Representative Annie Menz

D

District 45

Hello, I’m Annie Menz and I’m proudly representing the people of Oklahoma’s 45th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Nov 10, 2025

Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus holds successful Youth Leadership Summit

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus hosted its inaugural Oklahoma Latino Youth Leadership Summit on Nov. 8. The event brought 110 young people together through engaging workshops, expert speakers, and peer-led discussions.  The students explored leadership and professional development, community advocacy, and public service, all with an Oklahoma focus. 70 high school juniors and seniors from Guymon, Ada, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and other towns across the state joined 40 college-age mentors, and the members of the Latino Caucus at the state capitol on Saturday.  “The simple truth is that these kids belong here,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “Our caucus is dedicated to investing in youth development and empowerment, and we were proud to provide this opportunity. It was striking to meet such an outstanding group of young people who are passionate about Oklahoma's future.” The Chairman of the Latino Caucus says he is feeling gratitude for the success of the event and those who contributed. “More than anything, we want to say thank you. To all of the staff and volunteers who showed up to help with the summit, and for the generous support of our sponsors,” said Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “We could not have accomplished such a successful event without them!” The summit was non-partisan and featured breakout sessions on civic engagement, campaign basics, public service, college and career readiness, and the power of intentional leadership. Attendees were able to connect with mentors, universities, community organizations, industry experts, and elected officials.  "This event gave me great optimism for the future,” said Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City. “Seeing young leaders engaging on themes of service and leadership reminded me of the impact we can have on others, especially the next generation. The Latino community is, and will continue to be, the fastest growing demographic in Oklahoma. As the community continues to grow in population, I hope that our elected representatives will reflect the makeup of our state. By starting this opportunity, we hope to ensure that young people see themselves involved in every role of public service." -END-

Oct 21, 2025

House Democratic Legislators comment on federal funding for SNAP to be suspended, urge federal support of Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, released the following statements after it was announced that federal funding for SNAP will be suspended beginning November 1, 2025, because of the federal government shutdown. “Just as we predicted earlier this month, Oklahomans are paying the price of our federal delegation refusing to work together. Over 684,600 Oklahomans–mainly the elderly, veterans, and children– rely on SNAP benefits, and now that burden will be placed on local community resources who are already overwhelmed. This is a direct result of those in Congress not doing the job they were elected to do to serve their constituents and protect the services and jobs on which Oklahomans rely. I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of local community resources as they need. I further urge the federal delegation to consider the consequences that will only continue to worsen the longer this shutdown continues and to do what needs to be done to protect Oklahomans who are just trying to make it by each day.”  –House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Oklahoma families are going to suffer because the Republican controlled federal government won’t compromise. This will be a hard Thanksgiving unless we learn to compromise. I’m calling on our state’s federal delegation to come up with a deal that protects essential services for working families.”  –Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa “Oklahomans are already struggling to afford food, and halting SNAP benefits in November will be devastating for families and seniors who are barely making ends meet. SNAP is our state’s safety net against hunger. While nonprofits and churches will do their best to step up, they simply cannot fill the gap this would create.” – Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City “I’m worried for the families who will have to make even more tough decisions this holiday season due to bad choices in Washington D.C. In a time where government leaders should be working to end hunger, this move will only make hunger more severe and widespread. People deserve better. Since the federal government has failed us once again, it is my hope that all of my colleagues work together to meet needs and fund programs at the state level to keep people fed.”  –Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) says that unless the federal government resolves the shutdown, no new SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1. Recipients can continue using their current SNAP benefits and any remaining balance on their EBT card through October 31. OKDHS says it is unclear whether existing balances will remain available beginning in November. For now, OKDHS recommends continuing to use your benefits through October and to plan and budget in order to get the best use of your existing SNAP benefits. Recipients are to continue to submit all eligibility and recertification paperwork as usual and are encouraged to check on updates from OKDHS as they arrive. Local resources can be found on the  Be a Neighbor page. -END-

Oct 21, 2025

Latino Caucus Announces Youth Leadership Conference, Aims to Inspire Next Generation of State Leaders

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is proud to announce its inaugural Youth Leadership Summit, set for November 8th, 2025, at the Oklahoma Capitol. This free, day-long conference will bring together high school juniors and seniors from across Oklahoma for an immersive experience of learning, connection, and civic empowerment. The Oklahoma Latino Youth Leadership Summit will equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and community support they need to lead in their schools, neighborhoods, and the state as a whole. Through engaging workshops, keynote speakers, and peer-led discussions, participants will explore leadership and professional development, community advocacy, and public service, all with an Oklahoma focus. “One of the key elements of the Latino Caucus mission is to invest in the future of our community, and we could think of no better way to do that than to invest in training its young people,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “We have worked hard with many community partners to create a program that will help students see themselves not just as future leaders, but as leaders today, highly capable of shaping the direction of their lives, communities, and our state.” The non-partisan summit will feature breakout sessions on civic engagement, campaign basics, public service, college and career readiness, and the power of intentional leadership. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with mentors, elected officials, and community changemakers who are committed to supporting their growth. “Oklahoma’s future depends on the voices and vision of its youth,” said Menz. “This summit reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by age or race, but it is defined by purpose, courage, and compassion. We are looking forward to a successful event and hope to host one every year going forward.” Application is now open at https://form.jotform.com/252804942715157, and participation is free for all students. Students not of Latino/Hispanic heritage are also welcome to attend, but all applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school. Educators, mentors, and community organizations are also encouraged to attend and support this inspiring movement to cultivate the next generation of Oklahoma leaders. -END- About the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus: The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is a collective body representing the Hispanic/Latino population of the State of Oklahoma, with the mission of promoting positive outcomes for the Oklahoma Latino Community through legislation, education, social advancement, and communication; as well as working to preserve and protect our shared culture. For additional information, please email oklatinocaucus@gmail.com.