State Senators Wednesday approved a $6.5 billion general appropriations bill that includes more than $300 million in new funding for education and enough money for a 5-percent pay raise for state employees.

The Senate amended version of House Bill 2351 passed by a bi-partisan 27-19 vote.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield said the provisions of the bill provide the framework of the Senate position on the Fiscal Year 2007 state budget.

State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said a bloated budget proposal put forth by Senate Democrats shortchanges taxpayers and is little more than political posturing in an election year. The budget proposal increases the size of the state budget by nearly 20 percent compared to the budget from two years ago.

Legislation giving retired educators and retired state employees their first health benefits increase in six years is on its way to the House for consideration. That’s after language by Sen. Jeff Rabon was approved by the full Senate late Tuesday afternoon as an amendment to HB 2986.

When benefits were last raised during the 2000 session, they were increased from $75 a month to $105. Rabon’s amendment would nearly double the current state benefit of $105 a month for health care to $205 dollars.

“Republicans in the Senate are using fuzzy math to justify their vote against critical services upon which all Oklahomans depend like education, childhood immunizations, and rural fire protection.

“Senate Republicans proved today they don’t understand how to govern and are willing to turn their back on the children of Oklahoma in order to provide tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest among us the most.
read more.

The State Senate on Wednesday approved a measure designed to better protect children from child abuse.

House Bill 2840, the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Reform Act, was named in memorial of a two year-old victim of child abuse from Meeker. The bill would significantly reform the way courts and the state Department of Human Services handle cases related to child abuse and neglect.

Senator Harry Coates, co-author of the bill, said the measure will provide protection for children and prevent future cases from falling through the cracks.

A Senate measure to help protect motorists and make Oklahoma’s roads safer has been signed into law by Governor Brad Henry. Senate Bill 1929, authored by Senator David Myers and Rep. Jim Newport, creates the David Jaggers Law, named after a long-time motorcycling enthusiast and active member in the Downed Bikers Association who was killed by a negligent, reckless motorist while riding his motorcycle.
read more.

A bill aimed at strengthening penalties for Internet sexual predators won approval from the full House Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1479, by State Senator Jim Wilson, (D-Tahlequah) and Rep. Purcy Walker, (D-Elk City) increases the punishment for child predators using modern technology to sexually solicit minors, making the crime a felony and increasing the sentence to 10 years in prison.

The bill now goes back to the Senate.

Legislation designed to better protect consumers from identity theft was overhauled by the Senate and is now headed to a conference committee for further refinement. House Bill 2083, by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday.

An advisory study examining how to ensure the future of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSUCOM) residency program in Tulsa has been concluded and negotiators are optimistic about the proposal. That’s according to State Sen. Mike Mazzei, a member and lead negotiator with the joint legislative task force charged with finding a long term solution.
read more.

An advisory study examining how to ensure the future of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSUCOM) residency program in Tulsa has been concluded and negotiators are optimistic about the proposal. That’s according to State Sen. Mike Mazzei, a member and lead negotiator with the joint legislative task force charged with finding a long term solution.
read more.