OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, released the following statement after the Senate approved House Bill 2914 Thursday. Stephens co-authored the bill that appropriates $18 million for the creation of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program.
“I commend each of my legislative colleagues who supported this measure and recognized the need to support sheriff’s offices across our state. These individuals put their lives on the line each day to serve our communities and protect Oklahomans, while often being overworked and underpaid. I’m proud to have served as a co-author of this legislation that will ensure our county law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to respond to emergencies safely and efficiently.”
Under the grant program, counties can apply for grants up to $300,000 to assist with operational costs. House Bill 2914 also provides that Sheriff’s salaries must be at least $44,000, while not exceeding $74,000.
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For more information, contact:
Sen. Blake Stephens at 405-521-5574, or email Blake.Stephens@oksenate.gov