On Tuesday, September 22nd, the Millennial Action Project’s 30th State Future Caucus was launched in Oklahoma. The launch consisted of a brief press conference in which the new Oklahoma Future Caucus’ co-chairs described how they came to learn about the State Future Caucus Network and why they believed that Oklahoma was ripe ground for a new caucus.
The four bipartisan, bicameral co-chairs of the Oklahoma Future Caucus:
Senator Carri Hicks (D)
Senator John Michael Montgomery (R)
Representative Ajay Pittman (D)
Representative Judd Strom (R)
The launch began with remarks from Representative Ajay Pittman (D). Representative Pittman pointed out the historic nature of the Oklahoma Future Caucus’ launch, and that she was honored as a young millennial politician to be involved in its creation. She called the caucus “...a new platform for millennial legislators to offer innovative solutions to issues for future generations.”
Representative Pittman was followed by Representative Judd Strom (R). Representative Strom praised the Oklahoma Future Caucus as a way to overcome short-sighted divisions in the Oklahoma Capitol. In his own words, Representative Strom stated his hope that the Oklahoma Future Caucus would “...give us the opportunity to come together from across the aisle and across the rotunda.” Representative Strom further said that he believed the Oklahoma Future Caucus will present benefits that will be enjoyed “...for generations to come.”
The next speaker was Senator John Michael Montgomery (R), who alluded to the dangers of excessive polarization, including the possibility that good ideas could be set aside in the name of politics. Senator Montgomery said it was his belief that elected officials need to lead by example and show that partisan differences do not need to overcome good policies and practices. As the Senator said, “It’s time for the majority of work that is bipartisan to have its day.”
The final speaker at the launch was Senator Carri Hicks (D). Senator Hicks focused her remarks in particular on the benefits the Oklahoma Future Caucus will bring to the actual future of Oklahoma. The Senator expressed her concern over witnessing many of her colleagues leave Oklahoma to pursue better opportunities in other states. Senator Hicks then expressed her belief that the Oklahoma Future Caucus would be a major step forward in prioritizing policies that would encourage continued growth within the state. Senator Hicks concluded her remarks with a celebration of National Voter Registration Day, encouraging Oklahomans to make a plan to register and cast a ballot, and to contact their elected officials if they are having difficulty.