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

May 7, 2025
Recent Posts

Bill expanding diagnostic mammography access vetoed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, released the following statement after HB 1389 was vetoed by the Governor.  The bill adds contrast-enhanced mammograms and molecular breast imaging to the list of what a diagnostic examination for breast cancer may include.  “Yesterday, the Governor vetoed HB 1389, which sought to expand access to diagnostic mammograms for women across Oklahoma. “Back in 2022, we passed legislation to cover diagnostic mammograms. This is the very next test that gets ordered when your doctor finds something on your annual screening mammogram. In the two years since, we've come to realize that not every woman has access to the same machines, depending on where you live in Oklahoma. I've also fielded call after call from women who say their insurance companies are pushing back on coverage, despite what the law says. In the simplest of terms, HB 1389 clarifies the language so no matter where you live–be it Guymon, Tulsa or Broken Bow, your access to care is there. “This bill seeks to make sure every woman can get care, regardless of her zip code. “1 in 8 women across America will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In Oklahoma, that number is closer to 1 in 6. Men can be diagnosed with breast cancer too, and this bill covers them, too. “Yesterday, I was stunned and in disbelief. Now it's time to get to work.” -END-

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-

Mar 31, 2025

House, Senate Democrats file resolutions on OSDE social studies standards

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leaders of the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses issued the following statements on Monday after filing two measures, House Joint Resolution 1030 and Senate Joint Resolution 19, disapproving the new social studies standards approved and submitted by the State Board of Education. “Since 2023, House Democrats have made six different calls to reign in the State Superintendent, and we have yet to see any real accountability from the State Superintendent or OSDE. While I am encouraged by the new Stitt-appointed OSDE board members to hold the superintendent and department accountable, these new standards are concerning when thinking about the future of public education in Oklahoma. They are not available for public comment and any input from the legislature and education experts has been ignored. By prioritizing the injection of politics and religion into our public school classrooms, the State Superintendent continues to be emboldened to put his political agenda over the needs of our teachers, students, and families." – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Oklahoma teachers feel uncertain about the future because the department designed to work with them has left them behind, and efforts to hold the department accountable by the new board members have not been heard. I disapprove these social studies standards because they disregard the interests, advice, and needs of public schools in Oklahoma. The best approach here is to reject the standards and send them back for further review from the State School Board. OSDE needs to heed the advice of experts, not political groups. Our students deserve correct, objective course material to fully prepare and equip them for the future. Oklahomans need a department of education dedicated to doing right by them.” – Assistant House Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “Every child deserves a great education, and that means we must be focused on one thing – getting teachers and schools the resources they need to educate every child. Superintendent Ryan Walters is putting politics over kids, and that undermines the quality education our children should get. The Legislature has the power to reject the social studies standards, but we have a short timeline to do that. This is about putting people over politics.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.  "Oklahoma has a clear, time-tested process for updating academic standards – one that relies on educators and parents to ensure students receive a high-quality education. Instead of respecting that process, the state superintendent has disregarded their work, bringing in national partisan groups to rewrite our social studies standards. This political interference undermines the integrity of our education system and silences the voices of those who know our students best. We must reject this proposal and stand by the educators and families who have long shaped our state’s curriculum." – Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.  -END-