Democrats Call for Special Session as Delta Variant Spreads
OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, and several members of the House Democratic Caucus released statements today calling for a special session to repeal Senate Bill 658, which prevents local school districts from implementing a mask policy.
House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman:
“What has to happen before we take COVID seriously? We have children in ICU. Our schools are about to open without the ability to protect staff and students, and as cases continue to rise, our vaccination rate is one of the worst in the nation. If the Governor is going to abdicate his responsibility, the Legislature must act. The House Democratic Caucus is calling for the Legislature to convene a special session immediately to repeal Senate Bill 658 and give school districts a chance to act.”
Rep. Merleyn Bell, D-Norman:
“As the parent of a school-aged child, I implore the Governor to call for a special session and work with the Legislature to repeal Senate Bill 658, which stripped local school districts’ right to make decisions about how best to ensure the health and safety of their students, teachers, and staff.”
Rep. Denise Brewer, D-Tulsa:
“The Governor keeps talking about personal responsibility while refusing to take steps to protect our citizens from the resurgence of COVID. I call on Governor Stitt to take ‘personal responsibility’ and call a special session so that local communities can protect themselves. It’s the right thing to do, and the responsible thing. ”
Rep. José Cruz, D-OKC:
Read more »
