By Journalist Kennedy Thomason (OSU)
Senator Cook presents his bill during author’s explanation.
The “Empowerment Act” Act passed in the Senate today.
After a particularly long short title was read, Senator Cook addressed the body.
“Forgive me body, that short title was long, but you made it through. I appreciate you all so much,” Senator Cook said.
The apology was received humorously by the Senators. Senator Cook explained his bill to the body.
“We are one of the dead last in education statistics in the country, as far as states are concerned. That is why I am bringing this arguably progressive bill, bringing something new to the education system in the state of Oklahoma.”
Controversy surrounded NWOSU-001. Senators were in disagreement of the outcome of this bill if passed.
“My main concern is tax dollars going towards a bill that would not benefit special needs students,” Senator Boren said. “I think that’s damaging to the special needs community. Frankly, I think it’s a little ableist, but I don’t think that’s the author’s intent. I think his intentions are to create better schools, but I think the effect that this bill would cause would damage the disabled community.”
Senators caucused in the antechamber, as directed by Pres. Pro Shaw. The discussion went back and forth.
“My main thought is this, is that this is wanting to allocate funds to specifically charter schools in the state of Oklahoma,” Senator Collier said. “And regardless of how it is defined in the state statutes, in actuality, how charter schools actually function is they are small institutions that rely on an online form of education. So underprivileged students are not immediately benefitted by this, and that’s the author’s intent. I think his intent and what the bill would actually do do not match up.”
The opposition made the rounds, expressing their disagreement with the bill. Senator Floyd referenced the Oklahoma Legislature as reasoning for not supporting the bill.
“The actual Oklahoma Legislature failed it for a reason, and that is because we do have open enrollment in the state,” Senator Floyd said. “So, students can transfer wherever they choose to do so, and the funds that follow them are through the Department of Education. So, this bill just will move the property tax funds that would be going to that school, but I don’t think that it is a large enough amount to make a substantial difference in the student’s education.”
Despite a presence of opposition, the “Empowerment Act” Act passed in the Senate.