OPINION/COLUMN
I had the honor of attending the Women in Government Leadership and Innovation Summit in La Jolla, California last month. I was recently named the organization’s House Republican State Director, and I’m truly honored by the appointment. Women in Government brings together women legislators from across the country to share ideas, learn from one another and discuss policy challenges that affect every state.
During the summit, state directors were recognized for their work, and I’m grateful to represent Oklahoma in that setting. The support and collaboration within this group are encouraging, and I look forward to bringing what I learned back home.
I also want to take a moment to address a topic many Oklahomans have reached out about. Recently, an independent board voted to increase legislative pay, and some have expressed concern that lawmakers gave themselves a raise. I understand why people might assume that, so I want to be sure the process is clear.
Legislators cannot vote on their own salaries. Those decisions are made by the Board on Legislative Compensation and the Statewide Official Compensation Commission, which are made up of the same nine members. Four are appointed by the governor, two by the Senate and two by the House. The board must meet every odd-numbered year in October and decide by November whether any adjustments are needed.
The board voted this year to increase base legislative pay from $47,500 to $54,900. It is the first adjustment since 2019, and that one was the first in 20 years. The commission also approved raises for all 11 statewide elected officials, the first since 2009. These decisions followed the process outlined in state law and were based on a review of compensation levels and comparisons with other states.
I know compensation can be a sensitive subject, but I hope this explanation helps answer some of the questions I’ve been hearing. My goal is always to be transparent and keep you informed.
Thank you for allowing me to serve. I care deeply about each of you and keep you in my prayers. I am grateful that I get to represent our great District 42.
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.
