Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Wallace Collins released the following statement in response to the release of monthly data that show Oklahoma’s unemployment rate at 5.3% which has steadily rose from 4.9% in April.

“When Mary Fallin gave her vision for Oklahoma, she said job creation was a top priority. Now, for the second month in a row, Oklahoma has lost jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the Oklahoma economy lost 2,700 jobs in July after losing 3,500 in June. We have to wonder how many more jobs would be available if Governor Fallin would expand health care coverage for 140,000 Okies who are currently uninsured, but could qualify under the affordable care act. We need a Governor who is focused on improving the quality of life for our people so that we have a healthy workforce businesses can depend on.”