Legislature consents to Indian Museum completion plan, rejects OKPOP (so far)
Published: May 21st, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY – The state Legislature appears to have rejected a plan to help finance an Oklahoma Museum of Popular Art in Tulsa, while agreeing to provide a method that might provide a way to finish the long-delayed American Indian Museum.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 2237 on a vote of 58-36; today (Thursday, May 21) the Senate passed the proposal 27-17.
H.B. 2237 will finance a $25 million bond issue for the Indian Museum, while turning the land on which the unfinished edifice rests over to the Oklahoma City government. The city has not finalized plans to complete the project.
Governor Mary Fallin is expected to sign H.B. 2237.
Also on Thursday, the House of Representatives voted 49-44 against Senate Bill 839, a measure that would have started development on “OKPOP” in Tulsa. The House vote against the measure came after a day of legislative maneuvering. The measure seemed to have momentum during the noon hour, but at 2:48 p.m. failed with several members absent.
Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, said he would seek reconsideration of the negative vote on S.B. 839.
The Senate had approved the measure 28-18 earlier this week.
Hickman has worked with Senate President Pro Temp Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, on both proposals.