OK Senate Appropriated $160 million repairs to the Capitol.
During the first few weeks of the session, most of the work focuses on bills that have been introduced and are scheduled for votes in committee—only those bills that have been approved in committee can next be considered by the full membership of the Senate. This past week, several bills were considered by various committees, including one many of us feel has been long overdue.
This coming summer we will mark exactly 100 years since the official groundbreaking of the Capitol building. It’s considered to be one of the state’s top tourist attractions, and a great deal of history has taken place here. Unfortunately, this historic building’s current state is nothing to celebrate.
For the past couple of years, I have been talking about the terrible condition of the state Capitol building. Its limestone exterior has been falling off, forcing the placement of yellow barricades and scaffolding on the south side to protect visitors and employees as they enter and exit the building.
It’s embarrassing, but there are even more problems inside the building. Much of the plumbing is original to the building. Lines beneath have collapsed and it’s causing sewage to leak into the basement—something that is definitely a health hazard to visitors and employees alike. Much of the electrical wiring is also far too old to handle the demands of computerized 21st century offices. There is a real danger of electrical fires.
After long-standing disagreements between the chambers about the best way to pay for these repairs, it seems now there is a growing realization that bonds are the best way to go. Oklahoma has one of the lowest bond debts in the country, and in just a few years, much of our existing bond debt will be paid off. The interest rates are historically low, and with less money anticipated for appropriations in the 2015 budget, a bond issue is the smart way to ensure we can fix the Capitol building.
The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed, and voted in favor of a bill calling for up to $160 million in bonds to make these much-needed repairs to the Capitol. The next stop for the bill will be the full Senate.
The state Capitol building is often referred to as “the people’s house.” We owe it to the people of this state to make sure this historic building is well maintained and cared for. This year the Senate, the House and the Governor all have an opportunity to make we meet that important obligation.
As always, I welcome your comments on state government. Please feel free to contact me by writing to Senator Charles Wyrick at the State Capitol, Room 535-A, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105; call me at (405) 521-5561.
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