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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, released the following statements regarding a new mandate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education that requires schools to fully fund student meals. Menz invited the State Superintendent to collaborate with her on her longstanding effort to get free lunches for all public school students. “I was stunned and thrilled when I read about Superintendent Walters' most recent mandate regarding free school lunches,” Menz said. “I have filed and cosponsored legislation, cohosted bipartisan interim studies, published op-eds and held countless meetings all toward the goal of expanding the free lunch program in our schools, and I am glad someone in statewide leadership is finally listening to me. Hungry kids can't learn, and every child deserves access to healthy nutritious meals. I hope that going forward, Mr. Walters will be more collaborative with the legislature, to determine lasting budget solutions to make this program work for our kids.”  Pogemiller said this new mandate is unfunded and comes a week after the deadline for schools to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision.  “The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows schools to use federal funds to offer no-cost meals to students,” said Pogemiller. “Schools qualify if just 25% of students meet the threshold, making it an efficient way to increase access and improve nutrition for all students. As of the end of 2024, 267 districts and 849 schools in Oklahoma were participating in CEP. Yet the deadline to apply for CEP was June 30—meaning this new potential mandate arrived too late for districts to adjust their plans, and our state won’t have the chance to prioritize this in the budget until next year. Happy to work towards this goal, but the reality is that Walters' approach is an unfunded mandate.” Waldron supports free lunches in schools so long as they don’t negatively impact local districts. “School lunch programs are proven to boost learning, improve test scores and promote healthy bodies,” said Waldron. “House Democrats have worked on this issue for a long time, and we're glad to see OSDE taking this stand. In my district, Tulsa Public Schools already provides free lunches to all. We hope there will be an opportunity to work on this collaboratively, without disruption to local school finances so that every child has a chance to succeed.” -END-

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, today praised the $10 million appropriation to expand the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute. The funding is included in House Bill 2766 , the Fiscal Year 2026 general appropriations bill, and will be distributed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).  "I was proud to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues in the Edmond delegation and our friends at UCO to secure this additional funding," Harris said. "The support of this investment reaffirms what we already know: that the Forensic Science Institute plays a vital role serving our communities, supporting law enforcement and public safety, training Oklahoma's students and advancing the field of study. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on the future of justice in Oklahoma and beyond." The UCO FSI, which opened in 2009, trains students for careers in local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement. UCO FSI is home to more than 1,000 students and nine degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in Forensic Investigations, Digital Forensics, Forensic Molecular Biology and Forensic Chemistry. UCO President Todd G. Lamb praised the $10 million appropriation toward FSI. "Without Rep. Erick Harris's leadership and ownership of this project in the House of Representatives, this critical funding to help the University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute meet the workforce demand for expertly trained graduates in this field would not have been realized," Lamb said. "I'm grateful to Rep. Harris, the Edmond delegation and the Oklahoma Legislature for their support. The UCO Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma is a national leader in forensic science education, uniquely positioned to serve and support federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by educating and training outstanding forensic scientists. UCO is now closer to realizing the complete vision for the Forensic Science Institute because of the $10 million in new funding for necessary expansion." The $10 million appropriation will support the expansion of the Evidence Recovery Bay and Chemistry Teaching and Instrumentation Labs. The Evidence Recovery Bay is used in courses like Crime Scene Processing, Crime Scene Photography and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, but the bay does not have the capacity to meet student demand. Funding will also be used toward a dedicated chemistry teaching and research lab onsite. Currently, FSI is partnered with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to use its chemistry lab facilities as available.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, the vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee, today sent a letter to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Department of Human Services Director Jeffrey Cartmell demanding action in a child protection case that is reported to involve the removal of a child from his biological family and placement with a same-sex couple one of whom was alleged to have been arrested twice on child molestation charges. In the letter, Humphrey references an article by an independent media outlet, in which a child was reportedly taken from his mother who is said to have checked herself into rehab while pregnant. "The mother recognized her addictions and took appropriate steps to ensure the safety of her baby, so Child Protective Services should never have been involved," Humphrey said. "The parents complied with all reunification requirements, yet the Department of Human Services illegally withheld their child from his parents." Humphrey also questioned why the department's policy of placing children with close relatives was not followed. He said the father's brother requested to take the child, appearing to be the perfect placement. "He had his own business, a steady income, stable children, and seemed to meet every other conceivable requirement," he wrote. Humphrey said instead the child was placed with a same-sex couple, one of whom reportedly had previously been indicted by a grand jury for sexual contact with a child under 12. Humphrey calls the action by DHS "kidnapping." He said he's reported a similar case of a child taken from a Johnson County couple. Humphrey said he provided a two-hour hearing revealing evidence of the abuse. He's requested a multi-county grand jury based on numerous reports of corruption, but said he's been ignored by DHS and the attorney general. The full letter can be read here . 