Representative Cynthia Roe

R

District 42

Hi, I'm Cynthia Roe and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 42nd District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 8, 2025
Recent Posts

House Recognizes National Nurses Week

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives this week recognized House Resolution 1028, which honors May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week. Authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and coauthored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, the resolution highlights the important role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients across the state and nation. Roe, a longtime nurse and chair of the House Public Health Committee, said she was proud to celebrate Oklahoma nurses on the House floor. “As a veteran nurse and nurse practitioner with more than 40 years of experience, I’m thrilled to celebrate our nurses this week and to honor them on the House floor,” Roe said. “They deserve that recognition and so much more. "I have seen firsthand the vital role nurses play in the health and well-being of our communities. Nurses are not only caregivers and healers, they are the foundation of our healthcare system, supporting everyone from patients in hospitals to students and staff in our schools. "With nearly 5.2 million registered nurses across the nation and more than 77,000 here in our state, their presence is felt in every corner of our lives. They bring new life into the world, mend broken bones and wounded spirits and stand beside us in our most vulnerable moments. Their work is often quiet, but their impact is immeasurable.  "To every nurse, thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the care you give and for the strength you show. We simply couldn’t do this without you. You are true heroes.” Stark, a former nurse and vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, shared her appreciation for the care nurses show in every setting. “Before I served in the Legislature, I worked in health care, directly supporting patients and families,” Stark said. “As a former nurse, I know the long hours, the tough calls and the quiet moments that define this profession. "Nurses are at the center of patient care. They’re often the first to notice when something’s wrong and the last to leave a patient’s side. Their compassion, clinical skill and steady presence bring hope and healing in life’s most difficult moments. "This resolution is one way we can say thank you—to recognize their devotion and remind them that their work truly matters.”  House Resolution 1028 encourages Oklahomans to join in recognizing National Nurses Week and the life-saving contributions of nurses in every community.

Apr 1, 2025
Recent Posts

House Adopts Resolution Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the House of Representatives officially recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oklahoma by adopting House Resolution 1011 , sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. This resolution acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about child abuse prevention and taking collective action to protect Oklahoma’s children and strengthen families. In Oklahoma, there were 13,546 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, with 10,525 of those involving first-time victims. The statistics highlight the critical need for heightened vigilance and support for vulnerable families across the state. “It is easier to build healthy and strong children than to repair broken adults," said Roe. "Every child deserves to be safe, nurtured and supported in caring relationships. Every family deserves to be supported in a community that encourages safety and well-being, that’s why it’s vital we raise awareness of how we can all contribute to preventing child abuse.” HR1011 encourages all citizens, businesses and social institutions in Oklahoma to dedicate themselves to supporting parents and families in raising safe, healthy children. The resolution shows the significance of community involvement in providing the resources and assistance needed to ensure the safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children. "Child abuse can be prevented, and everyone has a role to play,” said Roe. "By working together—neighbors, teachers, faith leaders, businesses and policymakers—we can create a culture where prevention is the priority, and no child has to suffer the devastating effects of abuse or neglect.” April also serves as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Mar 27, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aiming to clarify and strengthen guidelines surrounding an individual’s capacity to make health care decisions passed the House floor with a 87-6 vote. House Bill 1687 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, establishes the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025, which would ensure that health care determinations are made fairly and with appropriate oversight. “This legislation strikes an important balance between personal autonomy and necessary protections,” Roe said. “It streamlines the health care decision-making process, empowering individuals to plan their future care while preventing abuse and ensuring that those making medical decisions on their behalf are qualified and trustworthy." The bill would prevent family members, cohabitants or surrogates from solely making such determinations to safeguard against potential conflicts of interest. Under HB1687, individuals are presumed to have the capacity to make or revoke health care decisions unless a court determines otherwise. The presumption can be rebutted only by a responsible health care professional’s examination, documented in a signed record. “This is about protecting Oklahomans’ rights to make their own health care choices while establishing a clear process for determining capacity when necessary,” Roe said. “It ensures decisions about a person’s health are made with transparency, accountability and proper medical evaluation—not by individuals who may have a conflict of interest.” HB1687 allows people to document their medical preferences and choose someone to make health care decisions for them through a power of attorney. If no agent is appointed, the bill sets up a clear process for selecting a default decision-maker while ensuring they act in the person’s best interests. The bill also ensures that out-of-state advance health care directives are valid if they meet Oklahoma’s standards. HB1687 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.