Representative Aletia Timmons

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District 97

Hi, I'm Aletia Timmons and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 97th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 29, 2025

Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Calls for Urgent Special Session to Protect SNAP Recipients Amid Federal Shutdown

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus have issued an urgent call for Governor Kevin Stitt to convene a Special Session of the Oklahoma Legislature before November 1, 2025, to address the impending suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In a formal letter sent to Governor Stitt, House Speaker Hilbert, and President Pro Tempore Paxton, the Caucus expressed grave concern over the devastating impact the lapse in SNAP benefits would have on Oklahoma families and local economies. “More than half a million Oklahoma residents rely on SNAP to meet their most basic nutritional needs,” said Representative Ronald “Ron” Stewart, D-Tulsa, Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. “Nearly 40% of these recipients are working families, and the majority have children. The loss or delay of these benefits would create an immediate humanitarian crisis and cause widespread economic harm to grocery stores, small businesses, and community food providers.” The Caucus members emphasized that ensuring food access is a nonpartisan, moral responsibility and urged both the Governor and legislative leadership to take swift action. “The welfare of Oklahoma’s citizens must remain the top priority of elected leaders at every level of government,” the letter stated. “If Governor Stitt fails to act, we call on legislative leadership to gather the signatures necessary to convene a special session to provide temporary state funding for SNAP recipients until the federal shutdown is resolved.” Members of the Caucus underscored their readiness to work collaboratively with both the Governor’s Office and legislative colleagues to pass emergency measures ensuring no Oklahoman goes hungry during this time of federal uncertainty. “This is not a partisan issue—it is a humanitarian and economic imperative,” Stewart added. “Time is of the essence. The people we serve are depending on us to act.” Members of the Oklahoma Black Caucus participating in the call for a Special Session include: Rep. Ron Stewart – Chair Sen. Nikki Nice – Vice Chair Sen. Regina Goodwin Rep. Michelle McCane Rep. Aletia Timmons -END-

Oct 24, 2025

Timmons conducts study on education reading readiness

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, conducted an interim study in front of the Common Education Committee exploring education reading readiness and how to advance reading skills in Oklahoma. “Reading is fundamental to enriching the lives of Oklahomans,” said Timmons. “That is why it is important to develop stronger education literacy programs so students can start early and have the best outcomes as they move through school and into the workforce.” The study showed that early benchmarks for literacy development start in kindergarten, first, second, and third grade. However, screening data shows that roughly one in three Oklahoma students K-3 start below the benchmark in foundational reading skills. Foundational reading skills can vary throughout different districts, but reading difficulties can be identified early with screening, intervention, and support. The study also found that the consequences for not reading proficiently by the third grade can expand past academic achievement and into behavioral, economic, and societal struggles. Legislative solutions discussed were updates to the Strong Readers Act, first introduced in 1997. It also highlighted the need for sustained and foundational funding for screening and early intervention services. The study featured presenters from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, as well as former Superintendent of WK Jackson Leadership Academy Dr. Gloria Anderson to explain the vital need for support for early-level reading programs and what happens when support for these programs is lacking. “When we ensure that every Oklahoma child who enters fourth grade is ready to learn from what they read, we ensure a better future for them and for Oklahoma as a whole,” Timmons said. -END-

Oct 21, 2025

Fugate, Timmons, Hasenbeck conduct study on how providing civil judgement expungement can help those trapped in abuse

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, conducted an interim study exploring how providing a civil judgement expungement can help Oklahomans trapped in abuse, specifically financial abuse. Currently, Oklahoma has little to no recourse for those ensnared in financial abuse. The study showed that Oklahoma does not have a civil judgement expungement system, and that the closest thing to it would be to seal the record. However, sealing a record takes time and you must be able to provide proof that sealing the public record is in the interest of justice. “For many survivors of abuse, civil judgments are not the result of poor choices but of manipulation, coercion or control," Hasenbeck said. "Abusers often use financial tools, like credit cards and loans, to trap their victims in cycles of debt and dependence. When those survivors finally find the courage to leave, they’re left carrying the financial scars of someone else’s actions, further burdening them as they attempt to heal. Civil judgment expungement gives them a chance to break free from that burden and truly start over.” Financial abuse is a form of coercive control defined as forcing a partner to miss, leave, or be late to work; harassing them at their workplace; controlling how money is spent; withholding money or basic living resources; imposing a strict allowance; stealing money, credit, property, or identity from a partner; and coercing them into filing fraudulent legal documents. Oftentimes, the aftermath of financial abuse makes it difficult for a survivor to get a job and housing. “When victims of domestic violence have to move out of their housing to escape, civil expungement of evictions advances protections to some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable,” said Timmons. Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse, with up to 99% of all pattern violence survivors reporting financial abuse.  “Anyone who works closely with domestic violence survivors knows escaping abuse is only the beginning,” said Fugate. “Survivors are left with lasting emotional scars and financial devastation. Coerced debt, ruined credit, and civil judgments trap survivors in a fiscal prison long after they’ve escaped the physical one. Civil judgment relief in the form of a Survivors Act 2.0 will give survivors essential relief and help them rebuild their lives.” The entire study can be viewed on the  Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-