Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2003

Audio Clip

Senator James A. Williamson

Republican Leaders Concerned About Lack of Bipartisanship as
Legislature Nears End of Session

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Republican leaders issued the following statement Wednesday:

“As this legislative session winds down, it is clear that Governor Henry and the Democrats have reverted to their business-as-usual approach of governing behind closed doors and are trying to smother debate on the important issues facing the people of Oklahoma.

“Governor Henry likes to talk the talk of ‘bipartisanship’, but after canceling several weekly bipartisan leadership meetings in row and locking Republicans out of negotiations on appropriations, tort reform, tribal compacts and other issues, it appears he has decided instead to say ‘bye’ to bipartisanship and walk away from the kind of healthy engagement with Republicans that produced an increase in education funding and a balanced budget plan that didn’t raise taxes on hardworking Oklahomans.

“We were pleased to work openly with Democrats at the beginning of this session to find consensus solutions to our state's problems, and believe that renewing our bipartisan efforts at this time could lead to a more successful end to this legislative session,” stated Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, Senate Republican Leader James Williamson, and House Republican Leader Todd Hiett.

For more information, contact:

Senator James A. Williamson
Senate Republican Leader
(405) 521-5624

Representative Todd Hiett
House Republican Leader
(405) 557-7353

Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin
(405) 521-2161