Representative Tammy West

R

District 84

Hi, I’m Tammy West and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 84th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Whip

58th Legislature

Majority Whip

60th Legislature

Majority Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

Rep. Tammy West Reminds Oklahomans to Apply for Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is encouraging eligible Oklahomans to apply for the Caring for Caregivers tax credit while filing their 2024 taxes.  In 2023, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Caring for Caregivers Act , designed to help offset some out-of-pocket expenses family caregivers pay for. This spring marks the first time qualifying Oklahomans can file for the credit.  Individuals must be a dependent, spouse, parent or other relation by blood or marriage to the family caregiver. Oklahomans receiving care from a family caregiver must be 62 years of age or older and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living as certified by a licensed health care provider.  "Whenever someone cares for a loved one, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars, inevitably arise," West said. "This legislation is truly significant—not only for the families receiving the tax credit but for strengthening Oklahoma’s family structure as a whole. I encourage every eligible Oklahoman to take advantage of this important support."  The Caring for Caregivers tax credit is capped at $2,000 per year for family caregivers with a federally adjusted gross income below $50,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers. Those caring for veterans or people with a dementia-related diagnosis are eligible for up to $3,000 per year. The total cap for the state is $1.5 million per year.  According to the AARP, Oklahoma’s 490,000 family caregivers contribute an astounding $6.6 billion in unpaid care and dedicate more than 450 million hours annually to caring for loved ones.  Other states offer smaller tax credits to certain caregivers or for expenses like home modifications, but Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to adopt an expansive tax credit for family caregivers.  West said she may run future legislation to expand the tax credit if there are enough Oklahomans who file for it this year.  Oklahomans who believe they may qualify can visit www.aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit to view the Caring for Caregivers Act Tax Credit Eligibility Tool and read frequently asked questions. The deadline to file 2024 taxes is April 15.

Feb 5, 2025
Recent Posts

House Recognizes Sanctity of Life with Rose Day Resolution

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today adopted a resolution recognizing the right to life of the unborn and commemorating the annual Rose Day celebration. House Majority Whip Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, authored House Resolution 1004, which recognizes the significance of Rose Day, Oklahoma's annual pro-life rally at the Capitol. HR1004 was coauthored by a majority of House Republicans. "Rose Day is a long-standing tradition in our state Legislature," West said. "Each year, hundreds of individuals who cherish life come together to distribute roses to their elected officials, serving as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the unborn. It’s a meaningful tradition that highlights one of the most precious gifts we are entrusted with. Oklahoma has led the way in adopting legislation to defend unborn children, and we will continue to do so." The resolution reads, "on Rose Day 2025, hundreds of our fellow Oklahomans will take time out of their busy lives to come to their State Capitol to make a public statement respecting the sanctity of human life and the worth of every unborn individual and to speak with their elected officials" and "members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives greatly appreciate the heartfelt involvement of these committed Oklahoma citizens, both young and old, male and female." This year, Rebecca Kiessling spoke to attendees on the House floor during the Rose Day annual program. Kiessling, who speaks to various pro-life organizations internationally, shared her personal experience as a child that was conceived by rape. She is now an attorney and has helped pregnant rape victims all around the world choose life for their children. 

Apr 25, 2024
Recent Posts

Gov. Signs Assisted Living Clarification Bill into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt this week signed into law a bill that clarifies the rights and responsibilities of Oklahomans seeking to move into an assisted living center.  House Bill 3919 is authored by House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City. "There are many respected referral agencies that work closely with prospective assisted living residents, but there is some ambiguity regarding residents' rights," West said. "This legislation is an attempt to provide clarification on the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved so that those choosing this living option can do so with confidence and knowledge."   West said the bill was a collaboration between the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association, which represents assisted living centers across the state, and A Place for Mom, which is the nation's top senior living referral agency. "This bill adds consumer protections for our constituents looking to move into assisted living, and it works to keep bad actors out of that space," West said. "It works to protect and create a healthy environment for residents and operators in Oklahoma." West worked with Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, to secure a solution that is good for all Oklahomans.  Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the Senate author of the legislation. “As someone who built her career working in assisted living facilities, I know finding the perfect home for an aging family member can be a difficult and stressful experience,” Garvin said. “Although I am no longer in the industry, I believe House Bill 3919 will protect consumers by ensuring families aren’t charged unexpected fees when working with a referral agency to find the best nursing home or assisted living facility for their loved one.”  HB3919 builds upon West's prior work to help Oklahoma's aging population. In 2023, West's House Bill 1029XX – the Caring for Caregivers Act – was signed into law, making Oklahoma the first in the nation to adopt an expansive caregiver tax credit for those providing in-home care for a loved one. In 2021, West secured passage of House Bill 1887, which addressed the use of antipsychotic drugs for residents in assisted living and long-term care centers.