Republican Leaders Concerned About Lack of Bipartisanship as Legislature Nears End of Session

Sen. Williamson expresses concern about lack of bipartisanship in final days of session.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: May 2, 2003 Clip
Senator James A. Williamson
Republican Leaders Concerned About Lack of Bipartisanship as
Legislature Nears End of Session State Capitol, Oklahoma City Republican leaders issued the following statement Wednesday: As this legislative session winds down, it is clear that Governor Henry and the Democrats have reverted to their businessasusual approach of governing behind closed doors and are trying to smother debate on the important issues facing the people of Oklahoma. Governor Henry likes to talk the talk of bipartisanship, but after canceling several weekly bipartisan leadership meetings in row and locking Republicans out of negotiations on appropriations, tort reform, tribal compacts and other issues, it appears he has decided instead to say bye to bipartisanship and walk away from the kind of healthy engagement with Republicans that produced an increase in education funding and a balanced budget plan that didnt raise taxes on hardworking Oklahomans. We were pleased to work openly with Democrats at the beginning of this session to find consensus solutions to our states problems, and believe that renewing our bipartisan efforts at this time could lead to a more successful end to this legislative session, stated Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, Senate Republican Leader James Williamson, and House Republican Leader Todd Hiett.

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Senator James A. Williamson Senate Republican Leader 0 22 Representative Todd Hiett House Republican Leader 0 33 Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin 0 22