Senator Corn Welcomes Late-Blooming Senate Republicans into the Public Safety Debate

Senator Kenneth Corn, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety, said he is thankful today that Senate Republicans have finally come up with a plan to help ease the funding crisis at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) and says he looks forward to working with them to hammer out a solution that will keep all Oklahomans safe. He said however, he is disappointed that Senate Republicans used their press release to engage in political grandstanding.

“Senate Democrats took the early lead in the fight to make public safety our top priority,” Corn said. “After sitting silent through the entire legislative session on the issue of public safety, I welcome any and all input from the other side of the aisle. Perhaps now that Senator Coffee and his Republican colleagues have seen the light, or at least the public outcry for help, he can convince his Republican counterparts in the House that now is the time to act, as Senate Democrats have been saying all along.”

Corn said he is hopeful common ground can be found on the public safety issue, pointing out the Republican plan is very similar to the comprehensive plan put forth by Democrats more than a week ago.

The lawmaker is hopeful the Senate can convene to discuss both plans and send a comprehensive solution to the House of Representatives before Labor Day.

“The most important thing right now is that we act quickly to give these correctional officers some help so they can continue to protect our communities,” Corn said. “Funding the public safety crisis now, rather than waiting until next year, is the next logical step in the process and will help keep all Oklahomans safe.”