Representative Michelle McCane

D

District 72

Hi, I’m Michelle McCane and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 72nd District.

representative

News & Announcements

Nov 24, 2025

Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Statement on Passing of Mother Viola Fletcher

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus—Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City—released the following joint statement after the passing of Viola Fletcher at 111.  “The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus joins the state of Oklahoma, the Greenwood community, and the nation in mourning the passing of Mother Viola Fletcher, one of the last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and a living monument to the power of truth, resilience, and unwavering dignity. “Mother Fletcher—affectionately known across Oklahoma as “Mother Fletcher”—was more than a witness to history; she was a guardian of it. For more than a century, her life stood as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy. She carried the memories of Greenwood’s darkest moments with grace, courage, and purpose, demanding that Oklahoma and America confront the reality of what was lost, and the responsibility of what must be restored. “Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void. Yet the legacy she leaves behind is one that will continue to guide us for generations. Mother Fletcher’s story is a reminder that truth-telling is an act of justice, that perseverance is a form of resistance, and that healing begins when we dare to fully acknowledge our past. “As policymakers, we reflect on Mother Fletcher’s life not only with profound sorrow, but with immense pride. Her strength remains a model for public service rooted in compassion, accountability, and the pursuit of equity. Her voice—soft yet powerful—urged us to build a future where no community is silenced, where every child can imagine prosperity, and where the lessons of Greenwood are forever woven into the conscience of Oklahoma. “Mother Fletcher showed us what it means to endure. She showed us what it means to hope. And she showed us what it means to stand boldly in the truth so that future generations may walk a freer, more just path. “The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus extends its deepest condolences to the Fletcher family and to all who were uplifted by her life. We honor her memory, and we commit ourselves to carrying forward the light she held for more than a century. “Rest in power, Mother Viola Fletcher. "Your life has shaped generations, and your legacy will continue to guide us all.” -END-

Oct 29, 2025

Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Calls for Urgent Special Session to Protect SNAP Recipients Amid Federal Shutdown

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus have issued an urgent call for Governor Kevin Stitt to convene a Special Session of the Oklahoma Legislature before November 1, 2025, to address the impending suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In a formal letter sent to Governor Stitt, House Speaker Hilbert, and President Pro Tempore Paxton, the Caucus expressed grave concern over the devastating impact the lapse in SNAP benefits would have on Oklahoma families and local economies. “More than half a million Oklahoma residents rely on SNAP to meet their most basic nutritional needs,” said Representative Ronald “Ron” Stewart, D-Tulsa, Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. “Nearly 40% of these recipients are working families, and the majority have children. The loss or delay of these benefits would create an immediate humanitarian crisis and cause widespread economic harm to grocery stores, small businesses, and community food providers.” The Caucus members emphasized that ensuring food access is a nonpartisan, moral responsibility and urged both the Governor and legislative leadership to take swift action. “The welfare of Oklahoma’s citizens must remain the top priority of elected leaders at every level of government,” the letter stated. “If Governor Stitt fails to act, we call on legislative leadership to gather the signatures necessary to convene a special session to provide temporary state funding for SNAP recipients until the federal shutdown is resolved.” Members of the Caucus underscored their readiness to work collaboratively with both the Governor’s Office and legislative colleagues to pass emergency measures ensuring no Oklahoman goes hungry during this time of federal uncertainty. “This is not a partisan issue—it is a humanitarian and economic imperative,” Stewart added. “Time is of the essence. The people we serve are depending on us to act.” Members of the Oklahoma Black Caucus participating in the call for a Special Session include: Rep. Ron Stewart – Chair Sen. Nikki Nice – Vice Chair Sen. Regina Goodwin Rep. Michelle McCane Rep. Aletia Timmons -END-

Oct 2, 2025

Oklahoma House Democrats respond to changes at State Department of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members and former educators of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus responded on Thursday to changes announced to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). “Today, Governor Stitt announced drastic changes to OSDE. I want to congratulate Superintendent Lindel Fields, and I look forward to meeting him and working with him on behalf of our students, teachers, and families. I also look forward to meeting and working with Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin. I am hopeful that these appointments will be an improvement to the last State Superintendent, but it is important to remember that the bar has not been set at a high level.  “The challenges our public education system faces have been longstanding before the previous superintendent and seriously need to be addressed by legislative leaders. We must set a higher standard for ourselves to come together to eliminate these challenges that can be solved by working together. Republicans have had the reins on state government in Oklahoma for nearly two decades and they have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthiest and investments in private school vouchers with public tax dollars. This has left public education in Oklahoma underfunded for several years. It is my hope that the new team at OSDE works to listen to teachers and experts on the best ways to improve public education for everyone–students, teachers, and families. I disagree with putting forth legislation to make the Superintendent of Public Education a governor-appointed position. If we want to see the changes needed to our public education system, it should be up to the public to choose, and up to the legislature to listen.”  – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Whomever holds the job of State Superintendent must focus on two critical areas: stopping the teacher exodus and realigning the job to its true north–serving our kids, supporting our teachers, and reassuring families that the State Superintendent is there to help Oklahoma become, once again, one of the top states in the nation for student success. “We have everything we need to get this job done. We just need the right person to blaze the path. I wish Mr. Fields every success, and look forward to helping him achieve it.”  – House Assistant Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa “I’m glad the new superintendent showed respect for teachers and for civility. That’s a needed rebuke of Ryan Walters’ methods. There’s a lot to do. We don’t just have to right the ship, we have to rebuild it, and that will take a greater commitment to public education than we have seen from this administration so far.”  – Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa “While I am cautiously optimistic about Lindel Fields’ appointment today as interim superintendent, there is significant work ahead to address the harm caused by the previous administration while also meeting the challenges facing Oklahoma’s schools. Experience shows that strong public and legislative oversight remain essential. I also want to be clear: I will strongly oppose any effort to turn the superintendent into a governor-appointed position rather than one elected by the people. The Legislature’s past decision to put OSDE appointments into the governor’s hands is part of why we’re in this mess. Checks and balances can’t work when power is consolidated and oversight is removed. Oklahomans must stay engaged: attend school board meetings, communicate with legislators, and demand transparency to ensure this office serves students first, not politics.”  – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa “My great hope is that once the mess left by Ryan Walters is cleaned up, Mr. Fields and the administration will think outside the box to solve actual problems, instead of doubling down on the failed education policies (over-testing, private school vouchers, profiting, and the vilifying of teachers) that got us here in the first place.”  – Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman -END-