Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman on Friday issued the following statement on the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 839. The proposal, authored by Bingman (R-Sapulpa), would provide funding for construction of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, better known as OKPOP.
“OKPOP will be a one-of-a-kind attraction and a source of pride for the entire state. By signing this proposal, Governor Fallin has ensured that invaluable historic material that speaks to our state’s identity and history will remain in Oklahoma and be on display for all to appreciate. This is the culmination of many years of planning and research by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and I applaud their efforts to build a realistic and credible business plan and secure numerous historic collections for the museum. Private donors have also made significant pledges to OKPOP, which further assures us the project will be a tremendous success. I’m pleased we were able to seize this rare opportunity to build something lasting and unique that will contribute to our state for decades to come.”
If it was such a great business plan why did the state need to FORCE me to contribute the venture capitol through taxes instead of allowing the private sector to assume the risks of such an investment and enjoy the rewards should it succeed?