Representative Mark Tedford

R

District 69

Hi, I’m Mark Tedford and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 69th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 29, 2025
Recent Posts

Interim Study Examines Modernization of Child Custody Laws

Reps. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, and Erick Harris, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study examining potential updates to Oklahoma’s child custody laws to better reflect modern family dynamics and support children’s relationships with both parents.  The study included testimony from family law experts and advocates who discussed the state’s current custody framework, which was designed in an era when fathers typically worked outside the home and mothers stayed home to raise children. Although state law requires courts to act in the “best interest of the child,” it does not presume that equal parenting time serves that interest.  “Oklahoma’s custody laws were written for a time that no longer reflects how families live and work,” Tedford said. “Most parents today share both financial and caregiving responsibilities, yet our laws still tend to favor one parent over the other. Establishing a presumption of joint equal custody would reduce disputes, keep both parents involved, and ensure children maintain meaningful relationships with each parent. States like Kentucky have already seen positive results from this approach. It’s time for Oklahoma to put children and cooperation first.” Harris said, “Joint equal custody doesn’t mean parents can’t make adjustments when necessary. Instead, it means we begin from fairness by ensuring both parents are on equal footing, not from the assumption that one parent is a caregiver and the other is a checkbook. It’s time for Oklahoma to catch up with the modern family and put kids at the center of our custody laws.” Tedford and Harris plan to continue working with lawmakers, family law experts and advocates ahead of the upcoming session to modernize Oklahoma’s custody laws and ensure they reflect the best interests of children and families across the state.

Oct 27, 2025
Recent Posts

Interim Study Explores Market Options for Wage Mandates

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, hosted an interim study examining how living wage laws affect employers and job opportunities. Presenters from business and policy organizations highlighted the need for market-driven solutions that raise wages and expand opportunity without government-imposed mandates. “Living wage laws, while well-intentioned, often create unintended consequences that hurt both employers and workers,” Tedford said. “They can reduce entry-level jobs, limit hiring or push small businesses to close locations, all of which affects the very people these laws aim to help.” Experts noted that states with higher mandated minimum wages often experience slower job growth and higher unemployment. For example, Missouri saw unemployment rise from 2.8 percent to 4.3 percent after its minimum wage increase took effect, and California, home to the nation’s highest minimum wage, also leads in unemployment rates. James Leewright, CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, added that less than 2 percent of workers nationally earn the federal minimum wage and many of those are in entry-level positions that give young people their first work experience. Tedford said employment provides more than income. It builds skills, experience and confidence. He cautioned that rigid wage mandates risk eliminating first-step opportunities for young workers, rural residents and individuals reentering the workforce. Data from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce shows that while Oklahoma follows the federal minimum wage, most skilled workers earn well above a living wage. “That tells us market forces are working,” Tedford said. “When people build skills, their earning potential rises naturally.” Throughout the discussion, participants explored targeted alternatives such as workforce development, income tax credits and skills training programs, approaches that strengthen both the labor force and the economy. “These strategies empower Oklahomans to earn more through skill and effort,” Tedford said. “That’s the right way to build opportunity, not through government mandates that limit it.”

Oct 16, 2025
Recent Posts

Tedford Reports on Interim Study of Workforce Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, shared insights from an interim study examining workforce services across Oklahoma. “There are many institutions providing workforce services in our state,” Tedford said. “A measure of success for these institutions should be closer partnerships that drive better outcomes for the economy and reduce duplication or waste through braided programs and funding. Now that the study is complete, I encourage the legislature to review the findings closely to determine how best to support this work moving forward.” As a member of the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development, Tedford emphasized that the focus of workforce policy should be building a sufficient and qualified workforce. “Skilled labor has virtually no unemployment and consistently earns above a living wage. Unskilled labor often struggles to make a living wage and, in many cases, does not participate in the workforce. Investments in workforce development produce tremendous returns, from a stronger economy to reduced dependence on social programs and the dignity that comes from building a career.” He also recognized the efforts of OESC Director Trae Rahill in fostering collaboration between agencies and evaluating program effectiveness. “I look forward to continuing work on workforce issues during the next legislative session,” Tedford said.