FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2011

Oklahoma GOP Reps Disrespect Our Local Heroes

Thousands of firefighters showed up to the Capitol today to show their opposition to the recent pension and collective bargaining bills going through the State House and Senate.

Firefighters filled the House Gallery to maximum capacity and standing room only to watch their representatives conduct session. Unfortunately, Republican leadership refused to hear the bills pertaining to firefighters’ pensions and collective bargaining rights.

Megan Dubray, Communications Director of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, said House Republicans don’t want to bring it to a vote because they would have to answer to the people watching them.

“Isn’t the point of transparent government to welcome and address concerned constituents who take time out of their busy lives to come to the State Capitol?” Dubray said. “Instead, our Republican leadership chose to address other bills rather than the ones that affect these firefighters directly. The simple reasoning behind this is they don’t want to vote against these firefighters’ livelihoods while looking them in the face. It’s cowardly and not what our government was built upon. Showing such disrespect to the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us is an insult to our great state and nation.”

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