Communications & Public Affairs
May 5, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wes Carter, Press Secretary
Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus
(405)962-7674 wes.carter@okhouse.gov

Democratic Leader Responds to Extension of Governor’s Emergency Powers

OKLAHOMA CITY — House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, released the following statement after the House voted to approve the governor’s emergency executive order for another 30 days.

“I think the ‘no’ votes in my caucus come from a place of frustration and dissatisfaction with the governor’s lack of transparency and him continually keeping the Legislature and Oklahomans in the dark.

There have been three different news stories, at least one involving the FBI, regarding executive branch spending. It is not unreasonable for lawmakers to require transparency from the governor before extending his authority.

“If the governor made legitimate attempts to be transparent with the Legislature, I think you would have seen close to a unanimous vote, but until we see transparency, many of us feel we cannot vote to extend his emergency powers.”

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