Catholic Social Teaching guides state representative

As a State House Representative, Ellyn Novak Hefner is using her convictions to forge a path toward true equality, opportunity and rights for every individual. 

The financial advisor, who in 2022 was elected to serve District 87 as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, advocates for her constituents, in particular, those affected by intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

Hefner, a parishioner at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City and a graduate of Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School, emphasized the urgency of removing barriers to accessible health care, services and education.

“All lives are valuable, and being pro-life means all life long,” she said.

Hefner’s efforts to influence public policy as it relates to individuals with disabilities are connected to the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. 

“Most of the policy work I do with disability goes along with helping those in need,” Hefner stated. "Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, I aim to create policies that prioritize the poor and vulnerable, ensuring their voices are heard in public decisions.

“One of those principles calls on individuals and society to prioritize the needs of those who are poor and vulnerable, ensuring that their needs are met and that they have opportunities to participate fully in society.

“I passed two bills that are about the dignity of work and the rights of workers. All workers have rights, including the right to a living wage and safe working conditions. More importantly, work creates an opportunity for community and friendship.”

Both bills, HB3792 and HB1833, call into action the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. HB3792, the Oklahoma Access and Achievement Program, allows students who have an intellectual or developmental disability to attend college programs by providing assistance with in-state tuition through Oklahoma's Promise. 

“With the opportunity to continue education comes the opportunity to access better jobs and better wages,” Hefner said. 

Hefner’s belief that providing gainful employment opportunities helps foster a sense of belonging in the local community, supports the Catholic Social Teaching of Call to Family, Community and Participation. 

“This is important for a good life for Oklahomans who have a disability,” she said.

Her work on HB1833, establishing the Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force, set in motion a plan to pay Oklahomans who have disabilities higher than sub-minimum wages; more specifically, what she calls “a wage of worth and dignity.” 

Hefner, whose son has a disability, has worked with determination to ensure that all are afforded every opportunity to live a productive, fulfilling life. Utilizing her experience and knowledge to help other families is a testament to her commitment to advocacy. 

“Historically speaking, individuals with a disability have always received less,” she said. “We have to prioritize them. What we see as a barrier to a good life, dignity and worth are the barriers I work to remove.” 

Hefner’s efforts are driven by her desire to serve individuals with disabilities for their entire adult lives, when others are no longer able to advocate for them.

Edmond mother Stephanie Coles said Hefner’s work is crucial to ensure the long-term care and wellbeing of individuals with special needs. As the parent of a child with a disability, Coles often worries about what will happen after she is gone. 

“We desperately need more programs for special needs adults, who are typically cared for by their parents. We have to worry about what happens when both parents pass,” Coles said. 

Hefner’s contributions to HB 1831, the Oklahoma Community Health Workers Act, helped establish a voluntary certificate program for community health workers, frontline public health workers who serve as liaisons between community members and health and social services providers. 

“I loved watching her connect with families over shared experiences,” said Angela Donley, former fundraising and development coordinator for Oklahoma Family Network. “She helped other parents advocate for their children, whether in a hospital, school or community setting.” 

Hefner is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a leadership training program that teaches leaders how to provide support for individuals with disabilities, along with their family members, in navigating difficult processes, advocating for themselves and addressing the disparities that often occur among individuals with disabilities. She also serves as co-chair of the Heartland Health Caucus, a non-partisan, non-profit organization spanning six states that allows key leaders to collaborate on public policy, healthcare and community.

Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: Oklahoma State Rep. Ellyn Novak Hefner, guided by Catholic Social Teaching, aims to create policies that prioritize the poor and vulnerable. Photo provided.