Representative Tammy West

Hi, I’m Tammy West and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 84th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Whip

58th Legislature

Majority Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Representatives Issue Joint Statement After Death of Nex Benedict

OKLAHOMA CITY – A group of Oklahoma House representatives today released a statement about the death of Nex Benedict. The Owasso High School student's death was ruled an overdose according to the state medical examiner. Benedict died one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. "The tragic suicide of Nex Benedict is a harsh reminder of the power that words have. As public officials and policy makers, we have a sacred obligation to ensure that as we do the work of the people, we do so with respect and dignity. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God regardless of who they are or who they love. We call on all Oklahomans to join us in our commitment to being respectful and deliberate in our language." The statement is issued by Reps. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan; Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City; Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa; Mike Osburn, R-Edmond; Mark McBride, R-Moore; Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City; Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso; Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks. The lawmakers reminded the public that anyone feeling suicidal or experiencing thoughts of suicide should contact 988 or 911 immediately. LGBTQ youth also can call (866) 488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678 to reach the Trevor Project." 



Feb 7, 2024
Recent Posts

House Honors Sanctity of Life with Rose Day

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today honored the right to life of the unborn with a presentation for Rose Day on the chamber floor and the adoption of a resolution recognizing the significance of the day. House Resolution 1022, authored by House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and co-authored by a majority of House Republicans, recognizes the significance of Rose Day, Oklahoma's annual pro-life rally at the Capitol. "Rose Day has a rich heritage in our state Legislature," West said. "Hundreds of people that value life, beginning at conception, gather to pass out roses to state representatives and other elected officials to remind us of the importance of protecting the unborn. It's a beautiful tradition and a reminder of one of the gifts we hold most sacred." HR1022 states that "one of the great hallmarks of our American form of government is the right of our citizens to express their opinions on matters of great import to their elected officials," and that "members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives greatly esteem and respect this right of the citizens to give their considered input and insight to elected members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, who are solemnly charged with crafting legislation for the people as a whole." The measure goes onto state that "the right to life of the unborn is one of the great public policy issues of our day, both for the American people and for Oklahomans of whatever political philosophy or persuasion," and that "members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives affirm that all human life is sacred from the point of conception." HR1022 also makes note that the majority of members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have led the nation in adopting legislation to defend unborn children and will continue to do so. They also have opposed any policy that would require citizens to pay for abortions through their taxpayer dollars or medical insurance premiums.  The resolution reads, "on Rose Day 2024, hundreds of our fellow Oklahomans will take time out of their busy lives to come to their State Capitol to make a public statement respecting the sanctity of human life and the worth of every unborn individual and to speak with their elected officials," and "members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives greatly appreciate the heartfelt involvement of these committed Oklahoma citizens, both young and old, male and female." This year, abortion survivor Josiah Presley shared his story on the House floor. Presley currently serves as the student minister for North Pointe Baptist Church in Edmond and is married to Bethany and father to the couple's daughter, Julia. 



Jan 2, 2024
Recent Posts

Caring for Caregivers Act Takes Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY – First-of-its-kind legislation that gives an expansive tax credit to Oklahoma family caregivers took effect Jan. 1. For the 2024 tax year, unpaid family caregivers will be able to claim up to $2,000 or $3,000 in tax credits for out-of-pocket costs incurred for eligible expenses, depending upon the person for whom they are providing care. House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, shepherded House Bill 1029XX – the Caring for Caregivers Act – through the Legislature last session. "While caregiving is a labor of love, it can come at a great financial toll," West said. "I'm thrilled to be able to offer this tax relief to our Oklahoma family caregivers. This will help ensure their loved ones can stay in their homes when their health is failing, eliminating the need for the much more costly option and the added emotional burden of being cared for in a taxpayer-funded nursing home."  The tax credit is up to 50% of eligible caregiver costs, including home modifications such as installing a ramp, durable medical equipment, assistive technologies, home health services and more. The credit is capped at $2,000 per year for family caregivers with a federally adjusted gross income below $50,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers. Those caring for veterans or people with a dementia-related diagnosis are eligible for up to $3,000 per year. The total cap for the state is $1.5 million per year. Individuals must qualify as a dependent, spouse, parent or other relation by blood or marriage to the family caregiver. Oklahomans receiving care from a family caregiver must be 62 years of age or older and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living as certified by a licensed health care provider. Other states offer smaller tax credits to certain caregivers or for expenses like home modifications, but AARP reports Oklahoma is the first to adopt the more expansive credit. According to AARP, Oklahoma has 490,000 family caregivers that provide a staggering $6.6 billion in unpaid care with the average individual spending an estimated $7,200 a year on expenses related to their duties. That’s on top of the emotional and physical challenges that often come with providing unpaid care for an older loved one. A recent AARP survey shows 93% of Oklahoma family caregivers pay out-of-pocket expenses for things such as transportation, medical equipment, home modifications, hiring in-home support services and providing respite services. To learn more about Oklahoma’s new family caregiver tax credit and frequently asked questions visit: www.aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit