By Journalist Kennedy Thomason (OSU).
There will be no press conference this session.
After two cancellations, Press Secretary Hensley has announced the 54th session of OIL will be without a press conference.
“Last session there were elections, the previous session there were just more events happening,” Press Secretary Hensley said. “This session there really isn’t that. We don’t have anything to focus on.”
The chambers are seeing an exceptionally slow process this session. The low turnout of passed bills has limited news circulation. Even with passage required by both chambers, the process is not usually this slow.
Governor Thompson has seen one bill as of 4:25 p.m. on Saturday. Press Secretary Hensley said this is unique.
“Today, Governor Thompson has only seen one bill passed from the House and the Senate,” Press Secretary Hensley said. “And that’s really shocking because it’s Saturday, our last full day of session, and usually today is the day we see quite a few in his office.”
The lack of action seen in both chambers has not created any circumstances worthy of a press conference. The House is working in a slower manner than usual, which is contributing to the lack of news.
The press conference is typically an exciting experience that allows anyone to sit in on. Journalists are able to practice their skills in a special situation, and delegates can view as officers are questioned. Typical panel guests include the governor and lieutenant governor.
Press Secretary Hensley said not having a press conference is a disappointment, despite previous exciting conferences.
“We, in the past, have had them for fun. But, they were always kind of centralized around what was going on around session,” Press Secretary Hensley said.
Despite her best efforts, no press conference will be held.
“…which makes me sad because they have been fun in the past, but this session has just been difficult in terms of planning something like that,” Press Secretary Hensley said.