Republican House Leadership Disingenuous in Rural School Consolidation Stance

Oklahoma Republican House members today rolled out laughable media statements saying the Oklahoma Education Association is trying to force rural school consolidation.

For House leaders to say this is simply disingenuous, said State Senator Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant). They have had ample opportunity to pass a constitutional amendment that would protect rural school from forced consolidation, yet have squandered those opportunities at every turn as those critical bills have been allowed to die in smoke-filled rooms in the Capitol.

Gumm, as author of multiple bills designed to protect schools from consolidation, said that in the last four years GOP partisan tricks killed the chance to do the right thing for Oklahoma rural schools and the families and communities they serve.

The hypocrisy emanating today from the House of Representatives leadership is distasteful and hollow. Theyve had the chance to do the right thing, Gumm said.