Hickman Statement On Firearms Veto

May 8, 2014

The following is a statement from House Speaker Jeff Hickman concerning the veto override of House Bill 2461.

STATEMENT

“Overriding a governor’s veto is a very serious matter for the Legislature. Our decision was made after careful consideration. Vetoing bills written to do the things constituents ask for and passed by representatives and senators, who are elected by those constituents, should also be treated as a very serious matter.

“The House passed a personal income tax cut requested by the Governor, along with pension reform, the Governor’s school tornado shelter referendum and a ban on youth access to e-cigarettes. We also spent hours debating her bill to expand charter schools statewide and the $160 million bond issue for the Capitol that she requested.

“I hope we can now move past the political games of vetoing important legislation, such as the bill protecting Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans, so we can get back to the serious issues left this session. Dealing with these vetoes continues to take the time and attention of the Legislature away from the remaining matters the Governor would like addressed.”