Citing new figures from the State Equalization Board, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee is predicting a difficult budget year for state lawmakers.

The state panel revealed its preliminary estimate for the coming fiscal year today, showing the state would have approximately $14 million less to spend in FY 2000.

Calling it a "realistic and responsible" way to deliver tax relief to working Oklahomans, Senator Lewis Long filed legislation today which would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and reduce personal income taxes, replacing the lost revenue by tightening up the state's current exemptions on sales taxes.

Oklahoma's oil industry, already reeling from a lengthy price slump, is in danger of losing tens of thousands of wells and energy-related jobs if it doesn't receive speedy assistance from the state. That was the testimony of industry leaders who appeared before a special task force at the State Capitol today.

State Senator Bruce Price will hold an important new leadership post in the Oklahoma Legislature when he returns to the State Capitol for the next legislative session.

The Hinton legislator was named chairman of the Senate Science and Technology Committee today, a new panel which will focus on technological changes affecting areas ranging from industry to education to the environment.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor announced the appointment today, saying Senator Price is a "perfect fit" for the new committee.

Oklahoma's bid to bring passenger rail service back to the state is getting a shot in the arm from two neighbors. Both Kansas and Texas are taking the first steps to forming an alliance with Oklahoma, thus strengthening the region's chance of landing a new Amtrak line.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Visitors at the State Capitol can get a glimpse of a newly discovered Oklahoma dinosaur; the "Recycleosaurus."

"So far we only know of one Recycleosaurus, but we're hoping several more will soon be discovered by Oklahoma school children," said Senator Cal Hobson.

Recycleosaurus was discovered when some volunteers got together one evening after work and used some discarded packing styrofoam, wood and glue to show how a recycling project can tie in science and art.

Who's the best state legislator in the country?

State Senator Paul Muegge of Oklahoma, according to a respected, national trade publication which covers federal, state and municipal governments across the country.

Senator Muegge has been tabbed "Public Official of the Year" by Governing magazine, making him the first Oklahoman ever to win the honor.

Unwrapping the mysteries of the human brain and the implications of its early development will be the discussion topics when four experts from across the country speak in Tulsa next week at a special conference. "Making the Connection: Brain Development Research and Policy Implications" will be held on Wednesday, October 14th at the Rogers University campus there.

Citing falling oil prices and their adverse impact on the Oklahoma economy, Governor Frank Keating and legislative leaders have appointed a special task force to explore alternatives for saving jobs in the beleaguered energy industry.

The 1999 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in this morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, who also took the oath for another four-year term, presided over the occasion.