Representative Ellyn Hefner

D

District 87

Hi, I’m Ellyn Hefner and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 87th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Dec 6, 2024
Recent Posts

Hefner, Swope in Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills Class of 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Amanda Swope, D-Tulsa, were both part of the Center for Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS) Class of 2024. CALS is a leadership advancement program that brings together Southern state officials from all branches of government in a non-partisan environment to hone leadership skills in order to better serve the public. Hefner, House District 87, has served on the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) advisory committee, which provides input on DDS policy proposed by the Department of Human Services. Most of her advocacy is held in the disability realm, where she served as an ambassador for ABLE accounts with the State Treasurer's office. "The CALS program provided a unique opportunity to build relationships with legislators from Southern states while learning to lead with confidence, advocate for my community, and strengthen bipartisan partnerships,” said Hefner. “It has truly deepened my commitment to fostering growth and improving outcomes for Oklahomans." Swope, House District 71, has served on multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion committees, and police advisory councils as well as volunteering with organizations like the Community Service Council, Junior League of Tulsa, Tulsa Young Professionals, Junior Achievement, Little Blue House, the Terence Crutcher Foundation, Tulsa Spotlight Theatre, and Tulsa Historical Society & Museum. “CALS was a great opportunity to interact with legislators from other states and to learn practical skills to perfect our roles as leaders,” said Swope. “It provided strategies to improve qualities like communication, collaboration, and decisiveness that are essential to the work we do in the legislature.” -END-

Oct 21, 2024
Recent Posts

Hefner Condemns Corporal Punishment, Calls for Positive Discipline in Schools

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement today in response to an upcoming interim study on the “Effectiveness of Properly Administered Corporal Punishment.” Hefner strongly criticized the practice, emphasized its harmful effects on children’s well-being and called for the use of positive, non-violent discipline in schools. “Corporal punishment in schools is an outdated and harmful practice that negatively impacts the emotional, psychological, and educational well-being of children,” Hefner said. “Research has consistently shown that physical punishment does not improve behavior or learning outcomes.” Citing research from leading organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Hefner highlighted the significant risks associated with corporal punishment. The APA has long advocated for its abolition, linking it to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, and mental health challenges. The organization asserts that physical punishment “teaches children that violence is an acceptable means of solving problems.” Similarly, the AAP’s 2018 policy statement underscores the negative consequences of corporal punishment on children's development. The statement notes that physical punishment can lead to higher rates of aggression, defiance, and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. According to the AAP, “hitting children does not teach them how to behave or improve their self-control; rather, it increases the likelihood of poor outcomes.” Hefner also referenced a study published in  Pediatrics , which found that children who experience corporal punishment are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors and struggle academically due to cognitive difficulties. “These findings make it clear that corporal punishment is not only ineffective, but also detrimental to children’s development and success,” Hefner said. “Instead of relying on physical punishment, schools should adopt positive discipline techniques that teach and guide children without violence. This approach creates an environment where students feel safe, respected, and better equipped to learn and grow.” -END-

Aug 8, 2024

Hefner Joins Governor for Ceremonial Signing of Oklahoma Access and Achievement Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, celebrates with Governor Kevin Stitt for delivering big for Oklahomans with disabilities. The new law expands Oklahoma Promise to set up scholarships for Oklahomans to attend qualified post-secondary programs designed to support students with intellectual disabilities. “This is an exciting day for our state, we are expanding laws to include Oklahomans that have previously been left behind. When we support education opportunities for everyone, it strengthens our entire state and workforce,” Hefner said. “I applaud the bi-partisan effort to get this law across the finish line.” Hefner was joined by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, Senator Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, teachers and students from SoonerWorks at the University of Oklahoma, Opportunity Orange at Oklahoma State University and the RiverHawks from Northeastern State University. Also present were stakeholders and advocates from the ARC, Oklahoma Developmental Disability Council, integral House Staff, and more. All these experts were instrumental in the passing of this legislation. “These programs at our state schools increase development and growth of academic, work, and personal skills. Along with independent living, friendships, and self-advocacy. The outcome data shows program participants are employed post-graduation at significantly higher rates with higher average wages,” Hefner said. -END-