Oklahoma lawmakers are heading into a special session Monday. The House and Senate are taking up Governor Kevin Stitt’s emergency declaration that would give him broad authority to waive normal statutory requirements.
House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols says this allows state government to speak with one voice to coordinate first responders, additional hospital resources and other emergency needs. The Oklahoma City Republican says the governor has assured lawmakers this is not an attempt to take over state or local government.
"I trust the governor. I'll be voting yes on this resolution," Echols said. "But, one of the other parts is, this only a 30-day resolution. So, if there is some issue where this is taken to far, we still have the ability to do something about it."
Lawmakers will also vote to deal with a more than $400 million shortfall in the current fiscal year budget ending June 30th.
To avoid contamination, no more than ten people will be in the chambers, lawmakers will listen to proceedings from their offices and some at-risk members will be allowed to vote remotely.
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The Trump administration has approved a disaster declaration for all 77 Oklahoma counties.
Oklahoma can now access federal dollars for emergency protective measures and direct assistance for state and local governments to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The White House is still reviewing Governor Kevin Stitt’s request on additional assistance for crisis counseling, disaster unemployment and legal services as well as other programs.
