Oklahoma Legislature Unsure–Funding or Cutback?

Legislators in Oklahoma took steps in opposite directions within four days, voting to cut the statewide 911 surcharge by 70% one day, and then forming a legislative task force to study how upgrade the state’s 911 system. Rep. Mike Reynolds (R) proposed an amendment to an existing bill that would cut the surcharge from 50¢ to 15¢, as part of an overall reduction in state taxes. The amendment passed 75-21 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. Reynolds said the proposed fee reduction has nothing to do with 911 services, but rather the public’s recent request for reduced taxes. He pointed to the recent “tea party” protests, saying, “Tax payers want to see their money is used appropriately or they want it back. They want it back and this was a great example to do that.” Just four days earlier, the legislature named members to a group that will study “possible changes needed…as technology continuously evolves.” The 10-member task force will examine rural 911 availability and the increasing use of cellular phones to make 911 calls. Download (pdf) the Reynolds amendment here.