Statement from Leading Senate Public Safety Advocate and Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus Senator Kenneth Corn

OKLAHOMA CITY—“Senate Republicans again today failed to address the elephant in the room and ignored the pressing issue on the minds of all Oklahomans - ‘What will be done this session to get us out of the horrible budget crisis?’”

“It’s truly bizarre. For the second week in row, Senate Republicans gather in a room to share “new” ideas, which are anything but new, and continue to show a lack of basic leadership on the one issue that has to be addressed immediately—creating a new budget to finish this year in the midst of a billion dollar shortfall.

“Many ideas coming from Senate Republicans today were proposed by the Senate Democratic caucus years ago, including the Matthew Evans/Jeff Rominger Interoperable Communications Act. That measure, introduced in 2006 by Democrats, would build an 800 MHz interoperable communications system for law enforcement in Oklahoma.

“Republicans proved today they will continue to make Oklahomans believe their priority is public safety, but the truth is they continue to be unwilling to address the most pressing issues that are paramount to the safety of our citizens.

“Their agenda should include how they plan to ensure prisoners aren’t set free before they serve their sentences, how they are going to prevent Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers from being furloughed and how they plan to protect the well being of our senior citizens -- thousands of whom are going hungry because of massive cuts to senior nutrition programs statewide.

“Sadly, Republicans want to paint a much rosier picture than what we know is true. Our state is in a true crisis. People need answers and help. Senate Republicans showed today they are failing to provide both.”