Representative Cyndi Munson

Hi, I’m Cyndi Munson and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 85th District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Leader

59th Legislature

Minority Leader

60th Legislature

Minority Caucus Chair

58th Legislature

News & Announcements


May 20, 2025

House Democratic members oppose state budget, tax cut for leaving thousands of Oklahomans behind

OKLAHOMA CITY – Several Oklahoma House Democratic Members rose to debate against HB 2766, the general appropriations bill for FY-2026, and HB 2764, which provides a quarter-percent cut to the personal income tax rate. Arguments against both bills pointed to a lack of prioritizing everyday Oklahomans, setting the state up for potential financial challenges with the income tax cut, and lack of preparations for looming cuts to funding by the federal government. "This budget does not reflect the true needs of everyday Oklahomans," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. "We had an opportunity to provide targeted tax relief to those who need it most while protecting our revenue base. Instead, Republican legislative leaders put the Governor's priority of decimating our revenue base and putting core functions of government at risk before meeting those needs. We continue to be last on the list for education and healthcare—two of the most important components of building a strong economy—and this budget does nothing to address either in a real way. By prioritizing flat agency budgets and an income tax cut that helps the wealthiest Oklahomans, we continue to kick the can down the road to truly move our state forward. We can do better, and we should." Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, said this budget could do more to help Oklahomans. “Tying the budget to an income tax cut is a hard ‘no’ for me,” Ranson said. “I believe we could do so much more for Oklahomans. Restricting our revenue when we are already a poor revenue state, is not planning for the future–it’s not even planning for today. Agency budgets were held flat, which means this budget was built for the past.” Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, said an income tax cut disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Oklahomans. “On paper, an income tax cut might sound good—but in reality, it overwhelmingly benefits those making over $100,000 a year,” McCane said. “The median household income in our state is under $65,000. Most families won’t see meaningful relief, but they will feel the consequences—a decrease in essential state services, crumbling infrastructure, and overburdened healthcare systems. And let’s be honest: we’re staring down unknown federal budget cuts and navigating a virtual fun house of shifting tariff policies that could hit our farmers and small businesses hard. This is not the time for reckless revenue cuts. We need tax policy that’s smart, stable, and centered on everyday Oklahomans—not giveaways for the wealthiest few.” Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, said the budget chooses tax cuts over Oklahoma communities. “Let’s be clear: companies and families won’t choose to move to Oklahoma because it’s the cheapest option—they will move here because of our infrastructure, our educated workforce and the resources which are at risk due to a trigger tax cut,” Pogemiller said. “This month alone, two child care centers in my district shut their doors. Instead of raising subsidies to reflect the actual cost of care, we handed out tax cuts worth just $11.91 a month for the median income earner in our state. Meanwhile, critical federal funding for programs like SNAP and Medicaid are under threat. Rather than planning for the long-term sustainability of these lifelines, we chose tax cuts over our communities.” -END-



May 15, 2025

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson disappointed in signing of bill to allow foster families to discriminate against foster children

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after SB 658 was signed into law by the Governor. SB 658 prohibits the Department of Human Services from requiring any current or prospective adoptive or foster parent to affirm, accept, or support any government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the parent's sincerely held beliefs as a condition to adopt or foster. “I am extremely disappointed in the signing of SB 658 which allows foster families to reject foster children based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Leader Munson said. “Adults should be able to love every child no matter what and be able to provide them a safe, happy, and supportive environment. Instead, this legislation allows adults to deny children of support and love. It allows adults to not act like adults. It sends the message that not every child is worthy of being enough or wanted, and puts that into statute. “To all Oklahoma children: you are seen, valued, and loved despite this harmful legislation. There is no one you could ever become that is not worthy of love and acceptance. The Governor has chosen to further harm the lives of vulnerable children in our foster care system. As the most powerful leader in Oklahoma, he should be willing to do whatever it takes to protect Oklahoma children—who are all God's children—and ensure they have safe, loving homes where their physical and emotional needs are met.” -END-



May 9, 2025

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson attends groundbreaking of MAPs 4 Family Justice Center by Palomar

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the groundbreaking of the new MAPs 4 Family Justice Center operated by Palomar. “I was glad to attend the groundbreaking of the family justice center to continue the life changing work of Palomar,” Leader Munson said. “We know that Oklahomans need support, especially victims and survivors of domestic violence, and this is a great way to provide that support for families right here in Oklahoma City. As a child, I experienced domestic violence, and I know firsthand the need for advocacy, awareness, and empowerment for those affected by domestic violence. The family justice center will help hundreds of families overcome the traumatic effects of being in an unstable home or relationship and give them an opportunity to grow toward a brighter future. It can feel impossible to pull yourself out of an abusive situation, but it is community members, programs, and services like these that are imperative in making recovery possible. Congratulations to the remarkable visionary leaders of Palomar and to the City of Oklahoma City for the creation of this new family justice center committed to helping Oklahomans feel safe, secure, and supported.” -END-