For Immediate Release:
August 30, 2005
Senate Leaders Say Acting Now Keeps Oklahomans
Safe
Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said today that
after comparing the Republican plan which advocates deficit spending
with the Senate Democrats’ comprehensive plan that will be taken
up during a special session today and Wednesday, he is confident the
only plan that keeps Oklahomans safe is the Senate Democratic plan.
“Their plan is based on a ‘promise now-pay later’
mentality,” Morgan, (D-Stillwater) said. “Our plan is based
on an ‘act now to keep Oklahomans safe’ mentality.”
Morgan said waiting until February to enact a supplemental appropriation
for the Department of Corrections (DOC) would not solve the public safety
crisis that places one correctional officer to every 135 prisoners.
“We absolutely cannot wait until February to hire more correctional
officers.” Morgan said. “That is why Senate Democrats are
here today. We want to ensure that those who have raped, murdered and
stolen from Oklahoma families remain behind bars.”
Senator Corn, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public
Safety and Judiciary, said the “want until next year” plan
unveiled by Republicans Monday asks DOC to engage in deficit spending
until session begins.
“I understand that when you have been in the minority for 80 years
there is going to be a learning curve when it comes to budgetary matters,”
Corn, (D-Poteau) said. “But for a party that touts themselves
as fiscally conservative, they should understand that deficit spending
is reckless and irresponsible. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist
to do simple math.”
Corn said he was also very disappointed that Republicans are misleading
Oklahomans by calling the Senate Democratic plan an “early release”
plan. He said the plan Senate Democrats plan contains absolutely no
early release programs at all.
“One of the long term solutions we have put on the table is a
plan that will put more money into drug courts and mental health courts,”
Corn said. “And if Republicans are calling those programs ‘early
release programs’ they are simply talking out of both sides of
their mouths.”
Corn is referring to a press release that was sent from Speaker Hiett’s
office on July 15th, 2005 that called drug courts “innovative”
and a “wise use of taxpayers dollars.”
“I am not sure what has changed since July 15th when Speaker Hiett
said ‘innovative programs like drug courts help achieve the goals
of better public safety, a stronger judicial system and more efficient
prisons,’ Corn said. “It sounds like to be they are the
party engaged in political grandstanding by using the term ‘early
release’ as a shiny object to distract Oklahomans who agree with
us that something needs to be done now to keep Oklahomans safe.”
Morgan agreed and said that House leaders can continue to draw a line
in the sand by saying there is no need for a special session, but that
the Senate intends to act now to keep Oklahomans safe.
“Their “my-way-or-the-highway” approach to governing
will not stop the Senate from doing the work Oklahomans have elected
us to do-keeping them safe from those who prey on our families.”
Morgan said.
For
more information contact:
Senate President
Pro Tem's Office - (405) 521-5605