Senator Daisy Lawler today applauded the decision by the United States Department of Agriculture to scrap its plans to close and consolidate 700 Farm Service Agency offices across the country, including 19 in Oklahoma.

“The voices of Oklahoma family farmers have been heard in Washington and we have won a tremendous victory for family farms in our state and across the nation,” said Lawler, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

State Senate Republican Leader disappointed by Sen. Lawler’s attempt to politicize issue in ‘Howard Dean’-like news release

State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said Oklahomans can thank U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas, a Republican from Cheyenne, for winning his effort to keep the USDA from closing 19 of Oklahoma’s 65 Farm Service Agency offices.

OKLAHOMA CITY-The principle author of the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act, Senator Cal Hobson, is speaking out against lawmakers who have been quick to criticize the new funding stream that has already pumped significant amounts of money into education in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSHL) convened at the State Capitol on Tuesday. During their two-day session, the organization will pass legislation that they ultimately hope to win approval for in the State Legislature. One of their first orders of business was a presentation by Sen. Harry Coates. Coates said he was honored to be asked to address the organization.

With all the difficulties many older Oklahomans face each day, getting needed state services shouldn’t be so hard. That’s according to State. Sen. Debbe Leftwich, who announced plans for legislation to create a “one stop shop” for Oklahoma seniors.

With all the difficulties many older Oklahomans face each day, getting needed state services shouldn’t be so hard. That’s according to State. Sen. Debbe Leftwich, who announced plans for legislation to create a “one stop shop” for Oklahoma seniors.

Gov. Brad Henry should regularly play the Oklahoma Education Lottery – and pledge to give his net winnings to public schools – to publicly show his support for the state-run gambling operation that is the cornerstone of his agenda.

“The governor should put his money where his mouth is and regularly play the Oklahoma Lottery,” stated Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Choctaw. “I am being consistent by not playing a lottery that I personally opposed. But the governor is being hypocritical by having pushed for the lottery and now refusing to play it.”

State Senators Daisy Lawler and Charlie Laster said they were pleased with the second meeting held by the Senate's official legislative study on eminent domain. The two are co-chairs of the committee examining Oklahoma's current statutes on eminent domain as a result of last summer's Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court case.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan called on Governor Henry today to expand the call of the current special session to allow lawmakers to provide emergency relief from high gas prices for Oklahoma motorists.

Morgan, D-Stillwater, proposed suspending the state’s gasoline and diesel fuel tax for the final three months of the year to help Oklahomans cope with the shock of the sky-rocketing price of gas.

Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said Tuesday his caucus members might support a proposal to temporarily eliminate the tax on gasoline – but said they have concerns about tapping the Rainy Day Fund to do it. Coffee also said Senate Republicans are ready to support a supplemental funding bill for the Centennial Commission if some specifics are included.

GASOLINE TAX