Oklahoma State Senate
Senator Andrew Rice
Democratic Leader
Senate District 46
Oklahoma County
(405) 521-5610

Print

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2011


Sen. Andrew Rice

Statement from Sen. Andrew Rice about today's Attorney General's Opinion Request

"My caucus and I are concerned with the possible impropriety of the State Department of Education being directed by senior staff who apparently are being paid by a private foundation, rather that state appropriated dollars. Today I submitted a request to Attorney General Pruitt asking his office to look into the possible constitutional and ethics problems that may exist with privately funded personnel supervising and managing state employees, and using state resources and property. There are a myriad of potential problems that could result from this scenario in regards to the constitutional limits on private gifts to public officials, and tort liability issues for the State Department of Education.

We look forward to seeing the results of the Attorney General's inquiry into these matters and expect the outcome to bring about a strict adherence to the constitutional and statutory obligations that fall on all Oklahoma State officers."

For more information contact:
Sen. Rice: (405) 521-5610