If ever there was a time for true bipartisanship, it is today.

We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. And then, we must get out of the way.

It is only through raising expectations and striving for excellence that our children can reach their full potential.

In charting our course to the future, we are mindful of our path from the past.

Resilience is woven deeply into the fabric of Oklahoma. Throw us an obstacle, and we grow stronger.

This is not the time for partisan bickering. This is not the time for politics as usual. Some of us are Democrats. Some of us are Republicans. Some of us are Independents. Above all, we must be Oklahomans first.

The status quo is simply unacceptable.