Virgin Requests Bipartisan Presentation on Health Lab Move

OKLAHOMA CITY — House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, released the following statement on the Governor’s decision to move the state’s public health lab out of Oklahoma City.

“Today, my office reached out to Gov. Stitt’s office to request a bipartisan presentation on moving the public health lab out of Oklahoma City,” Virgin said. “For many members of our caucus and our constituents, the announcement has created confusion and concern. In an effort to unite our government as these plans move forward, it would be helpful if the Governor’s office could provide insight into why this move is best for Oklahomans.

“It is extremely rare for a single person, even a governor, to have the ability to unilaterally make the decision to close, remodel and rebuild a state asset, using millions of taxpayer dollars, without any direct input from the public or state employees who serve the agency. It may be unprecedented in Oklahoma.”