Senator Thompson Applauds MOHA Launch, Reflects on Her Legislative Work to Support the Cause

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, issued the following statement Thursday in recognition of the "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" event hosted at the State Capitol by Governor Kevin Stitt and featuring HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:

“I want to welcome Secretary Kennedy to the Oklahoma State Capitol and thank Governor Stitt for shining a spotlight on the urgent need to improve health outcomes in our state. This is a cause I’ve been committed to since day one in the Senate — and I’m encouraged to see it gaining broader attention.

Whether it's ensuring transparency in what goes into our children’s food or making local, farm-fresh meals available in our public schools, I’ve led the charge to turn concern into concrete policy — crafting legislation, building coalitions, and advancing reforms that put Oklahoma families first.”

Since taking office, Senator Thompson has led multiple initiatives aimed at promoting nutrition, food safety, and healthy choices for Oklahoma families:

• January 2024: Filed Senate Bill 4 to restrict the use of synthetic food dyes in products marketed to children.
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• February 2024: Introduced Senate Bill 299 to bring more Oklahoma-grown food into public school cafeterias, strengthening both student nutrition and local agriculture.
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• April 2024: Applauded the FDA’s action banning Red Dye No. 3, reinforcing the need for continued food safety legislation at the state level.
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• June 2024: Filed an official interim study to examine the effects of synthetic dyes and explore policy solutions to protect children’s health.
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“This work has never been about headlines — it’s about health,” Thompson added. “We’ve laid a strong foundation with meaningful, bipartisan legislation, and I’m committed to seeing it through. I welcome all voices who are joining the conversation and turning their advocacy into policy action.”

Thompson’s interim study on synthetic food dyes will take place later this summer, bringing together researchers, health experts, industry leaders, and parents to shape the next phase of reform.

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