OSU statement on HB 1127

Monday, March 9, 2009

Gov. Brad Henry signs into law Monday a bill that creates a public-private agreement and funding for the OSU Medical Center.

(March 9, 2009) - Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis made the following statement today following Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry’s signing of House Bill 1127, which creates a public-private agreement for the OSU Medical Center.  With the new law, the state will contribute $5 million a year for the next five years.
 
“Today’s signing represents a major milestone for the many parties who worked tirelessly to arrive at this point.  Nothing has been more important to our medical school than securing its future, and by doing so, it can move full speed ahead in meeting its teaching, training and research mission, which is so vitally important to our state.  We express our heartfelt thanks to Governor Brad Henry, Senate President Pro-Tem Glenn Coffee, Speaker of the House Chris Benge and their respective staffs.  In addition, we thank Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and St. John Health Systems CEO David Pynn, as well as George Kaiser and Ken Levitt with the Kaiser Family Foundation.  I also want to thank Jake Henry, President and CEO of Saint Francis Health System, for stepping forward with a solution at a critical time when the future was truly uncertain.”