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 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-



May 7, 2025

House Democrats oppose bill that silences Oklahoma voices in initiative petition process

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus debated against SB 1027, a bill that would limit the number of signatures by Oklahomans in urban areas of the state for initiative petitions. SB 1027 limits the number of valid signatures from any one county. Voters in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties—where nearly 40% of Oklahomans live—could contribute no more than 10% of total signatures each. “Oklahomans are overwhelmingly opposed to this bill because they know it works to silence their efforts to engage in direct democracy," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “I am so tired of the pitting of urban and rural Oklahomans against each other by our state's leaders. Regardless of where Oklahomans live, they care about quality public schools, access to affordable and quality healthcare, and making a living wage that allows them to care for themselves and their families. By limiting Oklahomans' ability to put forth their priorities when their legislators don't act, we are limiting their freedom to pursue the Oklahoma they want to live in. SB1027 was not requested by Oklahomans, but rather by interest groups, yet the negative impact of this legislation will last generations. My Democratic colleagues in the House urge the Governor to veto SB1027." Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, debated against SB 1027 and proposed an amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180. That amendment was tabled. “The tabling of my amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180 days proves that this bill has nothing to do with obtaining more rural input and everything to do with silencing citizens’ voices and severely hindering their constitutional right to petition their government.” Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, debated against the measure and proposed an amendment that would let Oklahomans decide if they wanted this change to their initiative petition process. That amendment was also tabled. “It is very hard to get a measure on the ballot via initiative petition, and this body just voted to make it even harder,” Fugate said. “If we are going to take away the power of the people, we should at least give them the opportunity to decide for themselves if that’s what they want. Sadly, they voted down my amendment to do just that.” Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, also debated against the measure and now urges Oklahomans to call for a veto. “Since statehood, when the government has failed, the people have risen to action. Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives gave preference to the failure of government over the will of the people. The House decided that it knows better than the very voters who elected us. This is the broadest harm to self-government I’ve seen and a decision I believe we will regret for generations to come. The opportunity to put this removal of rights to a vote of the people was offered and rejected. I ask all Oklahomans to call for the Governor to veto this attack on our right to petition our government.” Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, debated against the bill. “Proponents of this legislation claim it will give a greater voice to rural Oklahomans, but the fact is, it stifles the voices of all Oklahomans at a time when the people’s ability to engage in the political process is as important as ever,” Bennett said.  Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill. “Oklahoma was founded on populist principles of putting people over politics,” Schreiber said. “We lose that right with SB 1027. No matter how you slice it, the bill strips Oklahomans’ rights and shifts power away from the people and into the hands of politicians. I’m not for that–I’m for people over politics.” Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill, stating it is an assault on direct democracy. “SB1027 is not about expanding the voice of the people—it’s about silencing them,” McCane said. “Time and time again, Oklahomans have told us they feel ignored, that their voices aren't reaching this chamber, and that their representatives aren't advocating for them. Instead of listening, this bill places even more barriers between the people and their power. It’s unnecessary, restrictive, and a direct assault on our constitutional right to direct democracy. This should be a resounding alarm to the people of Oklahoma: our government is no longer operating as the people’s government.” -END-



May 7, 2025

Leader Munson urges veto of bill allowing foster families to discriminate against foster children

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement urging the Governor to veto SB 658 after it passed off the House floor. 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 calling on the Governor to do right by Oklahoma children in foster care and veto SB 658,” Leader Munson said. “If adults cannot open their hearts to love and accept each and every child, they should not be trusted to take care of our most vulnerable children. At bare minimum, we expect those who want to foster children to provide shelter, food, and clothing. We should equally expect unconditional acceptance and love for every child. This legislation is sending the message to Oklahoma children that the essence of who they are is not enough, and the Legislature is willing to put in statute that we are perfectly fine with that. This message doesn't align with being pro-life or in favor of family values—it is the exact opposite, and it is unacceptable.  "My no vote is my message to all of Oklahoma's children: you are seen, valued, deeply loved, and enough. I ask the Governor to join me in affirming children in our state, especially our most vulnerable in our state's foster care system. I am urging the Governor to consider ways to make it easier for Oklahomans to help foster more children by increasing foster care maintenance payments, providing more benefits to families who choose to foster, and taking care of biological parents to be reunited with their children, if it is safe to do so. “The Governor—the state's most powerful leader—has the opportunity to stand up for all Oklahoma children, reminding them they are all God's children. I pray he does the right thing and protects Oklahoma children in foster care from additional harm and another adverse experience.” -END-