State Rep. Questions Legality of Governor's Multi-Million Dollar Payment

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Mike Reynolds is criticizing Gov. Brad Henry's recent payment of $6 million in federal stimulus funds to the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

"It is bad enough that the governor would choose to take this action at a time when schools are facing budget cuts and prisons are overcrowded. Clearly, there are better ways to use this money," said Rep. Reynolds. "However, what makes the governor's decision even more disturbing is its questionable legality."

Reynolds said the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is not a state entity, but a private-public trust.

"This is the equivalent of investing state funds directly into a private company," Reynolds said. "It also shows a clear lack of priorities during this budget downturn. A few months ago, people were claiming we had a crisis because of a shortfall in senior nutrition center funding. Why didn't the governor use this money for that purpose? Core areas of government should clearly be given priority over pet projects."

Reynolds said he is meeting with individuals who are considering a legal challenge to stop the potential misuse of taxpayer dollars.