FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2011

Rep. Richard Morrissette, District 92
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.
State Capitol – Room 543
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Contact: Jacklyn Brink-Rosen
(405) 557-7404

Oklahoma City (December 30, 2011) Last session, state Rep. Richard Morrissette, District 92 (D-OKC), authored HB1686, the Eastern Flyer Passenger Rail Initiative, to explore ways to grow the economy from his district to Tulsa by extending the Heartland Flyer beyond its terminus in Oklahoma City.

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and now awaits action from the appointed task force.

“The law requires that we set a meeting by the 31st of October with recommendations by the 31st of December. Obviously, we will not meet these deadlines, but we remain obligated under the law to produce results, so let’s get going!” urged Morrissette.

“If the general public understood just how much legislation is passed up here, and then never acted upon, I know they’d be shocked at the waste and dismayed by the politics.”

“My office has made several inquiries, and so have the members of the task force who have all now been appointed, but no one seems to be able to get an answer as to when and where the first meeting will take place.”

The following members have been appointed to serve:

State Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman Appointments:
Senator Dan Newberry
Senator David Holt
Mr. Dean Schirf (Harrah)
Mr. Rick Ahrberg (Cushing)
Mr. Blake Barnett (Bristow)

House Speaker Kris Steele Appointments:
Evan Stair, Norman, OK
Mr. Bob Rounsavell, Oologah

In frustration, the Tulsa City Council decided to form an advisory panel and held its first meeting on the 19th of December. Councilman Rick Westcott has been instrumental in keeping the initiative moving forward.

“If by the close of House of Representatives’ business today, Friday, December 30th, I have had no word on a meeting, I will begin contacting those who have agreed to serve upon the task force to schedule a meeting as soon as possible. I will host the meetings in accordance with the legislation and report our findings to Governor Fallin.”

“The citizens of this great state are sick to death of politicians who don’t keep their word. The train and all of Oklahoma’s transportation and infrastructure is important to every member of the community and to the health of commerce. I refuse to let the people down!”

Rep. Richard Morrissette serves south Oklahoma City and questions and comments should be directed to his Capitol office at (405) 557-7404.

-30-