Oklahoma Senate
Sen. Corn on avoiding Trooper furloughs.
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Showing: May, 2009
State Sen. Kenneth Corn said the safety of Oklahoma’s citizens is too important to allow highway patrol troopers to be furloughed. He’s come up with a plan to prevent that. Currently the Department of Public Safety charges $5 for copies of driving records. That fee has not increased for several years. Corn, D-Poteau, said the state could keep the troopers on the job by increasing the fee to $10.
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The Oklahoma State Senate voted Tuesday to send Workers’ Compensation reform to Oklahoma polls next year.
House Joint Resolution 1041 by Senator Clark Jolley requires Senate confirmation of appointments to the Workers’ Compensation Court. Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said Jolley’s legislation brings reform to a Workers’ Comp system in much need of overhaul.
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Sen. Jolley says bill would create a check and balance for workers' comp judges.
“Senator Corn’s proposed solution to the Department of Public Safety funding issue is a “quick fix” full of scare tactics to detract from the positive reforms Senate Republicans have accomplished for Oklahomans, specifically in the area of Public Safety,” said Senator Steve Russell, R- OKC, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “This is a typical Corn solution to raise fees or taxes long-term to fund a temporary challenge. read more.
Sen. Russell says DPS fee increase not needed, furloughs will be avoided through general fund.
The state Senate on Tuesday honored the life and accomplishments of athlete and musician Wayman Tisdale. Tisdale played basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 1983-1985, where he was the first player in collegiate history to be named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. He was the first athlete in Sooner history to have his jersey number retired.
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Tisdale resolution read on floor.
Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was extremely pleased that Gov. Brad Henry had signed legislation authorizing a Ten Commandments monument to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol. Brogdon was principal Senate author of the legislation.
“I want to thank Governor Henry for signing this legislation,” Brogdon said. “It passed with bipartisan support, and I believe it is something the people of Oklahoma would like to see at their State Capitol.”
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Sen. Brogdon discusses Ten Commandments Monument Bill being signed.
The state Senate on Monday approved a resolution praising the life and career of the late Sen. John Young. Young, who served as a state Senator from 1964 until 1986, died in January at the age of 85.
Sen. Brian Bingman authored Senate Resolution 55 praising Sen. Young for his numerous contributions to the state.
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Sen. Bingman honors the late Sen. Young.
Four Core Areas of Government Protected Under Agreement
Gov. Brad Henry, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee announced a budget agreement today that protects the four core functions of government, including education, health care, corrections and transportation.
Those four areas are at least held harmless in this agreement, all while not tapping the state’s Rainy Day fund, leaving about $600 million in place for future needs if necessary.
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Senators Glenn Coffee and Mike Johnson discuss budget agreement.
The Choctaw Nation was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate Thursday for its outstanding support of the National Guard and Reserve as well as veterans. Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, was author of Senate Resolution 48, praising the tribe which was the recipient of the 2008 Pro Patria Award—the highest honor bestowed for support of military men and women. The Choctaw Nation was also awarded the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
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Senate Floor audio with Sen. Gumm and Choctaw Chief Gregory Pyle.
State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm said he was extremely pleased that a tort reform provision he had authored for several years was included in the lawsuit reform bill approved by the Senate on Thursday. The provision would prevent a gun manufacturer from being sued if their product was used in the commission of a crime.
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Sen. Gumm on firearm manufacturing liability protection.
Legislature Grants Bi-Partisan Support
Oklahoma is one step closer to making history as a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill passes the State Senate Thursday with a 42-5 vote.
House Bill 1603, authored by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, is a multi-faceted measure, including several key components of reform which will improve health care access to all Oklahomans, as well as assuring small business’ health and viability in the state.
Pro Tem Coffee comments on passage of the landmark legislation:
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