Oklahoma Sen. Kristen Thompson Targets Health, Literacy, Workforce Reform

The Edmond Republican says improving health outcomes, reading levels and child care access is key to strengthening Oklahoma's economy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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State Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, outlined legislative priorities related to public health, education and economic growth in Oklahoma. Thompson said improving the state's health outcomes and literacy rates is critical to strengthening the workforce and making Oklahoma more competitive in recruiting businesses. She is also focused on issues like child care affordability and housing costs.

Why it matters

Oklahoma has struggled with poor health outcomes and low literacy rates, which business groups have identified as barriers to economic development. Improving these areas could help make the state more attractive to employers.

The details

Thompson filed a bill during the last legislative session aimed at improving food safety and health outcomes, though it did not pass. She said industry leaders have begun adjusting food formulations and federal regulators are reviewing certain food preservatives. Thompson also addressed the reemergence of diseases like measles and tuberculosis, and said she remains focused on increasing access to healthier food options and improving transparency in labeling. On literacy, Thompson said fourth-grade reading levels are often used as indicators of long-term outcomes, including poverty and incarceration rates. She said lawmakers are reviewing how workforce development dollars are spent to better align job training programs with industry needs.

  • Thompson filed a health-focused bill during the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, which did not pass.
  • The $5-per-day child care subsidy program recently expired, creating strain for providers and families.

The players

Kristen Thompson

A Republican state senator from Edmond, Oklahoma who is focused on improving the state's health outcomes, literacy rates, and workforce development.

Oklahoma State Chamber

A business group that has identified Oklahoma's poor health metrics as a barrier to economic development.

Oklahoma Workforce Commission

A nine-member private sector board tasked with aligning job training programs with industry needs.

Anthony Moore

The Republican Speaker Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, who is co-authoring Thompson's dental insurance reform bill.

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What they’re saying

“What we also have to do again is look at where we are in regards to our health outcomes. Healthy people can work.”

— Kristen Thompson, State Senator (newson6.com)

“If a child cannot read, they are going to have challenges entering the workforce.”

— Kristen Thompson, State Senator (newson6.com)

What’s next

Thompson is advancing legislation focused on dental insurance pricing practices, which would prohibit insurers from fixing prices on services they do not pay for. She is working with the House co-author, Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, to move the measure forward this legislative session.

The takeaway

Improving Oklahoma's health outcomes, literacy rates, and access to affordable child care and housing are key priorities for Sen. Kristen Thompson as she seeks to strengthen the state's workforce and make it more attractive for businesses to relocate or expand in Oklahoma.