As we enter this holiday season, my legislative work has kept me quite busy.
Recently, I took action on a very different issue that speaks to accountability and openness in government. I sent a formal request to Attorney General Gentner Drummond asking for an opinion on whether the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board violated the Open Meeting Act when it met in executive session before approving significant raises for state politicians.
I am deeply disappointed by the Compensation Board’s decision, which was made behind closed doors before approving large salary increases for state politicians.
While state law allows boards to meet privately to discuss the salaries of their own employees, legislators are not employees of the compensation board, which makes the closed-door meeting appear unlawful.
Legislators are already among the highest-paid part-time lawmakers in the nation, and the way this decision was made falls far short of the transparency Oklahomans expect.
At a time when families are facing higher insurance premiums, rising property taxes and increasing utility rates, asking them to pay more for their elected officials under these circumstances simply does not pass the smell test.
If the meeting was unlawful, the public deserves to know, and if it was allowed because of a loophole, then we need to fix that loophole without delay.
On the same topic, I am preparing a constitutional amendment that would abolish the Legislative Compensation Board altogether and freeze legislative salaries at their current level unless voters themselves approve future increases.
I truly believe that decisions about legislative pay should rest with the people, not an unelected board that never has to answer to them. I also plan to block the pay raises granted to other statewide officials and keep their salaries where they are. Public service should be about sacrifice, not personal gain.
If these legislative pay raises do take effect, I will reject mine and donate every extra dollar to Crossroads Clinic, a crisis pregnancy center here in House District 33. I’ve seen this work firsthand through my own volunteer efforts at the clinic. Every day, the Crossroads Clinic is on the frontline providing life-saving care to mothers and their babies. If this raise moves forward, people in my district can be assured every dollar will go toward something that truly matters.
I also had the chance to visit Infant Crisis Services for an Exclusive BabyMobile Viewing on Nov. 20, and it was a reminder of what real service to families looks like.
Their mission that no baby should go hungry is simple yet powerful. For years, their BabyMobile has come to Stillwater each month, setting up in the Our Daily Bread parking lot to ensure families have the formula, diapers and support they need. Seeing their work up close, meeting their team and hearing the stories behind the numbers made clear how essential their presence is in Payne County.
Finally, I had the privilege of joining Sen. Randy Grellner and Rep. Jim Shaw, along with a group of Republican lawmakers, in calling for an investigation into Oklahoma’s COVID-19 response and hospital protocols.
For years, Oklahomans have carried deep grief and unanswered questions. Many tell us they were cut off from their loved ones, denied choices and kept in the dark about decisions that shaped their final days. Families deserve clarity, and they deserve the truth. We are asking the attorney general to determine whether actions taken during the pandemic violated state law or overstepped proper authority.
The deadline to file legislation is Jan. 15, and the 2026 session begins Feb. 2. I intend to use this session to fight for transparency, protect the public’s trust and stand firmly on the side of Oklahoma families and our great district.
If you have any questions, concerns or would like to sign up for my monthly newsletter, please reach out. If you’re interested in receiving it, please email me your address so I can add you to the new newsletter platform. My email address is [email protected], or you can call my office at (405) 557-7304.
Rep. Molly Jenkins, a Republican, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Logan and Payne counties.
