OPINION/COLUMN
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on a busy and meaningful year serving the people of District 42.
Lawmakers filed more than 1,900 bills in the House this year, and of those, 527 ultimately made it to the governor’s desk. Our state faced important decisions, including considering vetoes and taking action to ensure the laws passed serve Oklahomans effectively.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to make a difference this year.
I was honored to be appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to serve as the Oklahoma House majority party representative on the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board. I also joined the 2025 class of the Milbank Fellows Program, a national initiative focused on improving health outcomes across the country. My experiences there, including in-person sessions with health leaders and lawmakers, will help me bring best practices home to strengthen care in our communities.
Speaker Hilbert also appointed me to a bipartisan committee to review the financial practices of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
With my background as a nurse practitioner, I worked alongside colleagues and experts to investigate challenges and identify steps to prevent future crises. This effort is part of a broader commitment to oversight, transparency and responsible management in state government. This work will continue in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which is quickly approaching.
This year, I had the honor of attending the Women in Government Leadership and Innovation Summit in La Jolla, California, and being named House Republican State Director for the organization.
Bringing together women legislators from across the country to share ideas and address policy challenges was inspiring and will help guide my work here at home.
I have also focused on issues directly affecting our communities. This year, I led interim studies on topics ranging from abandoned marijuana facilities and their cleanup to long-term care placement for hospitalized patients to lung cancer screening and prevention. I continued work on preventing the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors, keeping youth healthy and out of addiction, and addressing important public health priorities.
Beyond the work in the legislature, one of my favorite parts of this year has been giving citations to so many individuals and organizations in District 42. Our district is truly special, filled with people who care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and the future of Oklahoma. Seeing that commitment firsthand has been a highlight of my service.
As we welcome in 2026, I want to wish every family in District 42 a Happy New Year! I hope 2026 brings you health, happiness and many new opportunities. I remain committed to working for you and for the best possible outcomes for our district and our state.
I am here to listen to your concerns and answer any of your questions. My email address is cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at 405-557-7365.
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.
