In a decisive action aimed at addressing the ongoing financial and operational troubles within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), the House Democrats have voted to remove Commissioner Allie Friesen from her position. The motion passed with a strong majority in both the House and Senate.
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson criticised the current state of the agency, stating, "The Governor’s inaction on this ongoing issue has left the legislature no choice but to take steps to repair the situation at ODMHSAS and protect Oklahomans and their tax dollars," according to a statement obtained by the Oklahoma House of Representatives news service. Munson highlighted the consequences of what she referred to as a consolidation of power in the executive branch and emphasized the critical need for restructuring to restore accountability.
Assistant Leader Melissa Provenzano addressed concerns over the agency's lack of clarity in financial matters and the threat this posed to mental health providers in Tulsa, mentioning, "The Commissioner has refused to answer basic funding questions over several months," as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives news service. Provenzano elucidated on the potential risk for jobs and ongoing services, confirming the dire need for legislative intervention.
Caucus Chair Trish Ranson also criticized the Commissioner's performance, asserting, "Everyday Oklahomans are missing out on vital mental health services due to the agency’s financial mismanagement," based on the findings of an investigative committee. Likewise, Rep. Ellyn Hefner emphasized safeguarding mental health care for vulnerable populations, stating, "We must safeguard Oklahoma’s highly vulnerable population needing mental health care–our neighbors, family, and children," as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives news service. Hefner's remarks called for leadership that reflects competence and compassion.
Moreover, Rep. Ajay Pittman spotlighted the current shortfall's impact on employment and access to critical health services. "This shortfall has caused people to lose their jobs and has caused my constituents, and many Oklahomans, to lose life-saving services." Pittman said, marking May as a challenging Mental Health Awareness Month for those affected by the crisis. Finally, Rep. Jared Deck pointed out communication and accountability issues that have long plagued ODMHSAS, claiming "The mismanagement of the Donahue Proposal, the lack of communication with employees and agencies on Norman’s Griffin campus, and the blatant lack of accountability in spending leaves this Legislature no choice but to move on,” as noted in the Oklahoma House of Representatives news service.
