Oklahoma House Democrats Say Minority Is Relevant

With Republican supermajorities in the Oklahoma House and Senate and a GOP governor, it's easy to think Democrats in the Legislature have been marginalized.

There are just 29 Democrats in the 101-member House and now just eight senators in the 48-member Senate.

But House Minority Leader Scott Inman says his 29 members can be relevant, especially when it comes to politically difficult issues like criminal justice reform and funding to complete the unfinished Native American museum in Oklahoma City. Both are issues that may divide the GOP caucus.

Republican leaders have said more education funding, criminal justice reform and targeting tax credits will be priorities next session, and Inman says his caucus shares those goals.

House Speaker Jeff Hickman says he welcomes Inman's attempt to promote bipartisanship.