Representative Ajay Pittman

D

District 99

Hi, I’m Ajay Pittman and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 99th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Oct 8, 2025

Pittman Convened Interim Study to Tackle Food Insecurity with ?Data-Driven, Community-Led Solutions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Recently, Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, hosted an Interim ?Study on Food Insecurity at the State Capitol on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, bringing together ?state agencies, tribal nations, health providers, school nutrition leaders, food banks, researchers, ?and community organizations to chart practical solutions for Oklahoma families.? ?“Food insecurity is not a talking point, it is a kitchen-table reality,” said Pittman. “Our goal ?was simple: stop admiring the problem and line up what works, from retail incentives and mobile ?markets to smarter transportation and farm-to-community pipelines. If a policy does not move ?groceries, improve health, or respect people’s time and dignity, then it is not a solution for ?families.”? Bipartisan discussion highlights retail incentives, transportation fixes, farm-to-community ?pipelines, and state-tribal partnerships to expand access to healthy, affordable food.? ?“The Interim Study demonstrated that addressing food insecurity requires a collaborative effort. ?FreshRx Oklahoma's success is a testament to what is possible when state leaders, healthcare ?providers, and community-based organizations work together to build a more resilient food and ?healthcare system for all,” said Julie Barlow, MAS, BSN, RN, of FreshRx Oklahoma.? Legislative members of the group mentioned recommendations and key themes that were ?identified from the participants in the interim study which included,? Healthy-Food Retail & Small-Store Conversions : Incentives to open or retrofit grocery options ?in food deserts, including refrigeration grants for corner stores and co-op models.  ?Transportation & Access : Coordinating transit, NEMT, and mobile-market schedules to match ?clinic hours, paydays, and school calendars.  The meeting finished up with the concept to promote ? Farm-to-Community Pipelines:  Scaling Oklahoma-grown procurement for schools, clinics, and ?faith-based hubs; reducing barriers for small producers.? ? “Food insecurity impacts one in six Oklahomans and we see its effects every day in communities ?across our state. Tackling this crisis requires all of us: nonprofits, businesses, faith groups and ?government agencies working together, and I’m proud of the powerful partnerships forming ?statewide to ensure no Oklahoman goes hungry,” said Stephanie Harris, Chief Impact Officer, ?Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. ? Maternal & Child Health:  Aligning nutrition supports (WIC, postpartum coverage, medically ?tailored groceries) with measurable outcomes for moms and babies. State-Tribal Collaboration: ?Leveraging tribal health systems, food sovereignty initiatives, and distribution networks to reach ?high-need areas faster.  Benefit Uptake & Churn Reduction:  Streamlining SNAP/WIC ?enrollment, recertification, and data sharing to keep eligible families connected and  ?Accountability:  Establishing metrics access, uptake, and health outcomes, to fund what ?demonstrates results.? ?"Food insecurity affects rural, urban and suburban communities in all states and territories, ?impacting over 47 million people across the nation. States are addressing this insecurity through ?various and multiple policy levers to increase food supply and distribution, support access and ?affordability and to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their ?states." Heather Wilson, National Conference of State Legislatures ? According to Pittman, the interim study helped announce upcoming actions and next ?steps that include introducing Legislation to pilot healthy-food retail incentives and small-store ?conversions in designated food-desert tracts.? The Transportation coordination reforms to reduce missed appointments and long travel times for ?grocery access. In addition to Farm-to-community pilots linking Oklahoma producers to schools, ?clinics, and neighborhood hubs. Finally, seeking Administrative improvements to streamline ?SNAP/WIC enrollment and reduce churn, while supporting Outcome tracking to ensure public ?dollars follow programs with proven impact.? ?“This is about stewardship with a common sense approach,” Pittman added. “We can honor how ?communities have always cared for each other–churches, tribes, neighbors–while using data to put ?resources exactly where they work best. Tradition meets innovation, and families win.”? The interim study also featured testimony from stakeholders across the state who also ?participated.? ? “Hunger impacts hardworking Oklahomans, from families struggling to make ends meet to ?seniors choosing between food and medicine. By partnering with community leaders, businesses, ?and government, and investing in sustainable solutions, we can ensure every Oklahoman has ?access to healthy, dignified food. Together, we can create an Oklahoma where no child goes to ?bed hungry and every family can put meals on the table with confidence,” said Matt Jostes, ?Chief Development Officer & Executive VP, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.? Pittman also gave a special acknowledgement to the Agriculture House committee members and ?Chairman Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, for hearing and participating in this study. ? About Representative Ajay Pittman Rep. Pittman represents House District 99 and serves on committees including Tourism, ?Agriculture, Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Health, and the Oversight Committee ?on Energy & Natural Resources. She was recently appointed to the Joint State-Tribal Committee ?and serves in national legislative organizations focused on health, equity, and economic ?development.? For interviews or additional materials, contact ajay.pittman@okhouse.gov or call office 405-??557-7393.? -END-

