Representative Ellyn Hefner

D

District 87

Hi, I’m Ellyn Hefner and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 87th District.

representative

News & Announcements

May 5, 2025

House Democratic Caucus conducts leadership elections for 61st Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus conducted elections for leadership members for the 61st Legislature. “I am deeply proud of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus for committing themselves to doing the hard work for all Oklahomans every day and I look forward to that work continuing with this upcoming group of compassionate and capable leaders,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “I trust that they will work to ensure a state government that works for and serves all Oklahomans, just as they have as members of this caucus. Oklahoma House Democrats remain focused on legislation we know will help everyday Oklahomans and solve the problems they face and we are committed to pushing back on legislation we know will not. Congratulations to Leader-elect Provenzano, Caucus Chair-elect Deck, and Vice Chair-elect Hefner!” The incoming Leadership team issued the following statement:  “We look forward to telling the story of what it means to be an Oklahoma Democrat. Here in Oklahoma, Democrats believe: living should cost less between paychecks, every child deserves a free, quality public education, and that we all have the best chance of success when we're healthy and have access to the care we need. Finally, we believe Oklahomans should retire comfortably at the time that is right for us.” The House Democratic Caucus voted Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, as the Leader-elect. “Oklahomans are practical, independent and strong,” Provenzano said. “There's room for everyone here to build a life for themselves. Oklahomans deserve leaders focused on making that possible.” Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, was voted as the Caucus Chair-elect. “As the next Caucus Chair, I’m committed to the development of our team as we work to address the tangible needs of working families and inspire the next generation of public servants,” said Deck. Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, was voted as the Caucus Vice Chair-elect. “Together, we can create a path forward that puts people first and moves Oklahoma toward a more hopeful future,” Hefner said. House Democratic Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, and Caucus Vice Chairman Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, will remain in their leadership positions until November 3, 2026.  Rep. Provenzano, Rep. Deck, and Rep. Hefner will assume their leadership positions on November 4, 2026. -END-

Apr 14, 2025

Legislature Remembers 30th Anniversary of Oklahoma City bombing in Joint Session

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislature remembered the 30th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing in a Joint Session Monday, April 14, 2025. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is traveling to all 77 counties across Oklahoma. This Journey of Hope will carry the 30th anniversary message “A Day of Darkness – Years of Light” throughout the state. “Thirty years later, we are not merely looking back — we are moving forward with purpose,” Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City said. “Today, both the House and Senate stand in support as we join the Oklahoma National Memorial in remembrance. The Memorial continues to offer comfort and strength, while the Journey of Hope carries that spirit into every corner of our state, reminding us that from the deepest wounds, the brightest lights of hope can emerge.” The ceremony featured talks from former reporter during the Oklahoma City bombing Carrie Hulsey Emerson, former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating, and CEO & President of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Kari Watkins.  Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, carried House Concurrent Resolution 1010 to remember those who died and were wounded during the Oklahoma City bombing, acknowledge the debt of gratitude owed to the many first responders – ?including local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel, ?firefighters, search and rescue teams, public and private medical ?personnel, other emergency services personnel, and thousands of ?volunteers from the community – who immediately answered the call of ?helping to rescue the living and recover the dead?, and renounce these despicable acts of terrorism.  “I feel a debt each year to make sure to remember those I personally knew who lost their lives in this horrible, terroristic act," West said. "I want to make sure their memories stay with us and all the lessons they taught us. We'll never forget the loss we suffered, but we can choose to embrace forgiveness and hope as we move forward." The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, is considered the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in United States History. It resulted in the deaths of 168 people, 19 of which were children, and with hundreds of people injured. -END-

Mar 28, 2025

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson celebrates passage of Caucus priorities helping all Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, gave an update on House Democratic priorities as the First Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature reaches its halfway point. “I am pleased to announce House Democrats passed 30 bills off the House Floor that are now eligible to be heard in the Senate,” Leader Munson said. “All of these bills were in line with our priorities of lowering costs for working families, supporting public education, creating better access to healthcare and childcare, and protecting the most vulnerable Oklahomans. I am proud of every Member of the House Democratic Caucus for standing up for the rights of all Oklahomans and devoting their time and energy to working on policies we know will help the State of Oklahoma.” Bills passed off the House Floor by House Democrats include but are not limited to: HB 1848, Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, HD-70 An Employer tax credit for sharing in childcare costs to strengthen our workforce infrastructure. HB 1111, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, HD-88 Creates an elderly simplified application project for SNAP for 60+ or individuals with a disability. HB 1852, Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, HD-70 Protects consumers to ensure understanding of annual subscription commitments and requires reminder prior to renewal. HB 1982, Rep. Trish Ranson, HD-34 Requires textbook vendors have electronic materials available at time of sale. HB 1493, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, HD-46 Requires at least 30 minutes of daily recess for all-day Pre-K through 5th grade, leaving scheduling to local school boards. HB 1955, Rep. John Waldron, HD-77 Improves the National Board Certification process for Oklahoma teachers. HB 1849, Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, HD-70 For recruitment and retention of early childcare teachers offering no cost childcare incentive. HB 1834, Rep. Ellyn Hefner, HD-87 creates the Disaster Savings Account Act for a savings account designed to help individuals and families prepare for and recover from natural disasters, such as storms, floods, wildfires, and other severe weather events. HB 1831, Rep. Ellyn Hefner, HD-87 Creates the Oklahoma Community Health Workers Act: the legislative foundation to recognize Community Health Workers as an essential part of the healthcare system. HB 1389, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, HD-79 Covers diagnostic and supplemental mammograms with no cost-sharing. HB 1853, Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, HD-70 Expands deductibles to include cash payments for out-of-pocket medical services. HB 1137, Rep. Ron Stewart, HD-73 Allows state funding for the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons. HB 2235, Leader Cyndi Munson, HD-85 Updates compensation for those who are wrongfully convicted.   “While I am happy with the work we were able to accomplish, there is still so much more to do,” Leader Munson said. “Members of the House Democratic Caucus filed over 200 pieces of legislation that would raise the minimum wage, modernize and expand the sales tax relief credit, raise teacher and support staff pay, expand Oklahoma’s Promise, and ensure every child in our state has access to nutritious meals at schools. Unfortunately, these bills were not given a hearing by legislative Republican leaders. Moving bills through the legislative process is not an easy task, but Members of our Caucus continue—and will continue—to put in the hard work it takes to ensure everyday Oklahomans have the best chance of prosperity and success. We will never give up working to fight for all Oklahomans all across our state—we are committed to improving the lives of everyone.” -END-