For Immediate Release: May 16, 2006

Senator Corn Concerned Compromise Budget Shortchanges Public Safety

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary said he is concerned the proposed budget compromise offered by Governor Henry shortchanges prosecutors throughout Oklahoma, and in the process creates a public safety danger for Oklahoma families.

“From my understanding the budget compromise being floated by Governor Henry and Legislative leaders does not include the necessary funding for District Attorneys in Oklahoma,” Corn said. “When prosecutors are left with mere crumbs they cannot effectively put dangerous criminals behind bars.”

Corn, a Poteau Democrat, said he receives gut-wrenching letters each day from victims of violent crimes pleading for the Legislature to provide prosecutors with the tools necessary to lock up the criminals that have shattered the lives of their family members.

“It is shameful to send the message to these families that we don’t care about the tragedies they have suffered,” the Senator said. “But that is exactly what we are doing when we shortchange the budgets of the very people whose job it is to lock up the criminals that have ripped apart the lives of innocent people.”

Corn said prosecutors in Oklahoma have seen their budgets wither this year due to the Wal-Mart policy change regarding bogus checks. He said that, coupled with the proposed budget compromise lingering in the Legislature, will severely hamper the ability of District Attorney’s across Oklahoma to prosecute violent criminals in a timely manner.

“I intend to fight for the safety of all Oklahomans because I believe government has no greater moral obligation than to ensure their safety,” Corn said. “If we pass a budget that shortchanges the needs of Oklahoma prosecutors we are compromising the safety of our communities, our families and most importantly our children.”

For more information, contact:
Senator Corn's Office: (405) 521-5576