Representative Daniel Pae

R

District 62

Hi, I’m Daniel Pae and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 62nd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Oct 25, 2025
Recent Posts

Lawmakers Call OJA Leadership Change a Chance to Refocus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City; Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh; and Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, released the following joint statement after the resignation of Office of Juvenile Affairs Director Tim Tardibono amid recent concerns at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center: “We acknowledge Tim Tardibono’s decision to step down as director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. This change gives the agency a chance to restore stability and refocus on its core mission of helping Oklahoma’s youth succeed. “New leadership is a positive step but we know that leadership changes alone don’t fix long-term problems. The challenges at COJC, including staff injuries, low morale and daily operational strain, need real, lasting attention. “We’re calling on the interim director and the OJA Board to move quickly and transparently to strengthen the agency. That means ensuring safe staffing levels, rebuilding morale, supporting trauma-informed care and keeping the focus on rehabilitation and youth development. “We welcome Sharon ‘Shel’ Millington as interim director and look forward to working with OJA leadership, state officials and community partners to bring forward meaningful reforms next session. “The work ahead is significant but we share the same goal: to protect staff, support youth and restore public confidence in Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system.”

Oct 21, 2025
Recent Posts

Pae, Gise Speak on SNAP Updates

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

Aug 5, 2025
Recent Posts

Pae Honored as 2025 Legislative Champion by National Mental Health Nonprofit

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named a 2025 Legislative Champion by Mental Health America (MHA), the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit focused on mental health advocacy, education and policy. Pae, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, was nominated for the award by Mental Health Association Oklahoma in recognition of his work as co-chair of the bipartisan Oklahoma Mental Health Caucus.  "I’m truly honored to receive this award from Mental Health America," Pae said. "Mental health is essential to the overall well-being of our communities, and there is growing momentum in Oklahoma to treat mental health with the urgency and compassion it deserves. I’m proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand access to resources and support."  He was also honored for authoring House Bill 2012 , which extended harm reduction programming to help address substance use and improve community health outcomes across the state. The bill passed the House but was not heard on the Senate floor this year.