Sen. Smalley comments on Wal-Mart closings

Sen. Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, released the following statement Friday following the announcement that four Wal-Marts will be closed in his Senate District 28. The company will be closing a total of 269 stores, which includes 154 in the U.S. and six in Oklahoma.

“The closing of multiple Wal-Mart stores in Senate District 28 and surrounding districts is extremely disappointing. The loss of jobs is going to affect numerous families and take away opportunities for these communities to grow.

“Wal-Mart has prided itself on helping communities, especially small rural ones, but now they are turning their backs on the very people that have helped the company become the biggest in the world.

“Wal-Mart has asked for support from Oklahoma communities when they needed it but now when our state is in the midst of economic difficulties, the company is abandoning those same communities.”