Your Vote Counts: Vaccine hesitancy, Medicaid cuts, Glossip & education

A surge in measles cases across the US has Oklahoma lawmakers and health experts sounding the alarm on vaccine hesitancy. The latest CDC data shows 164 people have been diagnosed with measles in the US this year alone, surpassing half of last year's total diagnoses.

"This has become really maybe one of the biggest points of disinformation in this country, but yet the impacts are a dead child," said Scott Mitchell.

"Yeah, what we're talking about is measles, which again, I think anyone of us would have thought that we'd be having a conversation about measles on a Sunday morning in 2025," said Jason Dunnington (D).

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

Dunnington emphasized the role of social media in spreading misinformation, leading to vaccine hesitancy.

"We live in an era where with social media, people get on and talk about diseases that they're not qualified to talk about and try to convince you that you don't need to do things like get a vaccination."

The Ramifications of Vaccine Hesitancy

Senator Paul Rosino weighed in on the issue, stating, "Yeah, it's a scary thing for me sometimes because... I think parents have a right to understand what their kids may be getting, but they have to understand the ramifications of that. And if they choose not to get their child vaccinated and their child becomes sick, and ultimately now we have a death, the fact that you would have to live with that for the rest of your life, that is a decision that should not be weighed lightly."

Medicaid Cuts Looming

The conversation also touched on the potential cuts to Medicaid, with Senator Rosino explaining that a change in the Medicaid expansion population match from 90-10 to 60-40 could cost Oklahoma between $500 and $700 million.

This significant budget impact could have far-reaching consequences for the state's healthcare system.

Fair Trial Demands in the Glossip Case

The discussion also touched on the Glossip case, with Senator Rosino emphasizing the importance of a fair trial, saying, "We should expect in Oklahoma and this country that every citizen is offered a fair trial." The Supreme Court's ruling for a new trial has sparked hopes for a more just outcome.

Education Takes Center Stage

As the election season heats up, education has become a pressing concern. With Oklahoma ranking 49th in outcomes, parents are calling for change. Senator Rosino noted, "I think that parents want their kids educated... They can get good-paying jobs. And so I think people are very concerned about the way our education process is working in Oklahoma."

With several candidates already announcing their bids for superintendent, Oklahomans can expect a lively debate on the future of education in the state.