Stand-off Over, Morgan Emphasizes Role Of Communicating in Legislative Process

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said Wednesday that he was able to reach a resolution to the stand-off with Republican Leader Glenn Coffee and Lt. Governor Mary Fallin by keeping the lines of communication open.

Under the agreement that ended the stalemate, Morgan consented for Fallin to preside over a single vote during Wednesday’s session before handing him back the gavel.

“We have been able to reach this agreement today because we have kept the lines of communication open. That’s how you resolve differences. You communicate, seek common ground and agree to compromise,” Morgan said.

The Senate Leader praised Senator Coffee for never turning his back on negotiations.

“He has always been willing to both talk and listen. We have literally met more than a dozen times since last Thursday and he has remained a gentleman throughout,” Morgan said.

The Stillwater Democrat characterized the events of the last few days as a “bump in the road” and said Senate business will continue. Senators considered a number of bills and confirmed approximately 50 executive nominations during Wednesday afternoon’s session.

“We have a little more than three weeks left in the session and a lot of work left to do. On the issues of the state budget, workers compensation and others, it is important that learn from what’s happened here and continue to talk to each other even when we disagree. If we will do that, I am confident we will complete our business in an orderly and timely fashion,” Morgan said.

Wednesday’s procedural vote not to suspend Senate Rules a second time for Senator Scott Pruitt and House Bill 2046 in no way dooms chances for lawmakers to send a meaningful workers compensation bill to Governor Brad Henry before the end of the legislative session, Morgan said.

“On Tuesday, we sent two workers compensation bills to conference and I fully expect good faith negotiations on the issue to resume and I remain extremely hopeful that we will be able come to an agreement,” Morgan said.