OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named a 2025 Legislative Champion by Mental Health America (MHA), the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit focused on mental health advocacy, education and policy.

Pae, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, was nominated for the award by Mental Health Association Oklahoma in recognition of his work as co-chair of the bipartisan Oklahoma Mental Health Caucus. 

"I’m truly honored to receive this award from Mental Health America," Pae said. "Mental health is essential to the overall well-being of our communities, and there is growing momentum in Oklahoma to treat mental health with the urgency and compassion it deserves. I’m proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand access to resources and support." 

He was also honored for authoring House Bill 2012, which extended harm reduction programming to help address substance use and improve community health outcomes across the state. The bill passed the House but was not heard on the Senate floor this year.