5 years after the teacher walkouts, Oklahoma's GOP has changed its tune
Oklahoma Republicans blocked many of the proposals teachers rallied for in 2018. Now, amid record-breaking teacher shortages, the state's GOP is backing a slew of pro-labor bills.
Five years ago, thousands of Oklahoma teachers joined a nationwide movement when they walked out of their classrooms to protest for better pay and more school funding. Throngs of educators and their allies marched around the statehouse, making their case to lawmakers. They were energized and hopeful – but that hope was short-lived.
Oklahoma's Republican majority ultimately blocked many of the proposals teachers walked out for in 2018. But this session, something unexpected is happening: The state's Republicans are now backing record-level education funding measures, including teacher raises and a slew of pro-labor bills.
Republican state Sen. Adam Pugh chairs the Senate Education Committee and authored several bills for educators.