Jul 15, 2025

Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus to Host 25th Biennial A.C. Hamlin Scholarship Gala

Honoring Black Healthcare Heroes and Celebrating Community Impact Across Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (OLBCF) proudly announces the  25th Biennial A.C. Hamlin Scholarship Gala , to be held on  Saturday, September 13, 2025 , at the  National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum  in Oklahoma City. This year’s theme,  “Elevating Excellence in Healthcare and Community Impact,”  will spotlight Black healthcare professionals, past and present, who have made lasting contributions to the health and well-being of Oklahomans. From rural clinics to urban hospitals, and across generations, the Gala will honor those who have served with purpose and compassion. This signature event is named in honor of  Albert Comstock Hamlin , the first African American elected to the Oklahoma Legislature in 1907. Through scholarship, recognition, and community engagement, the gala continues the A.C. Hamlin Scholarship legacy by investing in future leaders in education, especially students attending  Langston University , Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Champions of criminal justice reform and education equity to address maternal health disparities and supporting economic development in Black communities , the OLBC is committed to legislative excellence and transformative change. The caucus also serves as an advocacy and mentoring body, to encourage civic engagement and leadership development among the next generation of Oklahomans Representative Ajay Pittman, Chair of OLBCF , emphasized the importance of celebrating those who lead by example:  "The A.C. Hamlin Gala is a powerful reminder of the excellence that exists in every corner of our state. I am excited for this opportunity to come together and celebrate this year’s incredible honorees, individuals, and community organizations who do this great work every single day to uplift, heal, educate, and empower our communities,” said Pittman. “This event is about honoring their commitment, highlighting leadership, and promoting our investment in the future. I am most proud that the A.C. Hamlin gala continues to help support our state’s only HBCU, Langston University, and all of the students who carry forward a legacy of leadership, brilliance, and purpose. This Biennial scholarship banquet is more than a celebration; this is a call to keep striving toward a better, more united Oklahoma." Representative Ron Stewart, Vice Chair , shared his excitement for his first gala as a caucus leader: "It is an incredible honor to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing the vibrant and resilient community of North Tulsa. As a proud graduate of Langston University and a freshman legislator, I am humbled by the opportunity to advocate for meaningful change. The A.C. Hamlin Gala gives us a chance to celebrate the very people who have shaped our neighborhoods and our future, from healthcare workers to educators and to community leaders. It is our responsibility and our joy to lift them up." In preparation for the event, the OLBCF is inviting the public to  help identify Black healthcare professionals ,  living or deceased, in Oklahoma or those who were born here, and whose work has made an impact on our communities . Whether a beloved family doctor, nurse, community health advocate, or trailblazer who opened doors for others, we want to hear their stories. Please visit the website and complete the form to share your information as soon as possible. The deadline for the entries is Friday, August 15, 2025. 25th Biennial A. C. Hamlin Gala  Event Details:   Date:  Saturday, September 13, 2025  Time:  Dinner and Program at 7:00 PM  Location:  National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111 2025 Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Members: Representative Ajay Pittman  – Chair (District 99, Oklahoma City) Representative Ron Stewart  – Vice Chair/Treasurer (District 73, Tulsa) Senator Regina Goodwin  (District 11, Tulsa) Senator Nikki Nice  (District 48, Oklahoma City) Representative Erick Harris  (District 39, Edmond) Representative Michelle McCane  (District 92, Tulsa) Representative Aletia Timmons  (District 97, Oklahoma City) To learn more, visit   okblackcaucus.com , email  okblackcaucus@gmail.com , or call  405-557-7393 . -END-

