Closed-door actions allowed under a bill approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives concern Rep. Tom Gann, the Republican from Inola.
He voted against Senate Bill 987 which was approved on a House vote of 62-30 and debated against the measure. The Senate had already approved the bill on a 30-15 vote.
“Senate Bill 987 is not economic development. It is governance by nondisclosure agreement,” Gann said. “I believe this bill expands unaccountable government bureaucracy and entrenches corporate welfare practices that undermine the free-market principles we were elected to defend.”
SB987 establishes a Department of Commerce board with the authority to conduct closed-door executive sessions, granting it powers to withhold feasibility studies, financial proposals and business plans from public scrutiny. Gann said it compounds the secrecy embedded in existing law under 74 O.S. § 5090.1, which requires legislators on the Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee to sign nondisclosure agreements.
“Public funds should never be handed out behind closed doors,” Gann continued. “The Oklahoma taxpayer deserves transparency, debate and documentation—not decisions made in private meetings shielded from public view.”
During floor debate, Gann cited Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman’s staunch opposition to corporate subsidies, reminding colleagues that government should not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Gann also referenced past failures such as the CANOO deal, where he said governor-sponsored, state-backed incentives were squandered on a highly speculative electric vehicle startup that ultimately failed to deliver.
“If Oklahoma had followed free-market principles instead of government-directed investment schemes, taxpayers wouldn’t be left holding the bag,” Gann said. “We should be improving the business climate for all, not giving special treatment to a politically connected few.”
Gann emphasized the role of government is to create a stable legal framework and a level playing field, not to gamble with taxpayer dollars. He said SB987 doubles down on central planning while eliminating transparency and accountability.
“This bill is the worst of both worlds—state-directed spending with zero transparency,” he concluded. “I voted no because I believe in sunlight, not subsidies. Oklahoma deserves real economic growth, not more rent-seeking risky ventures and backroom deals.”
Gann asked the governor to veto SB987 and said he will work to repeal 74 O.S. § 5090.1 and pursue reforms that restore public trust, protect the free market and end what he calls “politically motivated giveaways.”
House vote:
YEAS: 62
Alonso-Sandoval Duel Manger Ranson
Archer Eaves Marti Roe
Banning Fetgatter May Rosecrants
Bashore Fugate McCane Schreiber
Bennett George Menz Stark
Blancett Gise Miller Sterling
Boles Harris Moore Stewart
Caldwell (C) Hasenbeck Munson Strom
Caldwell (T) Hefner Newton Tedford
Cantrell Hill Osburn Townley
Cornwell Johns Pae Waldron
Culver Kannady Pfeiffer West (J)
Deck Kelley Pittman West (T)
Dempsey Kerbs Pogemiller Worthen
Dobrinski Lay Provenzano Mr. Speaker
Dollens Lowe (D)
NAYS: 30
Adams Hardin Patzkowsky Turner
Blair Hays Roberts West (K)
Chapman Jenkins Shaw West (R)
Crosswhite Hader Kane Smith Wilk
Ford Kendrix Sneed Williams
Gann Lepak Staires Wolfley
Grego Maynard Steagall Woolley
Hall Olsen
