OK HR1025

Proclaims May 23 as Kate Barnard Day in Oklahoma to honor Catherine Ann "Kate" Barnard, born May 23, 1875

Kate Barnard was the first woman elected to statewide office in the United States, serving two terms as Oklahoma Commissioner of Charities beginning in 1907, before women in Oklahoma had the right to vote

During her tenure, she was responsible for passage of over 30 statutory laws that laid the foundation for the modern Department of Corrections, Department of Human Services, and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

She secured over $1,000,000 for Native American children by recovering stolen oil lands and financial assets, despite political retaliation that included defunding her office

Copies of the resolution will be distributed to the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, and Saint Joseph Old Cathedral in Oklahoma City