For Immediate Release: June 13, 2006


Senator Glenn Coffee

COUNTDOWN TO THE SHUTDOWN
18 Days until Senate Democrats Shut Down State Government

Public Safety at Risk if Sen. Morgan & Senate Democrats Shut Down State Government

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – The public’s safety will be put in jeopardy if Senate leader Mike Morgan and the Senate Democrats shut down the state government because of their refusal to compromise with Democrat Governor Brad Henry and Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett in budget negotiations.

“The public’s safety will be put at risk if Sen. Morgan and Senate Democrats continue their obstruction and shut down the state government in 18 days,” stated Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Coffee said a government shutdown could take state troopers away from patrolling Oklahoma highways and assisting with emergencies such as auto accidents. The state’s other law enforcement agencies – from the OSBI to the ABLE Commission – could also be forced to stop working. There is also a possibility that inmates at state prisons could be left unguarded if there is no state budget in place to pay correctional officers.

Coffee said the Legislature should convene next week to pass a standstill budget as a safety net.

“The Legislature should come back next week to pass a stand-still, stopgap budget. This would not be a final budget, but rather would ensure the state government can continue operating at current budget levels if a final budget agreement is not reached before July 1,” Coffee said. “We must take steps soon to ensure that a government shutdown does not occur.”

For more information, contact:
Senate Republican Leadership Assistant's Office: (405) 521-5654