In a surprising turn of events, both the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives have now approved SB 839, which appropriates funds to help build a state popular culture museum, OKPOP. On May 21, the House initially rejected the bill on a vote of 44-49 and then reversed its ruling on May 22 with a vote of 51-40. Supporters saw the benefit of the museum as a major tourist attraction with great future economic impact, while critics of the bill cited the state’s expected $611 million revenue shortfall as reason to cut back on spending. Now on its way to Governor Mary Fallin’s desk, SB 839 will issue $25 million in bonds—already being used in the Oklahoma Historical Society’s budget to assist retiring the organization’s bond debt—that will be redirected to OKPOP. In addition to the state funds, other fundraising will now commence to raise the expected $40 million museum, which will have 25,000 square feet of exhibit space to celebrate Oklahoma creatives and their impact on pop culture as well as 7,000 square feet of special events space. Planners hope to open OKPOP’s doors on November 16, 2018, which is Oklahoma’s statehood anniversary date. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, is optimistic that Governor Fallin will approve SB 839 and said the governor has been a longtime supporter of the museum plan.