Democrats rarely manage to pass a bill these days, but Oklahoma City Democrat Sen. Julia Kirt nearly pulled off a miracle by securing bipartisan support for Senate Bill 128. This bill would’ve extended eviction wait times, giving renters a much-needed breather. Despite getting a thumbs-up from the Oklahoma Legislature, a feat in itself, Gov. Kevin Stitt, presumably while reviewing his latest tax cut proposals, promptly vetoed it.
Kirt simply wanted to offer some relief to renters in a state that boasts some of the nation’s highest eviction rates. Meanwhile, helping those struggling with housing hasn’t exactly been a top priority for Stitt. He dismantled a state homelessness committee in 2023, perhaps deciding that the best way to solve homelessness was to stop talking about it. His recent veto of SB128, along with another bill, delivered a swift punch to housing stability advocates.
“We cannot overcome economic realities with good intentions,” Stitt declared from the comfort of the governor’s mansion.
This article appears in deadCenter Film Festival 2025.