Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2004

Audio Clip

Republican Senators Kathleen Wilcoxson, Randy Brogdon, Jim Reynolds and Nancy Riley
discuss displaying the National Motto in Oklahoma public schools.

Bill to Allow National Motto in Schools in Danger
Unless Dem Leaders Allow Hearing

A bill that would allow teachers and school administrators to post the National Motto, “In God We Trust,” in Oklahoma public schools is in trouble, the bill’s author and two members of the Senate Education Committee said at a press conference on Monday.

“Despite my direct request to the Education Committee chairman, House Bill 1048 has not been scheduled for a committee hearing. The bill will die if the Senate leadership does not allow action on the bill by next week. Every indication is that the bill will not even receive a hearing,” stated the bill’s Senate author, Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

“Not allowing a hearing for HB 1048 seems to be part of an effort by the Senate Democrat leadership to keep legislation dealing with faith, family, or country from being a part of the legislative agenda. If that’s the case, the majority leadership is far out of step with Oklahoma values,” Reynolds said.

Last year the Senate Democrat leadership killed a bill to require doctors to inform women of the health risks of abortions before performing one. Earlier this year, the Senate Democrat leadership killed legislation to allow a vote of the people to keep marriage in Oklahoma between one man and one woman. And Governor Brad Henry actually refused to mention God in his official proclamation recognizing this year’s National Day of Prayer.

“As a public school teacher, I know there are teachers and administrators afraid to post the National Motto for fear of inviting a lawsuit. By passing HB 1048, the Legislature will let schools know it is okay to post the National Motto in the classroom,” stated Sen. Nancy Riley, R-Tulsa, a member of the Senate Education Committee.

“The fact that there even has to be a debate about the National Motto shows the disconnect that exists between the Democrat leadership and the people of Oklahoma. Common sense tells us that allowing ‘In God We Trust’ to be posted in our classrooms is a good thing,” stated Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City, a teacher and member of the Senate Education Committee.

House Bill 1048 is a carryover bill from last year’s legislative session, when it passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 99-0.

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774