March 28, 2003 :: Chancellor Paul G. Risser comments following Gov. Henry’s signature today on HB 1748, which grants tuition- and fee-setting authority to Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities
“Prior to its passage by the House and Senate and throughout the entire process, Governor Henry promised that he would sign HB 1748 if the bill ever made it to his desk. Today, the governor signed this landmark piece of legislation, which could have a substantial, positive impact on the quality of higher education in Oklahoma for many years to come.
“The unprecedented team effort we saw for this bill from students, regents, presidents, business leaders, and the Governor, as well as the bipartisan support from the Legislature, will enable Oklahoma students to graduate on time and possess the necessary skills and knowledge needed to compete successfully in this global, knowledge-based economy.
“The Governor and the State Legislature are to be commended for the hard work that they put into getting a bill of such economic importance through the legislative process so quickly. Our state colleges and universities should now have ample time to meet with their constituencies and determine what courses of action they will need to take between now and the end of the fiscal year.”
