Friday, December 6, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY - Statement of Gov. Mary Fallin on the passing of former Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau:
I am saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. During her tenure as labor commissioner, she improved the Oklahoma Labor Department’s relationship with the business community. She will be remembered for her efforts to reduce workplace injuries through her “Safety Pays” program, which provided small- and medium-size companies free consultations on workplace safety and federal regulations. We developed a special camaraderie as we were both female Republicans serving statewide elected positions during the same 12-year time period in a Capitol populated heavily with Democrats. We both were the first women in Oklahoma to be elected to our respective offices – she as labor commissioner and me as lieutenant governor. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends during this time of loss.
NOTE: Gov. Fallin served as Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2007, the same period that Brenda Reneau served as state labor commissioner.