Representative Dick Lowe

R

District 56

Hi, I'm Dick Lowe and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 56th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Aug 5, 2025
Recent Posts

Three Oklahoma Legislators Chosen for 2025 Toll Fellowship

OKLAHOMA CITY — Three members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have been selected to join the 2025 class of the Henry Toll Fellowship, one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for state government officials. Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber; Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City; and Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, are among 48 public servants from 34 states and U.S. territories named to this year’s fellowship class by The Council of State Governments (CSG). Participants in the program are selected through a competitive, peer-nominated process. The class includes a wide range of public officials, from legislative leaders and executive branch administrators to judges and agency directors, all recognized for their integrity, impact and potential to shape the future of state government. “I’m honored to represent Oklahoma and to learn alongside leaders from across the country,” Lowe said. “As a legislator, I’m always looking for ways to better understand the challenges other states are facing and the solutions they’re trying. I believe this kind of collaboration helps us all grow. This is a chance to bring back new tools to help us keep improving how we serve the great people of Oklahoma.” West said she looks forward to the experience and the perspective it will provide. “This is more than just a recognition, it’s an opportunity to step outside our day-to-day work and think long-term about leadership, service and good governance,” West said. “I’m grateful for the chance to represent Oklahoma and to learn from colleagues across the country who are also working hard to make government more responsive and effective." Pogemiller said she is grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader and to connect with fellow public servants from across the country. “I am honored to be one of 48 members selected for the national CSG Henry Toll Fellowship. I look forward to strengthening my leadership skills to foster collaboration and build policies that support working Oklahomans.” The program will be held Aug. 8-12 in Lexington, Kentucky, and brings together elected and appointed leaders from all three branches of state government. Fellows take part in intensive sessions designed to strengthen leadership, communication and collaboration skills. Since its inception in 1986, the fellowship has helped more than 1,400 state leaders refine their ability to govern effectively.

Jul 9, 2025
Recent Posts

Education Chair Dismisses SDE Mandate as "Empty Threat"

Oklahoma House Education Committee Chair Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, reacted to the Monday announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he would require all school districts in the state to provide free lunches to all students at the cost of employee salaries. The Superintendent does not have the Constitutional or legal authority to direct how individual school districts allocate their budgets. "This attempt to overstep the authority of Walters' office is a threat to the independent decision-making power of Oklahoma's school districts. Regardless, it is nothing more than an empty threat," said Lowe, a former ag teacher. "Addressing student hunger and streamlining administrative costs are both worthwhile endeavors, but these changes must be implemented legislatively, not through an unfunded mandate. State law clearly outlines what districts are required to fund, including minimum teacher salaries and limits on administrative spending, but it does not require free meals universally. That decision rightly belongs to locally elected school boards, who know their communities best and are entrusted with setting district budgets according to local needs. Districts that choose to use discretionary funds to cover meal costs for all students do so voluntarily, not because of any mandate from the state. As such, there is no legal basis for the State Department of Education to retaliate through special sanctions over budget decisions that are entirely within districts' rights. If Walters has legislative goals, I encourage him to be communicative with lawmakers year-round, not after session has adjourned and it's too late for the Legislature to consider any of his proposals." The House has previously considered bills to expand availability of free school meals, including House Bill 1376 in 2023.  Walters' announcement also referred to a potential SDE emergency rule regarding child nutrition standards. Any emergency rule must be approved by the State Board of Education before it can be considered by the governor. If the agency wishes to continue the emergency rule, the rule must be submitted as a proposed permanent rule during the next legislative session. The next regular SBE meeting is scheduled for July 24.

Feb 11, 2025
Recent Posts

House Committee Approves Financial Literacy Requirement for Student Athletes in NIL Era

Student athletes with name, image and likeness (NIL) contracts could soon be required to take financial literacy workshops if legislation by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, becomes law. House Bill 1305 would require colleges and universities to offer financial literacy workshops throughout the year to students with NIL contracts. Student athletes would be required to attend at least five hours of workshops within the first two semesters of participating in NIL activities. Each workshop would include information concerning foundational knowledge of budgeting, taxes, contracts, credit and debt management, savings, investments and entrepreneurship. "NIL opportunities can be life-changing for student athletes, but they also come with serious financial responsibilities," Lowe said. "House Bill 1305 ensures that these athletes are well-prepared to manage their earnings wisely, helping them avoid costly mistakes and set themselves up for long-term financial success." HB1305 would also allow colleges to provide free contract review, tax prep and other financial services to student athletes. Colleges could offer a financial course for credit and contract with third parties to provide the workshops, but HB1306 prohibits promotional referral programs or soliciting. Students who fail to complete the requirements would forfeit their eligibility to participate in NIL activities. HB1305 passed the House Postsecondary Committee 7-1 and may now be heard in the House Education Oversight Committee.