|
|
Oklahoma
State Senate For Immediate
Release: August 2, 2005 Statement from Senator Kenneth Corn “After weeks of refusing to entertain the idea of a special session, I am pleased Speaker Hiett is finally warming up to the idea. “For the Speaker to suggest that House Republicans are leading the fight to address prison funding is nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors scheme to hide the fact that they have taken a do-nothing approach on the issue. And now that they have been taken to task for their reckless and irresponsible approach to public safety, they are running for cover. “The first step in addressing the prison funding crisis came more than two weeks ago when Senate Democrats laid a comprehensive solution on the table that offers both long term and short term solutions to keep Oklahoma communities safe. “I am concerned that Speaker Hiett’s ‘my-way-or-the-highway’ attitude toward governing could jeopardize any chance of the Legislature passing a comprehensive plan that would seriously addresses the funding problems facing Oklahoma Department of Corrections. (DOC) “Even Senate Republicans have incorporated most of the Senate Democrat’s comprehensive prison funding solution into their own plan and are willing to come in for a special session to hammer out solutions. “Speaker Hiett should not try to reinvent the wheel, and he should instead come to the negotiating table with an open mind. “Senate Democrats remain confident that our fight to keep Oklahoma safe will lead to a comprehensive solution that will be embraced by legislators on both sides of the aisle.”
For more information contact:
| |
