Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan

“I talked with the governor this morning about his proposal, but I have yet to see it outlined in a spreadsheet. We look forward to receiving the details so that we can review them thoroughly. It would, however, be premature for me to comment further at this point.”

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary said he is concerned the proposed budget compromise offered by Governor Henry shortchanges prosecutors throughout Oklahoma, and in the process creates a public safety danger for Oklahoma families.

“From my understanding the budget compromise being floated by Governor Henry and Legislative leaders does not include the necessary funding for District Attorneys in Oklahoma,” Corn said. “When prosecutors are left with mere crumbs they cannot effectively put dangerous criminals behind bars.” read more.

Senator Daisy Lawler said Tuesday she is concerned that Governor Henry’s compromise budget proposal does not include a specific pay raise for state employees.

“The governor’s plan leaves state employees behind,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “In a year when we have a windfall of $1 billion in new money available choosing not to give state employees a raise is unconscionable.”

A measure to encourage cable television providers to offer a "family tier" of programming has now been approved by Governor Brad Henry. That's according to Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, principal author of SB 1697. The measure was co-authored by Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah.

"Basically, this bill gives cable providers the option to provide customers with family friendly programming," said Coffee. "This includes programming that is suitable for the entire family to watch together, with shows for everyone from very young children to programs for general audiences." read more.

The Oklahoma State Senate honored Senator Scott Pruitt Tuesday who is completing his second and final term of service in the Senate to the citizens of Senate District 36. Unlike the many other senators who have to leave office this year because of term limits, Pruitt will not seek reelection in order to run for Lieutenant Governor.
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With family, friends, supporters and fellow lawmakers gathered in the Senate Chamber, Altus Republican Mike Schulz took the official oath of office, becoming the newest member of the Oklahoma State Senate. Sen. Schulz won the District 38 seat in a special election one week ago.

"This is a great day for my family and all our friends and supporters who share our vision for District 38 and for our state," said Schulz. "I am honored and humbled, but most of all I am excited to be on the job here in the State Senate."

State Sen. Jonathan Nichols, a former prosecutor, said he is concerned that Gov. Brad Henry’s proposed budget compromise does not properly fund Oklahoma’s district attorneys.

“From what I have heard of the governor’s proposal, I am concerned that district attorneys would not receive the additional funding they have requested to ensure that criminals are prosecuted and punished for their crimes. Public safety should be a priority at the State Capitol, not an after-thought,” stated Nichols, R-Norman.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan today rejected the state budget proposal agreed to by Governor Henry and Speaker Hiett.

After two days of negotiations and review, the Senate Leader said: “There is no deal.”
The Henry-Hiett tax cut proposal cuts too deep and disproportionately benefits the wealthy. The spending proposals are long on giveways and set-asides for special interests and short on funding for essential services, he said.

“I’m not willing to throw the people of the state of Oklahoma under the bus,” Morgan said. read more.

State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said Senate Republicans do not support the Senate Democrats’ big-spending budget proposal unveiled Wednesday.

“Senate Republicans are not supportive of this bloated budget proposal,” Coffee said. “Senate Democrats may be angry about the budget agreement between the speaker and the governor, but they shouldn’t take it out on Oklahoma taxpayers by blowing through the surplus like they just won the Oklahoma lottery.”

The budget needs of the state's District Attorneys have not been adequately addressed by Governor Brad Henry and Speaker Todd Hiett. Sen. Todd Lamb said he was terribly concerned that public safety will ultimately suffer for it.
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