Representative Suzanne Schreiber

D

District 70

Hi, I’m Suzanne Schreiber and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 70th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 15, 2024
Recent Posts

House Democrats respond to Oklahoma grand jury report of misspent pandemic relief funds by State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democrats responded to an Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury report finding significant mismanagement and misspending of the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) Fund. “This report highlights what happens when those in power choose not to hold themselves accountable to hard working taxpayers,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Knowing there is a severe lack of training on management of public funds and consequences for mismanagement of public funds in state statute, the State Superintendent and Governor were emboldened to misuse money meant to help Oklahoma public schools. Improper management of finances is completely avoidable, and as leaders in our state, it was the responsibility of the State Superintendent and Governor to put mechanisms in place for accuracy, accountability, and transparency when spending public taxpayer money. They continue to fail our teachers, students, and families – and this multi-county grand jury report couldn’t be clearer on that.” Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, says internal controls to protect from corruption were ignored. “After four years of asking for an investigation into the abuse of GEER funds, today we learned that the officials charged with transparent disbursement of these dollars disregarded internal controls designed to prevent corruption,” Provenzano said. “We learned that whether or not Oklahomans got access to GEER dollars may have been based on registered political party and voting district rather than established qualifications. I struggle to understand how indifference to state internal controls and federal guidelines is not willful negligence. Corruption comes in many forms. This doesn't pass the smell test.” The report from the Multi-County Grand Jury said while there is not sufficient evidence for indictments, their findings “uncovered deeply troubling practices.” “Oklahoma is responsible for these funds regardless of indictment charges,” said Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. “We must hold those who mishandled these tax dollars accountable.” Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, says the public deserves better from its leaders. “These were taxpayer dollars,” Schreiber said. “Superintendent Walters' failure to care for and manage them in service to the education of Oklahoma’s kids is harmful to us all. As public servants, we owe the public so much better than this.” Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, says Oklahomans deserve to know where accountability is coming from. “I was frustrated but not surprised by this news,” Menz said. “State Superintendent Ryan Walters is willfully and gleefully burning through millions in taxpayer dollars because he thinks people aren’t paying attention. We are. And every voter in Oklahoma deserves to know who is holding him accountable before they head to the polls next month.” Read the full report  here. -END-

Jul 10, 2024

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber Named State Chamber Legislator of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, was named one of the Oklahoma State Chamber’s five Legislators of the Year. Schreiber elevated the childcare crisis within the State Capitol during her first term in office and authored several bills addressing the issue. Strengthening the childcare industry has been a priority for both the State Chamber and Schreiber since being sworn in two years ago.  “The State Chamber is a leader for Oklahoma’s workforce development, recruitment and retention, and they understand affordable, accessible, quality childcare is fundamental to that work. I am honored to be recognized by them,” Schreiber said. “They have been a powerful partner advocating for this critical need for employers and businesses throughout the state. I am grateful for our work together and know we will continue to push important legislation so that families have the childcare they need and employers have access to the workforce they need.” One of Schreiber’s childcare bills was signed into law in 2023. The law has streamlined regulations pertaining to the licensing of family home childcare facilities across the state ensuring these small businesses can operate efficiently and safely without unnecessary red tape.    Schreiber has also pushed to establish tax credits for employers who share in the cost of childcare with their employees and for recruitment and retention incentives for childcare professionals. “Both the State Chamber and I know this remains a critical need for employers and families across the State,” Schreiber said. She will continue to work with her colleagues and stakeholders to bring solutions to the State Capitol.  -END-

May 21, 2024
Recent Posts

Legislators Work Together to Get Medical Debt and Price Transparency Bill Across Finish Line

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 4148 authored by Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Oklahoma City, was recently signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. The new law ensures patients know the cost of common medical procedures and aren’t saddled with debt because they were unaware of what that procedure would cost. Nearly one in four Oklahomans carry the burden of medical debt and it is the cause of at least 25% of bankruptcies in the state. This bill requires compliance with federal and state law requiring price transparency in common medical procedures and services. While some providers already do share cash pricing, many are lagging behind. With this bill, providers who are not compliant with price transparency laws will not be able to obtain a judgment for that medical debt.  “I am hopeful that by strengthening our price transparency laws we can reduce the number of Oklahomans with medical debt. When seeking medical care for yourself or a loved one, you should be able to easily know the cost of the care so that you can make informed decisions just like we do with any other service,” Schreiber said.  Patients' Rights Advocate Founder Cynthia Fisher said "We applaud Governor Stitt, Representative Schreiber and the entire Oklahoma Legislature on this great achievement that will benefit all healthcare consumers in Oklahoma. It will help protect patients, families and employers from overcharges and ensure that Oklahomans have the functional, competitive healthcare marketplace they deserve."  “I am thrilled to have this policy in place to help Oklahomans with the real problems they face in everyday life. I am grateful to my colleagues Rep. Lepak and Sen. Daniels for helping get this done – it was truly a team effort. I know they join me in applauding Governor Stitt for signing the measure into law,” Schreiber said.