Rep. Scott Inman (D-Oklahoma City) said members of the House Democratic Caucus he leads hope to make their core beliefs easy to understand and relevant to Oklahomans during the 55th Legislature.
Speaking to a group of reporters Thursday, Inman referred to the approach as applying a "new yardstick" to policy issues before lawmakers, the same language he used Wednesday at the State Chamber of Oklahoma's Public Affairs Forum.
Inman said his caucus, which recently held a retreat to discuss the upcoming session, said its agenda will be announced in the coming weeks.
Inman acknowledged his caucus would not be able to advance major proposals. Republicans outnumber Democrats 72 to 29 in the House. Instead, Inman said the caucus had to win the public relations battle.
"If we can convince the voters of Oklahoma and the constituents in (Republican) districts that it's important that they take care of rural hospital issue or that they take care of public education, then in that way we can accomplish our goal," Inman said, adding, "Our name may not be on it, but taking credit is not what's most important for us."
Inman said his members are relevant in the legislative process, because they can play an important role in whether a bill fails or passes.
"The way you remain relevant at 29 is when you find ways - five or 10 times throughout the year and it comes up, especially with a House Republican Caucus that fractures - to either work with a small and vocal minority to defeat legislation or you work with a small and vocal minority to pass legislation."
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