Statement from Sen. Scott regarding Soon-to-be-Sooners bill

Sen. Paul Scott (R-Duncan) released the following statement regarding his decision to not pursue Senate Bill 40 dealing with the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program.

“I will not be requesting a hearing for SB 40, concerning the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program, this session. It would be futile since Congress has approved funding for the program through 2023. SB 40 was introduced with the intention of addressing our Oklahoma Soon-to-be-Sooners Program. The current program provides free prenatal care and other health care services to expectant mothers, which is a valuable service. My concerns, however, have to do with Oklahoma taxpayers paying for the numerous recipients in the program who are non-documented citizens.

The intention with SB 40 was to simply address the requirements of the program. It was never my intention to prevent any expectant mother from receiving much-needed healthcare. I especially did not intend to eliminate a program that would harm our very own citizens. The intent of the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program was originally designed to provide health care and a path to becoming a documented citizen in Oklahoma.  My intent is to make sure the recipients of these program benefits are fulfilling their part and taking the proper steps to becoming documented citizens.”