Oklahoma Democrats act against youth violence:

The first legislative session kicked off this month with Democrats taking steps to combat youth violence. This will be a priority for Democrats over the next year.

"...the Legislature has provided only $1 million for gang-intervention programs" said Rep. Mike Shelton in October of 2006.

"And they've even tried to cut that funding."
(The Journal Record- Oct. 5, 2006)

To kick off this session- Democrats introduced a measure which would establish the "Oklahoma Anti-Gang Task Force" designed to coordinate law-enforcement efforts with state leaders.

Legislators also called for a 58 million dollar appropriation to pay for raises for teachers. This will take pressure off of schools who have had to dip into operating funds to meet their salaries.

"These are people we've forgotten about," said Representative Al McAffrey. "We cannot ask those people who provide such important services for our children to provide for their families on such low wage."
(Associated Press- Feb. 1, 2007)