Representative Annie Menz

D

District 45

Hello, I’m Annie Menz and I’m proudly representing the people of Oklahoma’s 45th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 21, 2025

House Democratic Legislators comment on federal funding for SNAP to be suspended, urge federal support of Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, released the following statements after it was announced that federal funding for SNAP will be suspended beginning November 1, 2025, because of the federal government shutdown. “Just as we predicted earlier this month, Oklahomans are paying the price of our federal delegation refusing to work together. Over 684,600 Oklahomans–mainly the elderly, veterans, and children– rely on SNAP benefits, and now that burden will be placed on local community resources who are already overwhelmed. This is a direct result of those in Congress not doing the job they were elected to do to serve their constituents and protect the services and jobs on which Oklahomans rely. I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of local community resources as they need. I further urge the federal delegation to consider the consequences that will only continue to worsen the longer this shutdown continues and to do what needs to be done to protect Oklahomans who are just trying to make it by each day.”  –House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Oklahoma families are going to suffer because the Republican controlled federal government won’t compromise. This will be a hard Thanksgiving unless we learn to compromise. I’m calling on our state’s federal delegation to come up with a deal that protects essential services for working families.”  –Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa “Oklahomans are already struggling to afford food, and halting SNAP benefits in November will be devastating for families and seniors who are barely making ends meet. SNAP is our state’s safety net against hunger. While nonprofits and churches will do their best to step up, they simply cannot fill the gap this would create.” – Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City “I’m worried for the families who will have to make even more tough decisions this holiday season due to bad choices in Washington D.C. In a time where government leaders should be working to end hunger, this move will only make hunger more severe and widespread. People deserve better. Since the federal government has failed us once again, it is my hope that all of my colleagues work together to meet needs and fund programs at the state level to keep people fed.”  –Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) says that unless the federal government resolves the shutdown, no new SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1. Recipients can continue using their current SNAP benefits and any remaining balance on their EBT card through October 31. OKDHS says it is unclear whether existing balances will remain available beginning in November. For now, OKDHS recommends continuing to use your benefits through October and to plan and budget in order to get the best use of your existing SNAP benefits. Recipients are to continue to submit all eligibility and recertification paperwork as usual and are encouraged to check on updates from OKDHS as they arrive. Local resources can be found on the  Be a Neighbor page. -END-

Oct 21, 2025

Latino Caucus Announces Youth Leadership Conference, Aims to Inspire Next Generation of State Leaders

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is proud to announce its inaugural Youth Leadership Summit, set for November 8th, 2025, at the Oklahoma Capitol. This free, day-long conference will bring together high school juniors and seniors from across Oklahoma for an immersive experience of learning, connection, and civic empowerment. The Oklahoma Latino Youth Leadership Summit will equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and community support they need to lead in their schools, neighborhoods, and the state as a whole. Through engaging workshops, keynote speakers, and peer-led discussions, participants will explore leadership and professional development, community advocacy, and public service, all with an Oklahoma focus. “One of the key elements of the Latino Caucus mission is to invest in the future of our community, and we could think of no better way to do that than to invest in training its young people,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “We have worked hard with many community partners to create a program that will help students see themselves not just as future leaders, but as leaders today, highly capable of shaping the direction of their lives, communities, and our state.” The non-partisan summit will feature breakout sessions on civic engagement, campaign basics, public service, college and career readiness, and the power of intentional leadership. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with mentors, elected officials, and community changemakers who are committed to supporting their growth. “Oklahoma’s future depends on the voices and vision of its youth,” said Menz. “This summit reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by age or race, but it is defined by purpose, courage, and compassion. We are looking forward to a successful event and hope to host one every year going forward.” Application is now open at https://form.jotform.com/252804942715157, and participation is free for all students. Students not of Latino/Hispanic heritage are also welcome to attend, but all applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school. Educators, mentors, and community organizations are also encouraged to attend and support this inspiring movement to cultivate the next generation of Oklahoma leaders. -END- About the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus: The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is a collective body representing the Hispanic/Latino population of the State of Oklahoma, with the mission of promoting positive outcomes for the Oklahoma Latino Community through legislation, education, social advancement, and communication; as well as working to preserve and protect our shared culture. For additional information, please email oklatinocaucus@gmail.com. 

Oct 13, 2025

Norman Delegation Comments on Transition of HUB 107 Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, and Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, released the following joint statement after the announcement of HUB 107 being consolidated into the Alameda location of Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center: “On October 7, we were informed of the decision by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to fold the services of HUB 107 into the Alameda location of Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center by October 17.  “Since 2022, HUB 107 has operated under COCMH as a peer-led, immediate resource center to the general public regardless of housing situation.  “We’ve been further informed that continued services will include food, clothing, pet supplies, and vaccinations — and that COCMH staff are actively seeking other partners to assist with laundry and shower services but will not provide them regularly. Additionally, HUB 107 staff will retain their employment.  “We are communicating with the agencies about the effects of this transition, and, while we appreciate the retention of staff and continuation of most services, we have the following concerns: — The loss of hygiene resources for our unhoused neighbors is an issue of personal and public health. Prioritizing short term savings over public safety will have long term consequences that affect everyone.  — The loss of a day drop center will affect and potentially disrupt the work of neighboring state resources such as COCMH and Griffin Hospital.  — HUB 107 has served as a buffer between our unhoused community and our downtown area business and homeowners. The loss of this buffer could result in more public incidents.  — ODMHSAS already owns the HUB 107 building, so annual savings will not dig the Department out of the overwhelming financial hole created during the Governor’s past appointments.  — Less than two weeks' notice of closure is not a responsible approach to shifting resources and guiding a population.  “Many members of the Legislature have shown willingness to supplement ODHMSAS through this struggle, but the Governor’s continued insistence upon 'flat budgets' and his war of words against 'goody two shoes' appears to be in the way of public health and safety. And while the Governor groans openly about the state of his own publicly subsidized mansion, diminishing a resource that serves entire communities only perpetuates negative cycles of public health and poverty.  “Short term savings rarely result in long term gains. The financial woes of ODMHSAS are highly publicized and will be taken out, in part, on our community. Fortunately, Norman has a history of stepping up for our neighbors in times of struggle, and we stand resolved in that collective endurance. However, the state has a responsibility to this community which has provided critical access for so many services over the past century, and we are working to hold the state accountable to that. We continue to fight for accessible housing, mental health services, and for the founding notion of our country that all humans are created equal regardless of circumstance,” –  Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman -END-