Oklahoma Senate Bill SCR7

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/23
• Engrossed: 3/6/23
• Enrolled: 3/6/23
• Passed: 3/6/23

Caption

A Concurrent Resolution mourning the loss of Oklahomans due to COVID-19; expressing condolences to those who have lost friends and family; and asking for prayers on behalf of all Oklahomans impacted by the pandemic.

Impact

By adopting SCR7, the Oklahoma State Legislature expresses its condolences to those who have lost family and friends due to the pandemic. The resolution serves not only as a formal acknowledgment of the significant loss but also as a call for ongoing prayers for all citizens affected by COVID-19. This acknowledgment is intended to foster a sense of unity and collective mourning within the state as it navigates the challenges brought forth by the pandemic.

Summary

SCR7 is a Concurrent Resolution passed by the Oklahoma Legislature, mourning the loss of lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution acknowledges the grave impact of the pandemic on the state, particularly the death toll which has reached nearly 18,000 Oklahomans since the first case was reported on March 6, 2020. The resolution reflects on Oklahoma's history with public health crises, drawing a parallel with the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic that claimed thousands of lives during its occurrence.

Contention

While SCR7 is largely a unifying resolution aimed at mourning and expressing empathy, there are elements of contention surrounding its passage. Some lawmakers and citizens may feel that such resolutions, although necessary for emotional healing, should be accompanied by concrete action plans to address the ongoing health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The need for effective public health measures and support for those impacted may be areas of discussion in the aftermath of such resolutions.