OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Senate voted Thursday to remove Allie Friesen from her position as Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), ending a contentious chapter marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and agency turmoil.
The resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 (SCR 12), sponsored by Senator Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City), called for Friesen’s removal following months of hearings and public scrutiny over the disappearance of millions of dollars and significant layoffs within the agency.
Senator Rosino urged his colleagues to support the resolution, stating, “It’s just not going to work,” reflecting widespread concerns about Friesen’s leadership. The vote passed despite opposition from a small number of lawmakers, with Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) the lone senator voting against the measure.
Throughout the controversy, Governor Kevin Stitt publicly defended Friesen, portraying her as a reformer committed to rooting out corruption. In a statement released Thursday, Stitt condemned the resolution as a “politically motivated witch hunt,” alleging that entrenched interests were working to undermine efforts at accountability.
“An agency rife with sweetheart deals and criminal elements was disrupted,” Stitt said. “Now, elected officials are quickly working to set the apple cart right for those who seek to get rich off Oklahoma taxpayers.”
The governor also called into question the motives of some lawmakers, particularly Senator Rosino and Representative Josh West, suggesting potential conflicts of interest related to family members employed at ODMHSAS. This prompted backlash from several senators who condemned the use of family ties in the debate.
Senator Casey Murdoc (R-Felt) emphasized the need to separate personal matters from legislative actions, stating, “We keep family out of it.” Senator Aaron Reinhardt (R-Jenks) echoed this sentiment, while Senator Rosino described the accusations as “vicious and callous attacks” on Friesen’s character.
Following the Senate vote, the resolution moved to the Oklahoma House, where it passed with only a handful of dissenting votes.
In response to the ongoing scrutiny, ODMHSAS issued a statement highlighting recent steps taken to address operational and financial challenges. The agency noted it has sought oversight from the executive branch, legislature, and independent investigators, and acknowledged that fully resolving systemic issues will require sustained effort over the next 18 months.
“ODMHSAS is staffed by deeply committed public servants,” the statement read. “Our leadership remains focused on working in partnership with Governor Stitt, legislative leaders, and the governing board to uphold a shared commitment to transparency, meaningful reform, and improved care for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.”
As Oklahoma moves forward, the future of mental health services and substance abuse programs remains under close watch amid ongoing efforts to restore stability and public trust in the agency.
