Oklahoman
The Oklahoma Legislature on Thursday concluded its regular 2021 legislative session after lawmakers passed a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year and sent a record number of bills to Gov. Kevin Stitt s desk.
But like so many items voted on by the legislature, opinions about the session were divided on party lines.
Republican legislative leaders praised the accomplishments of their supermajorities in both chambers. Democrats, on the other hand, were critical of many policy priorities pursued by their colleagues across the aisle.
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, called this session the most comprehensive, policy-focused session in the nine years he s served in the legislature. Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, called it his most successful session yet.
Oklahoman
President Joe Biden will visit Tulsa on Tuesday to mark the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, according to the White House.
Biden s visit will cap off a long weekend full of events, speakers and concerts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tragedy that marks one of the lowest points in Oklahoma history.
According to principal deputy White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden will meet with survivors of the attack during his visit. He is also scheduled to deliver remarks on the anniversary.
The last three known survivors of the attack testified before Congress last week, urged a U.S. House subcommittee to help secure justice and financial compensation. That demand for justice has also come in the form of a landmark reparations lawsuit against the city of Tulsa and other entities.
Sen. George Young (D-Oklahoma City)
The Oklahoma Senate adopted on Wednesday a four-page resolution commemorating the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Senate Resolution 24 was introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat. I think it’s an important truth that we as Oklahoma leaders need to acknowledge and teach so we don’t repeat history, Treat said.
The resolution also applauds the race massacre centennial commission for demonstrating unity and encourages Oklahomans to visit the Greenwood District.
Sen. George Young (D-Oklahoma City) was critical of the resolution, however, saying it is very different from an eight-page version offered in the House by the Legislative Black Caucus, which he is a member of.