OKLAHOMA CITY – New law ensures diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer services covered Beginning Nov. 1, a new law updated existing diagnostic mammography law to ensure diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer services are covered with no out-of-pocket costs under health benefit plans. Services covered are recommended by medical experts for early detection of breast cancer. The law’s House author is Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “Early detection saves lives," said Provenzano. “In 2022, we passed legislation to cover diagnostic mammograms, but since then, we know not every Oklahoma woman has access to the same machines and tests. This law makes it so no matter your zip code, every Oklahoman can get the care they need covered by their insurance, not subject to policy deductible or co-pay. This law would not have happened without the full bipartisan support of the Oklahoma legislature.” The law’s Senate author is Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City. “This legislation is about removing barriers to care,” said Stanley. “When it comes to breast cancer, time matters. By ensuring diagnostic and supplemental screenings are fully covered, we’re giving Oklahomans a better chance at early detection and survival — no matter where they live or what insurance plan they have.” This year, 1 in 8 women across America will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In Oklahoma, that number is closer to 1 in 6. According to Susan G. Komen, in 2025 alone, more than 3,460 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 570 will die of the disease in Oklahoma. Early detection saves lives and saves money on costly treatments that come with a later stage diagnosis. Read the language of the new law here . -END-
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Yukon, hosted an interim study examining the history, funding and future sustainability of Oklahoma’s public pension systems. The study brought together representatives from every state pension system including the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), the Teachers’ Retirement System, the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System and others. Three nationally recognized retirement experts, two from Washington, D.C., joined the discussion to share insights on pension design, workforce retention and long-term funding strategies. “This study was an incredible opportunity to bring everyone to the same table, from state pension leaders to national experts, to understand how these systems work and why they matter,” Kelley said. “When we talk about pensions, we’re talking about people, teachers, troopers, firefighters and public employees who’ve dedicated their lives to serving Oklahoma. Our job is to make sure the systems they rely on remain strong and secure for decades to come.” Presenters emphasized consistent funding, responsible investment management and the economic impact these systems have across Oklahoma. In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than $700 million in pension benefits were paid to retirees, with 93% of that money staying in the state’s economy. Kelley said he will continue reviewing potential policy improvements to maintain full funding and protect the retirement security of Oklahoma’s public workforce for generations to come.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Friday, Oklahoma House Democrats and Oklahoma Senate Democrats held a press conference urging the Governor to declare a state of emergency and call a special session to help fund lapses in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. A few funding avenues were mentioned during the press conference, such as dipping into Oklahoma’s rainy day fund and helping food banks meet their goal of doubling their efforts. “We are calling on the Governor to act and help the nearly 700,000 Oklahomans–most of whom are children, veterans, and seniors–as SNAP benefits lapse starting tomorrow,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “We have avenues to enact real solutions for Oklahomans. We can access up to $300M of our Rainy Day Funds, funds the Governor has bragged that we cannot add another dollar into because they are so full. Both the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma have said that an additional $5.5M to each organization would help to double their efforts. There is one solution right there. We understand that we do not have the means to completely make up for the lapse of SNAP benefits, but there are ways to provide a temporary fix that could help buy Oklahomans time. Other states with Republican leadership are coming up with solutions. Now is not the time to cling to White House talking points. It is time for Oklahoma leaders to stand up, lead, and serve Oklahomans.” Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, is urging Republican colleagues to act. “Our state’s Republican leaders had time to prepare for this crisis, and they did not,” said Kirt. “We have reached out with temporary solutions to help feed Oklahomans, and Republicans have not acted fast enough. We must come into a special session and appropriate as many dollars as we can to feeding our children while we wait on the President and Congress to act. We cannot allow hungry children to be political pawns.” Chair and Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) joined to push for action and explain the impact SNAP benefit lapses have on their districts. OLBC Chair Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, says his district will be hit especially hard by the lapse in SNAP benefits. “House District 73 will be among the hardest hit—simply by nature of our demographics in northwest Tulsa,” said Stewart. “Our community is made up of diverse families who rely on SNAP benefits at a disproportionately higher rate. The lone grocery store in this food desert is a small, privately owned business that will undoubtedly feel the impact of reduced sales. The challenges facing District 73 mirror those of many rural communities across Oklahoma—different in geography, but nearly identical in struggle. Families throughout our state are going to feel the same pain. With November 1st on the horizon, time has run out. We cannot afford to wait for more harm before taking decisive action. While this is clearly a humanitarian crisis, it is also a matter of public safety. Oklahomans will suffer, and we must recognize that the ways some may respond to food insecurity carry broader implications for our communities. This reality should concern every legislator in our state.” OLBC Vice Chair Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, says we cannot rely on food banks and non-profits alone. “It is irresponsible to ask 211, food banks, and non-profit agencies to meet this need when they were already underfunded and stretched thin before this crisis,” said Nice. “People in the community are already doing everything they can, and they are counting on their tax dollars to take care of people when there is a need, not to sit idle in bank accounts while the President and Congress use hungry children as bargaining chips.” The entire press conference can be viewed on the Oklahoma House Democrats Facebook Page. -END-