OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill by Senator Jay Paul Gumm would give the Oklahoma Legislature another chance to protect women left out of a state law governing small group health insurance policies.

Under current Oklahoma law, every health insurance policy – no matter how small the group – must cover prostate examinations for men. There is, however, no requirement that obstetrical/gynecological examinations for women be covered by health insurance group policies with 50 or fewer members.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate have selected their leadership team for the 2007-08 legislative sessions, Co-President Pro Tempore designate Glenn Coffee announced Wednesday.

Coffee, who was elected co-president pro tempore designate by his caucus on Tuesday, named Senator Owen Laughlin of Woodward to serve as Republican co-floor leader.

Coffee also announced that Senator James A. Williamson of Tulsa will serve on the Senate GOP’s leadership team as Republican leader emeritus.

Democrats and Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate have reached a historic agreement to share power, Senate leaders announced Tuesday. The 48-member Senate has an unprecedented tie of 24 Republicans to 24 Democrats.

The leaders said the historic agreement will ensure that the Senates business can be conducted in an orderly fashion, and follows several weeks of intense negotiations. A tentative agreement was reached by negotiators last Friday, and it was formally approved by both parties caucuses Tuesday morning.

In response to Congress’ failure to pass a nearly $4.5 billion agriculture disaster relief package on Tuesday, state Sen. Jeff Rabon on Wednesday said the state must step forward with a comprehensive assistance package for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.

“Oklahoma livestock producers and farmers are currently facing dire conditions brought on by one of the worst drought periods in state history,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “This two-year drought cycle has resulted in the poorest wheat crop in decades.”

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan

I commend the board for their sound decision to name Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Glen D. Johnson the new Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

President Johnson has a rich history of being an effective and brilliant leader in the State of Oklahoma while serving as Speaker of the State House of Representatives, and then as President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

State Senator Darrell Weaver is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 24. The Moore Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday as friends, family and other supporters watched from inside the Senate Chamber.

“I am appreciative of the citizens of District 24 for entrusting me to be their voice in the Senate,” Weaver said. “I’m looking forward to focusing on legislation that will create more jobs, expand and diversify our economy and generate more resources for public safety, education and other essential core services.”

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said he is concerned that Gov. Brad Henry’s so-called “Smart on Crime” proposal is backdoor effort to reinstate early release programs for offenders.

State Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, commented on the Senate Democrats’ 2007 legislative agenda announced today.

“I am encouraged by the positive tone of the Senate Democrat leaders during today’s announcement. Senate Democrats appear ready to abandon the obstructionism we have seen from them in the past, and seem willing to work with Republicans to find common ground on issues that can move our state forward,” Coffee said.

Democrats of the Oklahoma State Senate unveiled an aggressive 2007 legislative agenda today. Senate Democratic leaders said the “Oklahoma Rising” agenda includes opportunities for all Oklahomans.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan

“The history of Oklahoma’s energy industry is filled with innovation and imagination. For nearly a century, Oklahomans have led the world in new technologies in energy exploration and production. In a changing and volatile world is important for Oklahoma to invest in the development of new forms of energy, including bio-fuels. I applaud the Governor for coming forward with a bold initiative to keep Oklahoma among the world leaders in energy.”