“After months of refusing to address the public safety crisis, I hope Speaker Hiett’s ‘major policy announcement’ tomorrow isn’t just another attempt to change the subject.

“I hope the Speaker will announce his support for a comprehensive plan announced by Senate Democrats more than a month ago that gives the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) the tools they so desperately need to help keep our communities safe.

Senator Randy Bass, Chairman of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in the Oklahoma State Senate and member of the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission, said today’s announcement that Fort Sill will gain troops is a huge victory for Lawton/Fort Sill.

“The city of Lawton and the communities in southwest Oklahoma should be commended for their unwavering support of Fort Sill that without a doubt played an important role in bringing more troops to Fort Sill,” Bass, a Democrat from Lawton said.

Senate leaders said Wednesday they are disappointed House Speaker Todd Hiett is focusing on tax cuts targeted for wealthy Oklahomans rather than addressing the safety of all of the state’s citizens.

“Our efforts should be focused on keeping Oklahomans safe,” President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said. “The Speaker has had more than enough time to review a comprehensive plan to fund corrections put forth by Senate Democrats six weeks ago.”

Senator Mary Easley announced today that a bill to further enhance safety in the classroom received final Senate approval. Senate Bill 618 creates the “Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed CPR Training Act,” which will require two employees at every Oklahoma school to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction.

The Democrat from South Tulsa authored the legislation following the tragic death of Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed. The students both choked during school and while teachers and staff tried to help, they were unsuccessful.

When Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin and Senate Republicans attempted to force an up-or-down vote on a meaningful $125 million workers’ compensation reform package four weeks ago, they warned that if the issue went to a conference committee Gov. Brad Henry and Senate Democrats would attempt to water down the proposed reforms to protect workers’ comp trial lawyers.

It turns out that Fallin and the Senate GOP were right to be concerned.

A block of senators opposed Gov. Brad Henry’s nomination of Dr. Virginia Ann Dell of Oklahoma City to the state Textbook Committee when her nomination was considered by the Senate Wednesday.

The Senate narrowly voted to advise and consent to Henry’s nomination of Dell on a 25 to 22 vote.

A bill that will allow local education foundations to better serve the needs of public schools in Oklahoma is on its way to Governor Henry for his signature. Senate Bill 326, authored by two freshman legislators, Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Wes Hilliard, received final approval in the House today.

“This bill allows local foundations to compete for grants that will enhance the curriculum in our public schools,” said Paddack, who served as a statewide leader for local education foundations before her service in the Senate.

A measure to allow check-off donations from individual and corporate tax refunds to support the Oklahoma National Guard Relief Program received Senate approval today, announced author of the legislation, Senator Mary Easley. House Bill 1780 will create the National Guard Relief Program that will further aid Oklahoma’s men and women serving to protect our nation and our state. Representative Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner, is the House author of HB 1780.

The State Senate honored another outstanding Oklahoman today. Last week, the legislative body honored American Idol finalist Carrie Underwood and today they recognized the accomplishments and talents of America's Next Top Model finalist, Kahlen Rondot. The Broken Arrow resident just competed in Season Four of the nationally televised series on UPN produced and hosted by Super Model Tyra Banks.

Senator Jeff Rabon stated today that the Oklahoma House of Representatives is grand-standing Oklahoma’s neediest and most vulnerable – our children who depend on Medicaid for their health coverage.

Yesterday the Senate passed a conference committee report to Senate Bill 944, which will implement a less than one percent fee on all of Oklahoma’s hospitals. Rabon stated the House needs to take action immediately to assign conferees to allow passage of SB 944, which will generate nearly $300 million in Medicaid revenue.