Oklahoma State Leaders, Representatives Voice Opinions On Latest COVID-19 Relief Package

Several Oklahoma Leaders and representatives have voiced their opinions following the latest COVID-19 relief package to get senate approval on Monday in a late-night vote in Washington.

While most leaders are praising the package, some are criticizing how long it has taken to reach approval.

Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern released a statement targeting Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for the delays.

"Frustration and confusion have been the theme of all my conversations with my colleagues on either side of the aisle for the past six months." Congressman Hern went on to say, "Pelosi refused to work across the aisle before the election, baffling even members of her own party. This bill, although six months late, includes much-needed funding for small businesses and families."

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford praised the funding to help with COVID-19 relief. However, he criticized that all of the government's funding appropriations were bundled together and voted on last minute.

Senator Lankford said, "Those who are hurt the most by the pandemic get the most help in this bill. But, the bill also includes all twelve appropriations bills to fund every program in the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year." Lankford added, "each of them should have been done individually over the past seven months, rather than crammed into the last legislative week of the year."

Finally, State School Superintendent Joy Hofmeister praised the funding being allocated to schools in this new relief package.

Hofmeister said, "These funds, which are significantly more than K [through] 12 education received under the CARES Act, are the emergency boost schools need to implement intensive student supports to recover lost ground."

The latest bill that will bring the second wave of funding is awaiting President Donald Trump's signature.