Senate GOP Leader Responds to State of State Address

Governor Fails To Mention Many Top Oklahoma Priorities

Senate Republican Floor Leader James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, made the following response to Gov. Brad Henry’s State of the State address:

“We know Gov. Henry likes to talk the talk about bipartisanship, but his State of the State address left many Republicans wondering if he will walk the walk. He adopted many Republican proposals like tax relief and lawsuit reform, but then failed to mention some of the most important issues facing our state.

“For example, Gov. Henry did not discuss one of the biggest issues facing our state economy: out-of-control workers compensation costs. Will Gov. Henry side with injured Oklahomans and business leaders to reform our workers comp system, or will he side with the workers comp lawyers who funded his campaign and are getting rich off the current system?

“Republicans are also disappointed that Gov. Henry did not address the most important values issue facing America today: the defense of marriage. As President Bush said in his State of the Union address last month, the sanctity of traditional marriage is under assault from activist judges. Republicans have asked for the support of Gov. Henry to pass constitutional protections to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and we are very disappointed Gov. Henry does not seem to be taking this issue seriously.

“If the governor is sincere about enacting legislation in areas where we might agree – from tax relief and meaningful lawsuit reform – Republicans stand ready to work with him. All we ask is that he deliver five Senate Democrats and three House Democrats to vote with the Republicans in passing these vital issues,” Williamson stated.

Senator James A. Williamson Senate Republican Leader (405) 521-5624