As the gavel fell on the 2025 legislative session, Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt weighed in on the outcomes, highlighting significant successes for Oklahomans while lamenting chances left unseized. Reporting on Kirt's statement, the Oklahoma State Senate website quoted Kirt as she stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation to achieve meaningful policy reforms such as the rejection of the immigration status tracking rule for students and parents, and the appointment of four new Board of Education members who will challenge Superintendent Ryan Walters.
Kirt celebrated legislative advancements including extended maternity leave for teachers and improved support for students with dyslexia, which were measures pushed by Senate Democrats Mann and Hicks respectively, the mental health competency restoration settlement and enhanced access to medication courtesy of Dossett's policy proposals, however, she did not hold back criticism on the session's shortcomings with the failure to eject Walters' partisan social studies standards, the neglect to address the stark teacher shortage or raising teacher pay.
Despite efforts by Senate Democrats to enact laws that promote a more equitable economy and transparent governance, these initiatives received less traction than hoped. Kirt expressed frustration over Republicans prioritizing partisan politics over enhancing the well-being of Oklahomans, referring to ignored bills regarding minimum wage increase and housing affordability, as well as the approved legislation that undermines tipped workers' income, and tax cuts that favor the wealthy while leaving working families behind.
Additionally, the recent session witnessed an attack on the rights of citizens to bring forth ballot initiatives, a point of contention for many, coupled with a loss of transparency in state budget negotiations—reverting back to closed-door dealings, Kirt underscored the missed opportunities to enact reforms that would directly benefit the day-to-day lives of Oklahomans, she pledged ongoing dedication to crafting legislation that prioritizes people over party lines, vowing to continue advocating for Oklahoma's residents, "No matter what, we will continue to listen to Oklahomans and to work on good legislation that puts people over politics," Kirt assured her constituents, according to the Oklahoma State Senate report.
