Representative Ellen Pogemiller

D

District 88

Hi, I’m Ellen Pogemiller and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 88th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Feb 5, 2025

House Democrats lay out policy agenda for 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Oklahoma House Democrats laid out their legislative priorities for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature during a press conference. “House Democrats remain focused on working Oklahomans and providing solutions to the real problems they face every day,” Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said. “We will work to lower the cost of living between paychecks, ensure every child receives a free, quality public education, and increase access to affordable healthcare because we know we all have the best chance of success when we are healthy. Oklahomans deserve leaders focused on making that possible.” Specific bills that were highlighted: HB 2228; HB 1847; HB 1396; HB 1112; HB 2092; and HB 1709 HB 2228, Leader Munson:  Modernizes and expands the Sales Tax Relief Credit and will increase the refund amount to $200 for those earning up to $75K, depending on age, disability, and number of dependents. HB 1847, Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa:  Eliminates unnecessary and costly regulation mandating fire sprinkler systems for family home childcares.  HB 1396, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa:  Makes it unlawful to raise private school tuition as a result of the school opting to accept the Parent Choice Tax Credit. Makes it unlawful to require that a parent apply for the voucher tax credit as a condition of school acceptance. HB 1112, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City:  Increases public school teacher pay by $5K and increases school support staff pay by 6%. HB 2092, Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman:  Expands the free school lunch program. HB 1709, Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City:  Makes sure medical debt accrued because of receiving life saving care does not get reported to credit agencies. This is not an exhaustive list of bills filed by House Democratic Members for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. -END-

Jan 14, 2025

Pogemiller introduces bills to support public education

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, has introduced several bills to help support public education based on her experience working with educators and her time speaking with her community on concerns regarding public education.  “The number one issue that was discussed when I was knocking doors and speaking to my constituents was education,” Pogemiller said. “Students must have access to the mental health resources they need, as this is the best way to ensure their success during their time at school, after graduation, and as they enter the workforce. Teachers and support staff also need to be paid more. Oklahoma is falling behind when it comes to giving our public school employees a fair and competitive wage and this is one way to keep teachers in the State of Oklahoma. Chronic absenteeism continues to be a challenge for our students, but we can't penalize students through our truancy laws or schools through the Oklahoma State Report Card. Replacing the chronic absenteeism indicator with a school community survey will ensure that families, students, and educators are identifying the success and needs of individual schools. I've heard the concerns, and my priority is focusing on legislation that supports and uplifts public schools and their employees to ensure that our students are successful.” HB 1128 would reinstate the school counselor corps program, when ARPA dollars were utilized to help hire additional school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals in school districts across the state. According to the American School Counselor Association, increasing the number of counselors available to students can increase standardized testing scores, reduce absenteeism, and improve postsecondary results. HB 1112 would give public school teachers a pay raise of $5K and a 6% pay increase for support staff.  HB 1113 would create guardrails to ensure adjunct educators are on a pathway to becoming either traditionally, alternatively, or emergency certified.  HB 1131 removes chronic absenteeism from the Oklahoma School Report Card and replaces it with a school community survey. HB 1109 would decriminalize youth truancy while establishing a progressive intervention program through the school that fosters a compassionate and effective approach to addressing absenteeism. It recognizes truancy as a complex issue best solved through collaboration, understanding, and community resources. -END-

Nov 20, 2024
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Leader Munson welcomes, introduces New Members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, welcomed three new members to the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City; Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa; and Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa. “Congratulations and a warm welcome to our new members Ellen Pogemiller, Ron Stewart, and Michelle McCane,” Leader Munson said. “I am excited to work with these incredible individuals and look forward to serving the State of Oklahoma alongside my House Democratic colleagues returning to the State Capitol. House Democrats will remain focused on lowering costs for working Oklahoma families, keeping public dollars in public schools, pushing back against harmful rhetoric and actions from our State Superintendent, and ensuring Oklahomans have access to the healthcare they need. The House Democratic Caucus is committed to putting Oklahomans first.”  Pogemiller says she is honored to get to serve those in her district. “It is a huge honor to serve House District 88 and carry their stories from their doorsteps to the steps of the capitol,” Pogemiller said. “I will work to improve the lives of those who have graciously entrusted me to serve them, specifically through efforts to increase access to affordable housing, community resources, and support for our public education systems.”  Stewart looks forward to serving the district where he grew up. “Being elected and given the opportunity to serve the very district in which I grew up is beyond exciting and an honor that I do not take for granted,” Stewart said. “Having intimate knowledge and personal relationships with the families, schools, businesses, and other constituents fuels my desire and commitment to serve them well.” McCane says she is excited to bring her experience as an educator to the capitol. “I am truly honored to have the privilege to serve the people of House District 72,” McCane said. “I look forward to using my teacher's voice to bring the voices of my district to the House floor and I am excited to get to work.” -END-