OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — One day after failing to pass a $25 million bond proposal to build a new museum in Tulsa, the Oklahoma House reversed course and narrowly passed a plan to build the facility dedicated to the state's icons of popular culture.
The House voted 51-40 Friday to approve the bond issue, one day after the same measure fell seven votes short of passing. A bill needs 51 votes to pass in the House. It now heads to Gov. Mary Fallin for consideration.
The bill passed despite fierce resistance from some Republicans who argued the state shouldn't be in the business of operating museums.
The museum's business plan calls for the construction of an adjacent parking garage to generate revenue to help fund operations.