TULSA, OK – Rep. Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa), candidate for Tulsa Mayor, responded to a decision by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to opt out of a federal program that provides food for public school students during the summer.
“Expecting outcomes in Oklahoma to improve while eliminating a food source for students during their most vulnerable time of the year is as inhumane as it is illogical. In Oklahoma, 1 in 5 children are living through food insecurity. We are in the bottom 10 nationally for food security. This action shows that in state government there is a disconnect between the challenges families using this program face and the advantages wealthy Oklahomans like Governor Stitt and his friends enjoy. The governor turned his back on nearly half a million Oklahoma children because of political ideology.
“This is another example of how in Tulsa, and in Oklahoma, we don’t have problems. We have choices. The governor has chosen to end a program that utilized our tax dollars to feed children. He is doing so at a time when he is calling for the wealthiest among us to get a tax break and just months after handing a tax credit to private school parents.
“As a Tulsan, I do feel fortunate to have tribal partners willing to assist us in ensuring our students have access to food, and as mayor, I will work with anyone whose goal is to keep our children fed and ready to learn.”
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About State Rep. Monroe Nichols:
Monroe Nichols has been a leading voice on education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and economic growth. A four-term legislator, Nichols is an established leader in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and serves as the current chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. Nichols brings a wealth of experience from government, business, higher-education, and non-profit sectors. Nichols has been recognized with numerous awards for his public service. As mayor, Monroe will work tirelessly to end homelessness, invest in education, expand our economy, and ensure Tulsa is the safest big city in America.
Contact:
Dana Walton, Campaign Manager
(307) 258-1825