May 30, 2025

House Democrats approve resolution to remove Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democrats voted for SCR 12 to effectively remove the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Allie Friesen. “ODMHSAS offers life-saving services to Oklahomans, and it is imperative we make sure it is funded properly and responsibly for the well-being of all Oklahomans,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “The Governor’s inaction on this ongoing issue has left the legislature no choice but to take steps to repair the situation at ODMHSAS and protect Oklahomans and their tax dollars. In 2019, I opposed efforts to centralize power in the hands of the Governor to appoint agency heads. Today, we are living through the consequences of one person holding too much power and refusing to act. This resolution is a step in the right direction at addressing the continual financial crisis at ODMHSAS and restoring accountability to an agency so many Oklahomans rely on and need.” House Democratic Assistant Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, served on the special investigative committee to review ODMHSAS. “The continued financial uncertainty at the ODMHSAS, inability to account for the agency's budget and persistent unwillingness to answer basic financial questions has created chaos for Tulsa-area mental health providers for months, including possible cuts to critical, life-savings services like COPES,” Provenzano said. “The Commissioner has refused to answer basic funding questions over several months to the point that we gave up and sought help for answers outside the agency. We needed to take action today. We ensured that jobs will not continue to be at risk, contracts signed will be executed with fidelity, and patients will get the services they need without interruption” House Democratic Caucus Chair Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, also served on the special investigative committee to review ODMHSAS. “From what I’ve seen and heard in the Investigative Committee, removing Allie Friesen as Commissioner of ODMHSAS is the first step to holding her and the Governor accountable,” Ranson said. “Everyday Oklahomans are missing out on vital mental health services due to the agency’s financial mismanagement. If the Governor won’t remove her from her position, it is up to the legislature.” House Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, also served on the special investigative committee. “We must safeguard Oklahoma’s highly vulnerable population needing mental health care–our neighbors, family, and children,” Hefner said. “Since the appointment of Allie Friesen, we have observed a complete deterioration of the state’s mental health and substance use treatment safety net. Our responsibility is to ensure agency leadership demonstrates the competency, compassion, clinical expertise, and business acumen required to navigate this self-created crisis.” House Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, said this shortfall is costing people their jobs. “This shortfall has caused people to lose their jobs and has caused my constituents, and many Oklahomans, to lose life-saving services,” Pittman said. “That is something we must take seriously. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is especially heartbreaking that in this month, people are actively losing access to care because of the challenges at this agency. While I thank the Commissioner for her service to our state, it is evident that the people of Oklahoma need immediate solutions. The Legislature is taking that step to help get those solutions in place. We remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and stability in the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services. The people of Oklahoma deserve nothing less.” House Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, said this has been an ongoing problem at ODMHSAS. “Since I was elected in 2022, the struggle to request and receive trustworthy communication from ODMHSAS has been palpable,” Deck said. “The problems facing the Department span through and beyond the tenure of this Commissioner. The mismanagement of the Donahue Proposal, the lack of communication with employees and agencies on Norman’s Griffin campus, and the blatant lack of accountability in spending leaves this Legislature no choice but to move on. That said, we need more than a change in leadership, we need a shift toward policy that prioritizes care to our consumers and the competent administration of that care.” The resolution passed the House with a vote of 81, 5. The resolution also passed the Senate. -END-