Representative Tammy West

R

District 84

Hi, I’m Tammy West and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 84th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Whip

58th Legislature

Majority Whip

60th Legislature

Majority Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 14, 2025
Recent Posts

House Pushes for Federal Support of Family Caregivers

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today called on Congress to pass a federal version of Oklahoma's first-of-its-kind tax credit for working family caregivers. In 2023, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to implement a comprehensive caregiver tax credit, the Caring for Caregivers Act, offering up to $3,000 annually to qualified residents. Now, lawmakers are urging their federal counterparts to help ease the financial burden on the nearly 490,000 family caregivers across Oklahoma.  Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, who proposed the state tax credit, introduced House Concurrent Resolution 1009 on the House floor Monday. "Whenever someone cares for a loved one, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses inevitably arise," West said. "Oklahoma led the way in recognizing and supporting this essential work and now we have the chance to lead again by advocating for national relief through the Credit for Caring Act." The Credit for Caring Act was introduced in U.S. Congress by Ohio Congressman Mike Carey. The bill would offer working family caregivers a federal tax credit of up to $5,000. HCR1009 urged Oklahoma's federal delegation to co-sponsor the measure. Caregivers in Oklahoma contribute an estimated $6.6 billion in unpaid care each year, helping seniors and individuals with long-term health needs remain at home and out of institutional settings, which are more costly to both families and taxpayers.  Studies show that family caregivers spend over $7,000 annually out-of-pocket for items like medical supplies, home modifications, respite care, and transportation. The Credit for Caring Act aims to ease this burden with a refundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000. Congressman Tom Cole has already signed on as a co-sponsor of the Credit for Caring Act, and President Donald Trump has publicly supported efforts to recognize and support family caregivers. As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, West is also reminding Oklahomans to take advantage of the state’s new tax credit. Oklahoma's Caring for Caregivers credit provides up to $2,000 annually or $3,000 for those caring for veterans or individuals with dementia. The total state cap is $1.5 million per year. "Family caregivers provide immense value both to their loved ones and to the state," West said. "The Caring for Caregivers tax credit provides real relief to those balancing care, jobs and mounting expenses, and I encourage every eligible Oklahoman to take advantage of this important support." Following the Senate's adoption of HCR1009, a copy of the resolution will be sent to members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation. Oklahomans can check their eligibility by visiting: www.aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit

Mar 31, 2025
Recent Posts

Historic Fees Reform Unanimously Passes House

A measure significantly reforming court fees has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, developed House Bill 1460 following an interim study she hosted where she heard from former inmates that the fees were often overwhelming. HB1460 seeks to eliminate many of the unnecessary fees levied against individuals involved in the criminal justice system. "Our current system strains our criminal justice system, hinders reentry efforts and traps individuals in a never-ending cycle of debt and criminal justice involvement," West said. "For too long, these fees have done more harm than good and have stood as barriers to successful reentry. House Bill 1460 gives people a real second chance to get back on their feet after incarceration." HB1460 would eliminate the following low-yield fees, based on 2022 data: Electronic monitoring fee (up to $300/month) – Collected by the Department of Corrections, with only $200,000 of the $700,000 assessed successfully collected. $40 indigent defense application fee – Assessed by court clerks and frequently waived by judges, generating just $26,976.88. $15 DPS Impaired Driver Database fee – Brought in $78,148.47. $5 Bureau of Narcotics Revolving Fund fee – Charged for misdemeanor marijuana possession, totaling $15,476.98. OSBI drug cleaning fee – Collected just $4.87. Additionally, two fees assessed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Drug Abuse Education and Treatment would be affected. The programs will remain in place but would gain an alternative revenue source, as both current fees have a collection rate below 50% and generate less than $400,000. West noted that she is still working to develop a more stable funding stream for these programs. West said these fees disproportionately affect people with limited financial means, leading to some collection rates as low as 25%. Many of these fees cost the state more to collect than they bring in. West argued that shifting away from relying on these fees will allow the state to focus on more reliable revenue sources. "When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they've served their time," West said. "House Bill 1460 is a step in the right direction toward eliminating unjust financial penalties that make it harder for Oklahomans to get back on their feet after incarceration. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society." West added that she is continuing to work with agency heads to identify the fees that make the most sense to eliminate. The House unanimously approved HB1460 with a 95-0 vote on Thursday. It now moves to the Senate, where it's authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville.

Mar 12, 2025
Recent Posts

Legislation Prioritizing Victim Restitution Payments Approved by House

A bill to encourage the prioritization of victim restitution fees has been unanimously approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, carried House Bill 1462 to ensure victims of crimes receive their owed compensation before administrative fees are paid. The measure would direct courts to prioritize the payment of restitution before administrative fees when an individual owes both after being convicted of a crime and serving time. While judges may currently order the prioritization of restitution, Oklahoma's statutes do not explicitly require them to. "Surviving a crime can be deeply traumatic for the victim, as is reliving that time throughout the legal process and trial," West said. "House Bill 1462 makes it clear that our first priority is supporting the victims, not the courts. This bill ensures that victims are rightfully compensated in a timely manner before administrative costs are covered." HB1462 also directs Court Clerks to confirm with the District Attorney that restitution has been paid when allocating payments toward fees. The bill passed the House 89-0 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.