Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Looming Storm Shuts Legislature Down

For the second time in as many weeks, weather is about to shut down state government in part of the state.

The Commissioner of Public Safety notified state employees in Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties they need not report to work on Wednesday unless they are in a position requiring their presence.

House Speaker Kris Steele cancelled House sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.

“In light of the great distances many House members have to travel when returning to their home districts, it is prudent to allow them to make those drives now before road conditions potentially became icy and dangerous,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “While this delay is inconvenient, it will not result in any major disruption of the legislative session and we will resume regular activity next Monday.”

At this time, House staffers are still scheduled to report to work on Wednesday. However, officials will review road conditions early tomorrow and may determine that the building should be closed at that time, Steele's announcement said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman's personal asssistant, Cheryl Boothe, sent out a notification at mid-afternoon that due to the weather situation, the Senate has adjourned until Monday. Senate offices will be closed Wednesday.

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