Durant Daily Democrat
by State Senator Josh Brecheen
January 22, 2011
With Oklahoma’s projected 650 million dollar budget shortfall, priorities matter now more than ever and for this reason I have filed SB14 to repeal SB1347.
Enacted in 2004, Senate Bill 1347 (“State of Oklahoma: Art in Public Places Act”), required that 1.5 percent of the cost of construction or renovation of state-owned projects (highway construction or public buildings) be set aside for artwork. It has applied to projects costing at least $250,000 with the maximum assessment not exceeding $500,000. By statute, the artwork has been spent in, on, or near facilities or highways. More than $5 million dollars will soon be spent in current project compliance and millions more in expenditures have already occurred/are on the horizon. Most of these dollars are going for projects in or near Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma is cutting funding to agencies and programs because of the shrinking budget yet we are spending millions of dollars on public art. Some are asking for an explanation. Last summer, a Marshall county community leader took the time to visit with me about this area of state expense. After researching it further, I promised to work on a repeal of the Oklahoma Arts in Public Places Act. I spoke about it for many months and in filing SB14, I am following suit on that commitment.
Those supporting the passage of SB1347 (six years ago) argued public art would enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans and make the state more attractive to out-of-state companies. I absolutely agree. In a time of surplus and with a secured transportation system this might be worthwhile expenditure for bridge art (as found in Dallas, Texas) or artwork for the state capitol itself. However, given our economic situation this is not the time for such expenditures in, on or near random state buildings in Oklahoma City or Tulsa. Local/private finances should be looked for if these projects are deemed local priorities. Oklahoma has the highest number of deficient roads and bridges of any state in America and securing structural integrity must take priority over public art... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Sat, January 22, 2011
by John Cox