Anderson applauds decision not to pursue bond issue

Senator Patrick Anderson today applauded Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman for his decision not to consider a $40 million bond issue this year for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. Anderson recently requested that the State Auditor and Inspector conduct an audit regarding the use of state dollars for the construction of the facility.

To date, the state has issued over $63 million in bonds for the project.

“It would have been fiscally irresponsible to assume this additional debt without having a clear understanding of how previous bonds have been spent,” said Anderson, R-Enid. “I’m very pleased Sen. Bingman has made the decision to gather more information before considering the issue. With annual debt service payments on the project climbing above $5 million, this isn’t a matter we can afford to take lightly.”

Anderson noted passage of the bond package would have increased annual debt service payments on the project to $9 million.