Representative Melissa Provenzano

D

District 79

Hi, I’m Melissa Provenzano and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 79th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Minority Leader

59th Legislature

Assistant Minority Leader

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 20, 2026

Provenzano Honored with 2026 National ACOG Public Service Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sunday, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, was the recipient for the 2026 National Public Service Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The award is presented to state lawmakers who promote women’s healthcare through legislation. Provenzano has worked to expand access to women’s healthcare for years. In 2024, she brought forth landmark legislation to fund diagnostic mammograms to fill critical gaps in preventive, lifesaving care. In 2025, HB 1389 became law following a veto override with overwhelming bipartisan support. “It is an honor to receive this award from ACOG and to be recognized for my work in advancing healthcare coverage for women in Oklahoma,” said Provenzano. “Early detection saves lives, and I am proud to work toward better access to women’s healthcare. When the legislature comes together on a single issue, it is a sign that it is not only important, but essential. I plan to continue my advocacy for better healthcare access and outcomes for Oklahomans.” Two years ago, Oklahoma became the 10th state in the nation to require coverage for diagnostic mammograms with no out of pocket expense. 1 in 8 women across America will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In Oklahoma, that number is closer to 1 in 6. The award was presented by William Po, MD, FACOG, Legislative Chair of the ?Oklahoma Section of ACOG. ? -END-

Apr 9, 2026

House Democrats push back on measure allocating public tax dollars to private schools advancing House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic members raised concerns over the passage of HB 3705 off the House Floor. HB 3705 increases the annual cap for the Parental Choice Tax Credit from $250 million to $275 million.  “We are effectively appropriating $275M in public tax dollars toward private schools while our public schools lack critical investments and remain the lowest ranked in the nation,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Our teachers, students, parents, and support staff have all been clear about their needs, but Republican leadership has failed to listen to them. It was reported that 90% of the recipients of this voucher were already sending their children to private schools. While I am grateful our teachers are getting a much needed pay raise, $2,000 still does not make us competitive in the region and we continue to leave behind support staff. Not to mention, tying a teacher pay raise to private school funding is offensive. $275M would be transformative for our public schools and allow for an even higher teacher pay raise than what has been proposed by Republican leaders. An investment in public schools is an investment in Oklahoma. In this year’s budget, every additional dollar appropriated to public education is attached to a new mandate by the Legislature. If we are going to put public dollars into private schools, we should require the same requirements, oversight, and transparency from private schools as we do public schools. I am proud today to continue advocating for public education and standing with our families who send their children to public schools.” House Democratic Assistant Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, debated against the measure. "Not every kid. Not every parent," said Provenzano. "In 2023, the PCTC was originally billed as a way for low-income students to gain access to private schools. Today, less than 1% of students receiving the voucher come from low-income families. What happened?  “I begrudge no parent who wishes to send their child to a private school, but taxpayers statewide should not subsidize tuition unless every Oklahoma parent who wants it has the same access to the private school of their choice. We're better off investing those dollars statewide in our public schools, who are required by our constitution to accept all students. School choice for me but not for thee is not a responsible or ethical way to govern." Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, also debated against the measure, arguing that parents are not looking to move their children out of public schools into private schools. “Families who choose to send their children to public schools continue to choose public schools, even when subsidies are provided to incentivize families to choose private schools,” said Pogemiller. “The Parental Choice Tax Credit subsidy is mainly being provided to families who are already attending private schools, 24% of whom make over $250K a year. The funds from this subsidy are concentrated in wealthy, urban areas while 61 counties in Oklahoma receive less than 1% of the subsidy. 5 counties in Oklahoma do not even receive enough of the subsidy to be given a percentage. This measure does not support Oklahomans who need it most. If we took the $275M from this subsidy toward our public schools, we would virtually send $338 to every public school student in Oklahoma.  “Taking $275M from out of general revenue every year to go toward private schools and the wealthiest Oklahomans means $275M that are not going toward critical services in Oklahoma like childcare. Instead, this body has passed a budget that will cut childcare subsidies starting July 1, which means a family of four who makes above $51,665.35 will no longer have access to the childcare services they need. Childcare services have sounded the alarm that this will result in many of them being forced to close their doors. Now is not the time to expand subsidies to families who can afford private schools. It is time to ensure Oklahoma families have access to the childcare services they need so they don’t have to choose between staying in the workforce and taking care of their families. Now is the time to prioritize real solutions for real issues being faced by working Oklahoma families, and this measure does not do that.” -END-

Feb 20, 2026

Provenzano Lauds Supreme Court Decision to Strike Down Federal Tariffs

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court, divided 6-3, ruled that most of the sweeping tariffs on goods coming into the United States from around the world put forth by the Trump Administration exceed the President’s authority.  Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, lauded the decision as a win for affordability for everyday working Oklahomans.  “Today's ruling is a win for Oklahomans who are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Provenzano. “It's a win for our small businesses who are seeing their margins narrow because of these tariffs. Costs need to come down for everyone, and Oklahomans need to know that their paychecks will keep up.” The ruling states these sweeping tariffs were not permitted under a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). -END-