Veto Override Pending in Senate on Bill Extending Several Child-Related Agencies
OICA Requests Advocates to Contact Senators
and Request They Vote to OVERRIDE THE VETO on House Bill 3320
The governor vetoed House Bill 3320, which would create a new sunset review process for entitites created by state law. "Sunset Review" is the process whereby lawmakers examine state agencies to determine whether they are still needed. If they are no longer needed, they are allowed to "sunset," or cease to exist.
The governor's veto would strike the new process. More importantly for Oklahoma's children, the bill would remove sunset dates for four child-related agencies:
The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board,
The Child Death Review Board,
The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, and
Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education.
By vetoing the bill, the governor's action would end these four agencies. OICA strongly supports renewing these agencies. Each are partners in our efforts to improve the lives of Oklahoma's children and they should be allowed to continue their work.
Representatives have already voted 92-0 to override the governor's veto and enact the bill. All that is left is for the Senate to do the same, where the bill originally passed 33-13. Because the bill has an emergency clause, it will take 36 "YES" votes for the Senate to override the veto.
OICA requests all child advocates to contact their senators, and any members of the Senate with which you may have a relationship, and ask they vote "YES" on the motion that HB 3320 becomes law, notwithstanding the ojections of the governor. It is important to call immediately, as the session could end as early as TODAY!
We have proven this week that advocates have a powerful voice that can truly make a difference for children.
It is time to use that voice once again!
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