For Immediate Release
February 3, 2017

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
405-427-3366
Oklahoma Democratic Party

House Creates Own Slush Fund

OKLAHOMA CITY – ODP Chair Mark Hammons issued the following statement in response to The House Investigative Committee Report of Feb. 2, 2017. The House Investigative Committee Report is woefully inadequate in addressing the authority of the Speaker of the House to expend funds as well as the source of those funds.

The Committee Report has transformed the entire House legislative fund into a giant slush fund. Under its report, every dollar appropriated to the House of Representatives can be spent by the House Speaker without approval or oversight. In creating its own slush fund, the Committee ignored the most pertinent constitutional limitations which are found in the Oklahoma Constitution, Article V, Sections 55 and 56.

Our Constitution requires that “[n]o money shall ever be paid” except pursuant to an appropriation which “shall distinctly specify the sum appropriated and the object to which it is to be applied.” Where does the appropriation funding House operations authorize settlement of claims? The Committee’s answer apparently is: Nowhere, and we don’t care. This is unacceptable and contrary to the best interests of our citizens and taxpayers.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party says: END THE SLUSH FUND!

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The mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party is to represent working people in Oklahoma and the best way to accomplish that is to elect Democrats to all areas of government. Oklahoma Democrats are progressive and sensible. We are optimistic about the future, and we are determined to see Oklahoma’s traditional values upheld. More information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party can be found at www.okdlive.wpengine.com or by calling (405) 427-3366.