Lawton, OK – Freshman Senator Kendal Sacchieri, representing District 43, is making her presence felt at the Oklahoma State Capitol with a clear mission: to build strong relationships with fellow lawmakers and advocate for her district’s needs. Sacchieri, who has only recently begun her tenure, emphasizes the importance of networking and fostering connections to effectively pass legislation.
“If you don’t have those relationships, it’s just so much harder to get the job done,” Sacchieri explained. “I try to make it a habit to be here at least twice a week because you never know who else is here randomly, and that’s when relationships start.”
Sacchieri’s work at the Capitol is not just about networking; it’s also about ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard. A significant portion of her proposed legislation directly reflects the concerns of those she represents. As a former county assessor, Sacchieri has a particular focus on issues related to taxation and voter education.
One of her key pieces of proposed legislation is Senate Bill 1116, which aims to provide greater clarity on ballots related to tax increases. The bill would require any tax increase or extension proposal to be clearly labeled with the words “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” at the top of the ballot.
“I just want to make sure my constituents are clearly educated when they go to vote,” Sacchieri said. “Some people may look at a tax increase and say, ‘Yes, this is worth my tax increase and I want to vote for this,’ but it’s important that voters know exactly what they’re agreeing to.”
Sacchieri pointed to a recent tax issue in Lawton as an example of why such transparency is needed. The 2040 Capital Improvement Program extension, which was passed by voters, would have been subject to this proposed legislation. Under the new rules, the tax increase would have been clearly labeled as such, providing citizens with the full understanding of what their vote would mean.
“Even if it’s an extension, if it fails, your taxes go down,” Sacchieri noted. “So, it’s a clear disclaimer that this is an increase. People should know what they’re voting for.”
As she works to advance her legislative agenda, Sacchieri remains focused on building trust and educating voters in her district. By crafting bills that respond directly to constituent concerns and advocating for transparency in local tax issues, the freshman senator is positioning herself as a dedicated representative committed to public service.
