Taylor Comments on Tourism Commission Action

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"We all agree that the state parks need to be fixed as quickly as possible and we are all working toward that goal. We simply believe that the best and fastest way to get them back into shape is to implement the short-term solutions suggested by DEQ and carry through with the bond issue authorized by SB 1271.

"In short, tourism already possesses the tools it needs to address this problem. We think that it could implement a solution in a much faster and cheaper fashion than the Legislature could in a costly and unnecessary special session.

"As everyone knows, state revenue is in short supply, whether it's for tourism, highways or public education. With Oklahoma treading water on the budget, the bond issue is our best and perhaps only hope to solve the parks' problems in a timely manner."