Oklahoma City - Legislation banning smoking in state owned and state leased buildings, including the State Capitol, was signed into law by the Governor today, making the new restrictions effective July 1st, 2002.

Senate Bill 1553, authored by Senator Ben Robinson (D-Muskogee) and Representative Ray Vaughn (R-Edmond) passed in the Senate after the House approved a committee substitute earlier this month. Before the bill even progressed to the House, the Senate removed original language that banned smoking in many other public places, including restaurants.

(Oklahoma City) Oklahoma public school teachers and education support personnel will receive expanded health care benefits under legislation passed by the State Senate Wednesday.

HB 1968 by Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield and Rep. Kenneth Corn was approved on a unanimous 42-0 vote.

"In order to attract and retain the best teachers in Oklahoma, we have to offer a competitive compensation package. By boosting health benefits, we can better compete with the other states that routinely raid Oklahoma to fill their teaching ranks," said Sen. Crutchfield.

Statement by Senator Jim Dunlap,
Senate Minority Leader

"It's interesting to finally see any kind of plan on congressional redistricting from the majority party. It is also interesting that for the first time in state history, the Democrat leadership is not concerned about the seniority of our congressional delegation. Senator Taylor also makes a point about not crossing county lines, but his map clearly crosses community lines such as Enid, Oklahoma City and Tulsa."

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Jeff Rabon is urging the head of the Department of Human Services and commission members not to cut a program that provides hot meals to tens of thousands of elderly Oklahomans.

Senator Rabon said the commission could vote to eliminate all funding to the Community Expansion for Nutritional Assistance Program during tomorrow's Human Services Commission meeting.

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has selected two longtime public servants and a financial officer from the private sector to help lead his gubernatorial administration.

Gerald Adams, a veteran staffer for three Oklahoma attorneys general, will serve as the new governor's chief of staff. Tom Spencer, the chief of staff for the state treasurer's office and a former assistant state attorney general, will act as general counsel in the new administration. Scott Meacham, an Elk City banker, will serve as director of the Office of State Finance.

Senator Frank Shurden announced plans to introduce legislation making cockfighting legal in the counties that voted against a state question banning the sport. The measure would also give every county the option of making cockfighting legal or illegal.

(Oklahoma City) Incoming State Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced Senate committee assignments Monday.

"The committee assignments are based on each member's individual expertise and ability to contribute, not political affiliation or ideology. Oklahoma will face many challenges in the months to come and it's important that we address those issues in a bipartisan manner," said Sen. Hobson (D-Lexington).

People all over the world can now see the original artwork that's been commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. That's according to State Senator and Historical Fund President Charles Ford who announced the works, descriptions of the paintings and information about the artists can now be viewed on the Oklahoma State Senate website.

Oklahoma City – Members of the Senate Republican Caucus leadership team today announced a portion of their 2003 legislative agenda with a show of support for Gov. Elect Henry's campaign pledge for Zero-based budgeting.

During the 2001 legislative session H.B. 1823, which required the legislature to implement zero-based budgeting passed through the House of Representatives, but subsequently died on the floor of the State Senate.

"The idea of zero-based budgeting isn't new. The Republican members of the Senate tried to do this last session, but there simply wasn't enough support from the other side of the aisle. What's different this year is that our incoming Governor favored the idea during his campaign; we're hopeful that support will continue in the session."