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On a bipartisan vote, the Oklahoma Senate sent Gov. Brad Henry a revised version of a pro-life measure to prohibit taxpayer dollars, state-run hospitals, or state employees from being used to perform abortions.

“Senate Bill 139 is ‘Round 2’ of the Legislature’s effort to get the State of Oklahoma out of the abortion business. Passage of this legislation is a great victory for the unborn, and I strongly encourage the governor to sign it this time,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa, the bill’s author.

One day after the enactment of a bipartisan tax relief package, legislative leaders and the governor on Tuesday announced the outlines of a $7.1 billion state budget agreement that speeds up tax cuts for working Oklahomans, boosts teacher pay and includes important funds for critical state services such as public safety and state prisons.
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LaDonna Heintzelman wanted the right to wear a button with her sons picture during the trial of the man accused of his murder. State Sen. Jim Reynolds said the Midwest City mother will have that right. Thats after Senate Bill , known as Taylors Law was signed by Gov. Brad Henry on Wednesday. The bill was named for Heintzelmans son.
When I heard LaDonnas story, I immediately wanted to help. She simply wants to be able to honor her son with a photo of how he was in life, said Reynolds, ROklahoma City. This is an important day for victims rights and for Taylors family. read more.

LaDonna Heintzelman wanted the right to wear a button with her sons picture during the trial of the man accused of his murder. State Sen. Jim Reynolds said the Midwest City mother will have that right. Thats after Senate Bill , known as Taylors Law was signed by Gov. Brad Henry on Wednesday. The bill was named for Heintzelmans son.
When I heard LaDonnas story, I immediately wanted to help. She simply wants to be able to honor her son with a photo of how he was in life, said Reynolds, ROklahoma City. This is an important day for victims rights and for Taylors family. read more.

On Wednesday the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate again fell one short of the 32 votes needed to override Gov. Brad Henrys veto of SB 714, a pro-life bill that would prohibit state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother.

But Senate Bill 714s author, Sen. James A. Williamson of Tulsa, said he will continue the effort to ban state funding for abortions.
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The leaders of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa joined State Sen. James A. Williamson on Tuesday in support of a measure to restrict the performance of abortions at state facilities or by state employees.

Senate Bill 714 was vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry last month. Williamson has vowed to continue bringing up the legislation until he is successful in an override of the veto. Williamson said he intends to move to override when the Senate meets on Wednesday.
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National and state business and education leaders briefed members of the Senate and House Education Committees Tuesday on Oklahoma’s poor showing in a recent education study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The report, called “Leaders and Laggards,” gave Oklahoma an overall grade of “D”. Burns Hargis, Vice Chairman of Bank of Oklahoma, called the report “disturbing.”
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National and state business and education leaders briefed members of the Senate and House Education Committees Tuesday on Oklahoma’s poor showing in a recent education study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The report, called “Leaders and Laggards,” gave Oklahoma an overall grade of “D”. Burns Hargis, Vice Chairman of Bank of Oklahoma, called the report “disturbing.”
read more.