OPINION/COLUMN
As we move into the second half of the legislative session, I want to speak not just as your state representative, but as someone who has spent over 40 years in healthcare as a nurse and nurse practitioner. I have seen firsthand the immense need that exists across Oklahoma for reliable, consistent and compassionate healthcare services.
And what I’m seeing now, with deep funding cuts to core state services, is deeply troubling.
From the recent DOGE report that was released by the Governor, state agencies will begin slashing vital programs, not because of fiscal irresponsibility on their part, but because of topdown directives from the Governor’s office.
Agencies have been told not to request additional funding, even when the need is clear and urgent.
This means fewer mental health services, reduced access to care in our rural communities and uncertainty for families who depend on these essential programs.
Let me be clear: I support tax cuts that directly benefit Oklahomans, cuts that put more money in your pocket, help you afford groceries or lower your utility bills. But these aren’t those kinds of tax cuts. These are cuts to services and the savings won’t show up in your paycheck; they’ll show up in the worst way possible.
You’ll feel them when you or a loved one has a mental health crisis and there’s no one to answer the call.
When you need help and the resources simply aren’t there.
If there is waste in our government, we absolutely should root it out. I fully support eliminating bureaucratic excess. But what we’re seeing now isn’t trimming fat, it’s cutting into the muscle and bone of our state’s support systems. We’re watching as the Department of Mental Health retroactively cuts contracts for services that have already been delivered, jeopardizing both providers and patients. We’ve lost track of $5 million meant for electronic medical records. And instead of investing in our own healthcare infrastructure, the state has contracted with an out-of-state provider with a shaky track record and a history of needing bailouts.
The Health Department has issued cease-anddesist letters on projects based on the DOGE report that is being implemented without transparency or legislative input. The result? Fewer services, higher costs and agencies being forced to do more with even less.
As a member of the Legislature, I take our constitutional responsibility to appropriate funds very seriously. The Legislature, and only the Legislature, has the authority to write and pass the state budget. And I want to reassure you that my colleagues and I are committed to crafting a budget that reflects the real needs of our communities. We will make sure that the people’s government is working for the people, not against them.
In other Capitol news, I recently had the honor of presenting a citation to Annika Pittman, a junior at Wynnewood High School and the 2025 OGPCA State Champion powerlifter. She set a state record with a 425-pound squat, 180-pound bench press and 425-pound deadlift, totaling 1,030 pounds. Annika is also the 2025 State Champion in shot put, an FFA officer, and active in cheer, softball and her church—an all-around impressive young leader.
I hope you‘re entering this month of April with a heart full of happiness and gratitude. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. My email address is cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the State Capitol!
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
