Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, issued condolences after the passing of former Oklahoma HD 88 Representative Debbie Blackburn. “Rep. Blackburn was a strong leader whose passion for Oklahoma helped inspire my decision to run for office,” said Leader Munson. “Her work inside and outside of the legislature was always focused on helping people achieve the life they deserved, whether it be through affordable housing or access to higher education. She remained dedicated to Oklahoma her entire life and her legacy here will forever live on. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband Dr. Bob Blackburn and her children Beau and Tori, as well as her siblings and grandchildren as they cope with this incredible loss.” Pogemiller currently serves as the representative for HD 88.  “I first met Rep. Debbie Blackburn when I was knocking doors in my district, but her impact on House District 88 has always been felt,” Pogemiller said. “Her passion for her district and for Oklahomans was unparalleled and I am forever grateful for her service and legacy in HD 88. My heart goes out to her friends and family during this time. House District 88 will always acknowledge and feel the impact of her service.” Blancett lauded Blackburn's years of dedicated public service. “Rep. Debbie Blackburn was a deeply committed Oklahoman who worked to better our state particularly in increasing quality, affordable home ownership, which is a key component to ending generational poverty,” Blancett said. “Not only was she kind and encouraging to others, but she was an absolute firecracker with a fierce drive to make life better. She was the epitome of the term Servant Leader.” Menz reflected on the time she first met Rep. Debbie Blackburn. “I first met Rep. Blackburn when I was just a freshman in high school,” Menz said. “I remember above all how kind and encouraging she was to me when we spoke. She took time out of her day to visit with me for several minutes and even told me I should think about running for State House one day. It was rare for a person in power to speak to me like I was their equal, and it forever stuck with me. I am deeply grateful to have met her. I send my condolences to her husband, family, and friends, and everyone who got the honor of knowing her and feeling the impact of her kindness.” The obituary for Rep. Debbie Blackburn states in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob Blackburn Collections Endowment Fund for the Oklahoma Historical Society at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, has been appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, to the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The commission is tasked with advancing business ties and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. “It’s an honor to help strengthen the bridge between Oklahoma and Ireland,” Chapman said. “When we open doors for our businesses abroad, we create new opportunities here at home. I appreciate Speaker Hilbert’s trust in me and look forward to contributing to this important work.” Chapman’s appointment is effective immediately.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, joined lawmakers and industry leaders Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Capitol to speak at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Multistate Collaborative, a national forum focused on shaping the future of flight.  Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the event drew stakeholders from across the country to discuss policy, infrastructure and innovation related to electric aircraft, vertical takeoff systems and Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS).  “Oklahoma has a proud aviation legacy, and we're not slowing down,” said Miller, who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation. “From workforce development to regulatory modernization, our state is making strategic investments to lead the next chapter in aerospace. It was an honor to stand with industry experts and fellow lawmakers committed to keeping Oklahoma on the leading edge.” Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, also attended the event and spoke about the broader impact of aviation on Oklahomans.  “Thankful to Representative Nicole Miller for inviting me to sit with her and learn more about AAM,” said Hefner. “It's exciting to be a part of the second largest industry in Oklahoma and learn how this can help other areas like health care and people in Oklahoma who have a disability.” Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook, emphasized the importance of streamlining and updating aeronautics policy to support future growth in the sector.  “As the aviation industry evolves, our policies must evolve with it,” said Staires. “Events like this help us better understand the needs of the industry and the opportunities for Oklahoma. Solving traffic congestion will require us to think vertically rather than horizontally, and advanced air mobility gives our state the chance to lead that shift. We’re working to ensure Oklahoma remains competitive and ready to support this new era of air mobility.”  Formed in 2023, the AAM Multistate Collaborative brings together state leaders working to prepare for the integration of advanced air mobility into local communities. The group focuses on aligning state-level planning with evolving federal guidance.