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Children of longtime public school teachers will now qualify for the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship as long as household income is under 700% of the federal poverty level. House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, authored  House Bill 1727 , which expands the scholarship to include children of all educators who are considered in statute as full-time certified teachers who have taught for at least 10 years in Oklahoma public schools. The years do not have to be consecutive or in the same school. The new law becomes effective July 1.  "This legislation has so many positives," Moore said. "It removes financial barriers, allowing more Oklahoma graduates to go onto higher learning at a lessened cost. It will help with recruitment and retention of teachers. It will incentivize teachers who are alternately or emergency certified to become fully certified and will help us keep those teachers in the classroom longer. It also should increase retention of longtime certified teachers, showing them the value we place on their dedication and expertise." Moore said it's known that students of educators become teachers at a higher rate than other students. This could keep them in Oklahoma for college, making it more likely they will stay here to live, work and raise a family, also while increasing volume in our teacher pipeline.  "This builds on the work the Legislature has done the last few years to improve working conditions for Oklahoma teachers, increasing their pay and benefits, and our efforts to improve academic outcomes for students," he said. The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), better known as Oklahoma's Promise, allows students who meet certain income, academic and conduct requirements to earn a college or vocational-technology tuition scholarship. It was created in 1992 by the Legislature to help more Oklahoma families send their children to college. The program is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. House Bill 1727 was signed into law by the governor on June 10. 

OHOMAHOMA CITY — Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been chosen as the Republican Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) for her work advocating for children and families. This recognition reflects Gise’s commitment to policies that support Oklahoma’s children through thoughtful, effective leadership grounded in conservative principles. "I believe children are our future, and they deserve leaders who put their well-being first," Gise said. "This award is not just about me; it’s about the shared responsibility we have to strengthen families and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed." Among her legislative achievements, Gise authored House Bill 1600 , the Patients’ Bill of Rights. The bill establishes a clear standard of care and outlines fundamental patient rights, promoting transparency across the healthcare system, including in pediatric care, while reinforcing the role of parents in informed, family-centered medical decision-making. This bill will go into effect Nov. 1. She also sponsored House Bill 1601 , known as Archer’s Act, which allows teachers to use accrued sick leave to extend maternity leave to 12 weeks. Gise created this bill to support early childhood development, strong family bonds, and maternal health without creating new taxpayer-funded programs. This bill was approved by the governor and will go into effect Nov. 1. Beyond legislation, Gise has worked closely with the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to improve outcomes for at-risk youth across Oklahoma. "This recognition highlights the importance of practical, accountable policies that prioritize children’s long-term well-being," Gise said. "We must continue working together to build stronger families and communities in Oklahoma because investing in our children today will only push our state toward lasting strength and success." Gise also serves as vice chair of the Human Services Appropriations and Budget Committee for Oklahoma's 60th Legislature, where she plays an important role in overseeing state resources that impact health and human services programs, especially those that impact children and families across the state.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The most recent issue of OKC Friday named Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, as one of the Most Powerful Oklahomans of 2025. “I am honored to share this recognition with so many incredible and influential leaders in Oklahoma,” Munson said. “I’m thankful to my constituents and Oklahomans who believe in the work that I do in the Oklahoma Legislature. May we continue to use our power and influence to make Oklahoma a better place for all Oklahomans.” OKC Friday publishes weekly, serving Nichols Hills, The Village and northwest Oklahoma City. -END-

