdens.
Source: News 9 on 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jun 10, 2026
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026