Representative Melissa Provenzano - Contact Information

Melissa Provenzano is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing District 79. She assumed office on November 21, 2018, and her current term will conclude on November 18, 2026.

Born on May 4, 1972, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Provenzano has built her career around education and public service. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organismic Biology from Northeastern State University in 1998 and later completed a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma in 2010. Before entering politics, she worked as an education administrator, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges facing Oklahoma’s public schools. Her involvement in education was a driving force behind her decision to run for office, particularly after the 2018 Oklahoma teacher walkout, which highlighted the need for stronger advocacy for educators and students.

Provenzano was first elected in 2018, succeeding Weldon Watson, and has since established herself as a prominent voice for education and progressive values in the legislature. She has served in leadership roles within the Democratic caucus, including Assistant Minority Leader beginning in January 2023. Her committee assignments have included Appropriations and Budget, the A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee, Commerce and Economic Development Oversight, Business, Education Oversight, and the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget. She has also participated in conference committees on education oversight and select committees reviewing mental health finances, reflecting her commitment to both educational reform and broader social issues.

Throughout her tenure, Provenzano has focused on policies that strengthen public education, improve teacher pay, and expand opportunities for students. She has also advocated for mental health support, economic development, and state-tribal relations, demonstrating a broad legislative agenda that addresses the diverse needs of her constituents. Her district, based in Tulsa, is urban and diverse, and her work reflects the priorities of families, educators, and community leaders in the area. Provenzano’s re-election campaigns have consistently demonstrated strong support, including her 2024 victory in the general election held on November 5, 2024.

Beyond her legislative responsibilities, Provenzano remains deeply connected to her community through her background in education and her ongoing advocacy for progressive causes. Her career reflects a blend of professional expertise, leadership, and dedication to public service. As a legislator, she has positioned herself as a respected voice in Oklahoma politics, consistently working to improve education, promote equity, and ensure effective governance. Her tenure in the Oklahoma House of Representatives underscores her commitment to the values of District 79 and her role as a significant figure in the state’s political landscape.

The past four years of serving the residents of House District 79 has been an honor for Rep. Provenzano. When filing and running legislation, she prioritizes constituent requests and the concerns expressed to her during conversations with neighbors and the people of House District 79. She understands the importance of transparency and accountability in Oklahoma’s public servants and centers those principles as she works to help Oklahomans overcome real problems. With the census, our map lines changed a bit and we have enjoyed meeting new neighbors in the new precincts!

Background:

• Former Public School Teacher and Administrator

• Bachelor of Science - Organismic Biology

• Master’s Degree - Educational Leadership and Policy

• Oklahoma Education Association 2022 Legislator of the Year

• Oklahoma Democratic Veterans 2022 Representative of the Year

• 2022 Purple Heart State Representative of the Year - Oklahoma Military Order of the Purple Heart

• Tulsa native, married mom and stepmom

Current appointments:

• Assistant Democratic Leader

• State Director, Women In Government (National)

• Emerging Legislative Leaders - Darden School of Business

• Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency Oversight Commission (LOFT)

Committees:

• Common Education

• Full Appropriations and Budget

• Judiciary - Civil

• County and Municipal Government

• Government Modernization and Technology

• Administrative Rules

• Service Oklahoma Tag Agency Task Force

Key Wins

• Stopped Abuse of Education Dollars

• Streamlining of Teacher training

• Diagnostic Mammograms - Covered by Insurance - Now LAW in Oklahoma

• Student Loan Borrower Protections - Now LAW in Oklahoma!

• Landlord Tenant Act Updates - Now LAW in Oklahoma

• 9/11 Flag of Remembrance - Now LAW in Oklahoma

• Increasing Stability for Law Enforcement jobs

• Health and Mental Health Care: Cost transparency for common procedures

• Constituent Services: Support for issues with state agencies, driver’s licenses, car tags, tax mistakes, unemployment problems, disability services, local landlord and tenant issues