September 18, 2025

Friends,

Happy 918 Day, House District 70!  I love this tradition of celebrating our city.  When you take a minute to pause and think about all the wonderful things Tulsa has to offer, you can come up with a pretty long list – a favorite of mine is Brownies Hamburgers!  Often though, I spend a lot of time wishing this or that would be better about the city (the roads!) and sometimes forget to be grateful for this unique, beautiful and interesting place we call home.

 

 

Tulsa, Our Home 

Fittingly, Tulsa has been the subject of much discussion and activity over the past several weeks as it relates to homeless encampments and those living unsheltered throughout the city.  Like so many things these days, people have chosen sides and it’s a fight rather than a collaboration.  For me, homelessness is not political.  It’s something everyone wants to solve – no matter what’s motivating them.  It’s an extremely complex issue but the good news is we have a common goal.  I focus on that because with any shared goal we can start to try to find solutions for more people to be off the streets and into safe environments.

When I comb through the comments in response to a variety of news stories on the topic, I see one strong theme – people desperately want change and to be spared from the name calling, blaming and finger pointing.  Solutions for changing the status quo on this issue requires state, county, city, philanthropy, business and faith communities working together.

Another one of my very favorite things about Tulsa?  Our willingness and ability to come together and problem solve.  We’re generous, we’re creative, we’re helpful, we’re willing to partner and we don’t give up. So I am confident we can address homelessness in service to these individuals and to our larger community needs.  I don’t think we have a choice – it’s an urgent matter that affects all Tulsans.

On that note, I have been very vocal about making sure we understand the consequences of the broad cuts to Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services planned for October 1.  You may have seen this article in the Tulsa World this week.  I can’t emphasize enough the connection between the importance of having robust services in place and working to improve circumstances for the unsheltered and the city.  I will continue to advocate for the mental health and substance abuse funds we need to have a healthy, safe state.

 

 

Capitol Work

I recently hosted my interim study on human trafficking in collaboration with the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking.  It was a huge learning experience for me.  We heard from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Tulsa Police, human trafficking survivors and victim service organizations The Spring and Dragonfly.  You can watch the study here.

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some form of labor or a commercial sex act from another person.  It is essentially modern-day slavery, where victims are controlled and isolated, often through debt, physical threats, psychological manipulation, or substance abuse, to force them into exploitative situations.  My biggest takeaway is that human trafficking is occurring all around us and you’d be surprised to know the many scenarios in which it is occurring.  I am grateful to OCAT for requesting that I sponsor the study to help educate leaders about what policy and resources are needed to prevent, protect and care for victims.

 

 

Interim studies will continue throughout October and I will host two more as well as join my committees and colleagues in studying a wide range of issues.  You can see the full list of studies here.

 

See You Soon 

Two places I will be for sure around town in the next few weeks at the Tulsa State Fair (and another favorite thing about Tulsa is that we call our fair the Tulsa State Fair) and my October constituent coffee.  Love to see you at both or either.  I will be at the Green County Democrats (everyone welcome!!!) booth in the Expo Center at Booth 540. And save the date for our next constituent coffee on October 2nd from 8:30-9:30, register here if you plan on attending.

 

Finally, welcome to those who have recently joined Stay in the Loop.  I write this newsletter every month or so to connect, keep you informed, and share some of my own thoughts on matters.  Often Stay in the Loops will generate responses with ideas, feedback, and questions and I welcome it all.  You can find all past issues of the newsletters here.

 

Think about one of your favorite things about Tulsa today and smile! Last favorite Tulsa thing for me – ya’ll!  It’s an honor to serve this District, no two ways about it.  Everybody take care and please stay in touch.

Let’s Keep Going –

Suzanne