A large crowd gathered outside the Oklahoma Capitol on February 3, 2025, to make their voices heard as the state’s legislative session began. More than a dozen activist groups rallied together, advocating for issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to immigration policy and support for the unhoused population. This event coincided with Governor Kevin Stitt's State of the State address, aimed particularly at limiting government growth and proposing tax cuts, as over 3,000 bills were filed for consideration this session.
The atmosphere was charged as many protesters congregated to advocate for their respective causes, emphasizing the need for visibility and community support. One protester articulated, "This peaceful protest... shows our communities... fighting for them," highlighting the importance of unity on pressing issues affecting various groups throughout Oklahoma.
This rally was not isolated to state issues, as it was part of a nationwide effort known as "A Day Without Immigrants." Several local businesses even chose to close, showing solidarity with the movement, which brought attention to immigration policy and the rights of immigrant workers. Participants expressed concern about recent changes to immigration laws, emphasizing, "We’re normal people... the only difference is where we came from."
Meanwhile, shortly after the protests, Governor Stitt delivered his address, proposing state income tax cuts intended to make Oklahoma more business-friendly, yet his remarks received mixed reactions from lawmakers. Republicans largely supported the initiatives, aligning with Stitt's history of advocating for tax reductions, with State Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) stating, "He wants to continue down the road... of tax reduction, which I agree with." Conversely, some Democrats urged caution. State Rep. John Waldron (D-Tulsa) expressed concerns, stating, "If we go back to a tax-cutting policy without figuring out how we’re going to offset... revenue loss, we’re just going to repeat the history."
Tribal leaders were present, anticipating discussions about tribal-state relations—a topic noticeably absent from Stitt’s address. This omission drew criticism, especially from the Cherokee Nation, whose Deputy Chief Bryan Warner asserted, "Tribes are... key ingredients... to moving forward." Over the years, strained relations between the state and tribal governments have contributed to significant political tensions, particularly surrounding issues of taxation and jurisdiction.
Adding to the uncertainty, the state's budget remains unclear as lawmakers await the Board of Equalization's report on available funds. The budget process is set to be lengthy, potentially shaping the direction of Stitt’s proposals and the legislative session as it progresses through May.
With deep divisions over tax cuts and the current political climate, Oklahoma faces pivotal moments this session. The protests demonstrate the public's readiness to engage on important issues, as lawmakers will need to navigate these calls for action alongside the contentious economic proposals from the Governor. The outcome of this session remains to be seen, but the disparate sentiments surrounding tax policy and community advocacy will undoubtedly play significant roles.