Representative Forrest Bennett

D

District 92

Hi, I’m Forrest Bennett and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 92nd District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Whip

60th Legislature

Assistant Minority Leader

58th Legislature

Assistant Minority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 30, 2024
Recent Posts

McBride, Bennett Praise Signing of Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, today celebrated the governor's signing of House Bill 3305, establishing the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. The Commission will consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission is required to report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Many Oklahomans are of Irish descent or have close ties to the Emerald Isle," McBride said. "We've enjoyed a rich history of sharing resources and trust with this longtime trade partner and ally. The work of this Commission will increase and strengthen our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride, the House author of the measure, said it was important this move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was co-authored and carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Bennett. "I'm thrilled to see us one step closer to making the Commission a reality," Bennett said. "We've already received enthusiastic interest from Oklahomans in the private sector, as well as the support of our colleagues, and we look forward to utilizing the Irish Trade Commission to build on the strong economic and cultural ties that bind us with Ireland." Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the Senate author of the bill. The legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. It matches efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions.  In committee, Bennett said that Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennett also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland. 

Mar 6, 2024
Recent Posts

McBride Praises Passage of Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, today commented on the House passage of House Bill 3305 that would establish the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The commission would consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission would be required report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Ireland has long been a great trade partner and an important ally to the United States and to the state of Oklahoma," McBride said. "We have many residents in our state of Irish descent, and we have a rich history of sharing resources. This will help increase our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride is the House author of the measure, but he said it was important that it move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City.  "I'm thrilled to see progress on this project," Bennett said. "Oklahoma's ties to Ireland go back many, many years, and this commission will ensure that our relationship continues and strengthens into the future. Working with Rep. McBride on this legislation has been great and reinforces the desire to forge further bipartisanship through this commission." Bennett said the legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. He said there are efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions. He also shared some statistics. Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennet also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland. HB3305 passed the House on a vote of 88-2. It now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada. 

Jan 26, 2024

Bennett Comments on State Superintendent's Negligence

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representative Forrest Bennett, D-OKC, says it is unfair to ask Oklahoma teachers to repay their errant bonuses after being granted the bonus by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The bonus program was created by the OSDE to incentivize teachers to return to the classroom and reward longtime educators. The bonus program came with a list of qualifications for the OSDE to confirm via an application before granting the bonuses that went up to $50,000. “I know it’s hard to stay on top of every little thing happening at the department, especially when you spend so little of your time in your office, but to pin the blame on teachers, some of whom were encouraged by school supervisors who believed these teachers were eligible for the program, is beyond unfair,” Bennett said. At least nine Oklahoma teachers received letters from the OSDE stating they need to repay their bonuses by the end of February. “This follows a pattern of poor fiscal management by the State Superintendent,” Bennett said in reference to the GEER fund scandal. “It is clear to me that the mistakes made here came from the OSDE, and the OSDE should eat the cost,” Bennett said. “I figure it will taste a lot like humble pie.” -END-