House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, and Rick West, R-Heavener, on Thursday sent letters to the governor and Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) Commissioner Joshua Anderson expressing concern over a fill-in-the-blank resignation email state employees said they received from the department. "As legislators representing constituents who are employees being impacted by the recent privatization of four state Behavioral Health Clinics, we write to share the concerns that have been brought to our attention by the employees," the lawmakers wrote. "These employees have already faced a significant amount of uncertainty as they navigate this transition and make important decisions regarding their employment, benefits, and their families' futures. Many have relied upon assurances regarding continued employment and the manner in which the transition would be handled."  Grego and West said they received copies of a recent "resignation email" sent to employees who live in their House districts. The email contains ODMHSAS letterhead the commissioner's name, but then leaves the date and the recipient information lines blank. It reads, "Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as ____ at _____. My last day of employment will be ____. Sincerely ____." Grego and West said they are concerned that employees across the state have received similar emails, which they have created considerable confusion and concern. "Employees are questioning whether they are now being required to resign from state employment as part of this transition and, if so, what effect a resignation could have on any compensation, benefits, leave balances, retirement considerations or other transition package they were previously told they would receive," they wrote. Grego and West said this letter comes after the privatization of community mental health facilities, including one in McAlester, OK, which serves 10 counties in Southeast Oklahoma. There are other areas of the state impacted by this as well. Grego and West said they are concerned by reports from employees who feel the language of the communication is inconsistent with what they previously understood regarding the transition. Some are concerned they are effectively being subjected to a reduction in force, despite having previously been assured this would not be the case. "The employees deserve clear and accurate information before being asked to sign, acknowledge, or submit anything that could potentially affect their employment status or benefits," they wrote. They asked the commissioner for clarification regarding the intent and effect of the recent resignation communication. Specifically, they want him to clarify whether affected employees are being required to resign from ODMHSAS; whether doing so changes their eligibility for benefits, compensation, leave, retirement considerations, or transition assistance previously communicated to them; and whether any aspect of the employment transition has changed from what employees were originally told. "These individuals have dedicated themselves to serving some of Oklahoma's most vulnerable citizens," Grego and West wrote. "Their lives and livelihoods are understandably in a period of considerable upheaval, and uncertainty surrounding their employment status only adds to that burden." A copy of their full letter can be read here . 

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, has been reappointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) by Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I am grateful for the chance to continue serving on the Commission on the Status of Women to help support women and families across Oklahoma," West said. "This commission provides an important opportunity to bring people together, highlight the contributions of Oklahoma women and help ensure their voices are part of conversations that affect our state." The 30-member commission was established by the Legislature in 1994 to strengthen and empower women across Oklahoma through education, collaboration and celebration. Members serve staggered terms and are appointed in equal thirds by the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House. The commission reports annually to state leaders and hosts community conversations and the biennial Oklahoma Women’s Summit. OCSW also recognizes female leaders through the Guardian Award, Kate Barnard Award and induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. West was initially appointed as Commissioner in 2017, and she received the Guardian Award from OCSW in 2024. Her current term ends June 30, 2031. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, will host two interim studies this week focused on rising housing costs and classroom discipline in Oklahoma. As housing becomes more expensive, Hall's first study will take a closer look at what is driving those costs and what can be addressed at the state level. The discussion will cover free-market approaches, private property rights, regulatory burdens and the balance between affordability, quality and safety. Hall's second study will look at the role discipline plays in creating a classroom environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The study will consider how discipline and classroom culture affect student outcomes, character development and teacher retention, as well as what lawmakers can do to better support educators. "These studies are an opportunity to hear from national experts and local leaders to get a better understanding of what is already happening in these areas," Hall said. "As we evaluate what role the Legislature should play in addressing the issues of housing costs and school discipline, we want to hear from the people who work in these fields every day. We know they can help identify where, if anywhere, state policy changes could be helpful. Once these conclude, we'll have a better idea of what our next steps should be." The housing study will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 206. The school discipline study will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Room 450. Both will be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol. -END- Rep. Rob Hall, a Republican, represents District 67 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Bixby and Tulsa.