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-