Reps. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, and Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, applauded the recent executive order from Gov. Kevin Stitt launching the "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" (MOHA) initiative. The push aligns with President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s national “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which emphasizes cutting artificial additives in food, addressing environmental toxins and reducing chronic disease through cleaner living.  The order includes a comprehensive review regarding the use of artificial food coloring, including Red Dye 40, and the creation of the MOHA Initiative and the MOHA Advisory Council within the Oklahoma State Department of Health, among other initiatives.   In addition to the order, the governor announced he had directed the Department of Human Services (DHS) to request a waiver from the federal government to exclude candy and soft drinks from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Hill filed legislation to provide the same directive to DHS earlier this year.   "This is the kind of big-picture thinking Oklahoma needs," Hill said. "We are finally taking the blinders off and looking at what contributes to poor public health outcomes across the board. Health starts with what we put in our bodies, not just how we treat them after we get sick. We've tackled the symptoms for years, but now is the time to address the root causes. By excluding candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits, we can properly allocate taxpayer funds to healthy foods that improve the health of Oklahomans. With Governor Stitt's willingness to lead on this issue and support from Secretary Kennedy, we now have the momentum to become the national leader in clean living and modern health policy."  West has coauthored legislation that would address the overabundance of certain chemicals, dyes and substances in food products. She also requested an interim study this year to examine how synthetic food additives affect public health and impact the state's workforce productivity.  "The health and well-being of Oklahomans are the foundation of our state’s strength and prosperity," West said. "Unfortunately, the long-term effects of chemicals, dyes and additives in our food and water supplies are too often ignored in public health discussions. Safe food and clean water shouldn't be political; they should be a priority. I thank Governor Stitt and Secretary Kennedy for opening the door to review these outdated practices and get upstream of our poor health outcomes before it's too late. I look forward to supporting policies that reflect our shared commitment to Oklahoma's well-being."   The initiative will not require any additional taxpayer funds and will instead utilize existing state resources, philanthropic partnerships, federal grants and support from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neils Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and environmental toxins. He also reaffirmed his commitment to House Bill 1264 , legislation he authored to address those same food dye concerns. “These artificial dyes don’t add value to food and have been tied to behavioral and health concerns in children,” Hays said. “I introduced House Bill 1264 because parents deserve to know their kids' food is safe. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and now our state in taking this issue seriously.” During the 2025 legislative session, Hays authored HB1264, which would prohibit the use of several synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, commonly found in products marketed to children and linked to potential neurobehavioral effects. “The MOHA initiative lays the groundwork for lasting change,” Hays said. “I look forward to continuing this work next session to ensure Oklahoma families have access to healthier, safer food options.” The governor's executive order, part of a national campaign backed by President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to review the safety of artificial food coloring, including Red Dye 40. It also establishes the MOHA Initiative and MOHA Advisory Council. Although HB1264 did not receive a vote this session, it remains eligible for consideration next year in the Second Session of the Oklahoma 60th Legislature. Hays encourages anyone concerned about food dyes to contact their legislators and ask them to sign on as co-authors in support of the bill.

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today pushed back against the “escalating language” from the governor regarding an agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation, despite the agreement not yet being released. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs and a member of the Choctaw Nation. The two parties reportedly reached an agreement in a federal lawsuit, Muscogee Creek Nation v. City of Tulsa, which was filed after a traffic ticket was issued by the city to a Muscogee citizen. The details of the agreement have not been announced or filed in court. “The governor claims to represent all four million Oklahomans, but his actions tell a different story. Using escalating language by calling our second largest city a ‘sanctuary city’ is a slap in the face to the citizens of our state whose ancestors were forcibly relocated by government officials and who helped us build our state. In doing so, he implicitly equates all tribal citizens, who are not only our fellow Oklahomans but also American citizens, with illegal immigrants. This type of language is deeply inappropriate and uncalled for, especially when directed against your own citizens. What’s more, unless these documents have been leaked, the governor has not even seen the agreement in question. Instead, he dismisses the sovereignty of our tribal nations on nothing more than principle alone. He characterizes a mutual agreement between two entities, neither of which he has authority over, as the creation of a ‘sanctuary city,’ all without seeing the actual language of the agreement. This is nothing more than a cheap trick to score political points. It’s worth remembering that at least 15% of Oklahomans are Native citizens. Our First American tribal nations contribute to the state’s economy every year. They deserve respect, not reckless mischaracterization. I invite the governor to follow his own advice and learn how to  disagree better .”