Representative Forrest Bennett

D

District 92

Hi, I’m Forrest Bennett and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 92nd District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Whip

60th Legislature

Assistant Minority Leader

58th Legislature

Assistant Minority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 6, 2025

House Democratic members comment on bill redundancy, need to rein in State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic members Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, and Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statements addressing HB 1621’s passage out of the Government Oversight Committee today. “This bill creates a new law and grows government in an unnecessary way,” Leader Munson said. “It does nothing to hold the State Superintendent accountable and instead takes the advice of an out-of-state advocacy group instead of considering the real needs of Oklahomans. This bill is more about creating political leverage than improving public education in Oklahoma. The State Superintendent does not follow the current transparency process and if we actually listened to Oklahomans, especially those in public education, we would be working to hold him accountable to the current processes we have.” Fugate reiterated that the Oklahoma State Department of Education already has a transparency process. “This bill is not necessary. Oklahoma has had a comprehensive transparency portal for all state government activities, including OSDE, since the Governor launched it in 2019. The portal is here:  https://oklahomastate.opengov.com/ .” Fugate said.  “I understand members are justifiably outraged by the State Superintendent’s lack of interest in following procedures. Giving him another thing to ignore won’t fix that problem. It is naive to assume OSDE would abide by this bill. What we really need is to rein in the State Superintendent.” Bennett says the best way to get the accountability this bill is seeking is to correct the mismanagement of the State Superintendent. “We are not lacking in tools of transparency,” Bennett said. “The real issue is mismanagement by the State Superintendent. My no vote wasn’t in opposition to transparency, it’s about the fact that my colleagues are ignoring the real issue: Oklahomans want to see this Superintendent held accountable.” -END-

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-

Apr 30, 2024
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McBride, Bennett Praise Signing of Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, today celebrated the governor's signing of House Bill 3305, establishing the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. The Commission will consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission is required to report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Many Oklahomans are of Irish descent or have close ties to the Emerald Isle," McBride said. "We've enjoyed a rich history of sharing resources and trust with this longtime trade partner and ally. The work of this Commission will increase and strengthen our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride, the House author of the measure, said it was important this move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was co-authored and carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Bennett. "I'm thrilled to see us one step closer to making the Commission a reality," Bennett said. "We've already received enthusiastic interest from Oklahomans in the private sector, as well as the support of our colleagues, and we look forward to utilizing the Irish Trade Commission to build on the strong economic and cultural ties that bind us with Ireland." Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the Senate author of the bill. The legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. It matches efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions.  In committee, Bennett said that Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennett also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland.