Sen. Standridge files bill to give preference to textbooks produced in Oklahoma

As part of his continued “Oklahoma First!” effort to encourage the promotion of Oklahoma businesses and products, Sen. Rob Standridge has filed legislation aimed at choosing textbooks produced in the state for use in public schools.

Senate Bill 1121 would direct the State Textbook Committee to give preference to books that have been produced in Oklahoma if the price, fitness, availability and quality are otherwise equal to textbooks produced out-of-state.

“Our state awards millions of dollars in contracts and purchases millions of dollars in supplies and equipment,” said Standridge, R-Norman. “It’s frustrating that more of those contracts and purchases aren’t going to highly qualified Oklahoma businesses instead of sending our tax dollars to out-of-state companies.  We should all be focused on putting Oklahoma first.  Textbooks that are in every single school in communities throughout our state represent just one more opportunity to prioritize Oklahoma-made products.”

If approved by both chambers and signed by the governor, SB 1121 would take effect July 1, 2020.

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