State Sen. Anthony Sykes said he was extremely pleased by the overwhelming support voters gave for a Constitutional amendment to make English the state’s official language and a second Constitutional amendment to ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Sharia law when making decisions. Sykes, R-Moore, was the Senate author of legislation placing the two questions before voters.
read more.

State Sen. Kenneth Corn is urging the incoming State Legislature to address the staff shortages in Oklahoma’s prisons before the public or Department of Corrections (DOC) employees are placed at further risk.

Corrections and public safety were always top priorities for Corn, and as he prepares to leave office, he called on returning and newly elected lawmakers to make these issues priorities as well.
read more.

Hundreds of Oklahomans will join people around the world for World Diabetes Day on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Senate Concurrent Resolution 34, authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel, passed during the 2010 legislative session and designates November 14 as World Diabetes Day in Oklahoma. This is the second year Oklahoma has participated in the event.

Sen. Dan Newberry on Monday said he was very pleased with the strong support voters gave to a Constitutional amendment that will permit the state to opt-out of Obamacare. Newberry was the author of legislation that placed the amendment before Oklahoma voters.

“I’m pleased by the outcome of the vote, and consider it a victory for the state of Oklahoma,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “The voters have made their voices heard loud and clear in Washington. Oklahomans sent a clear message that this intrusive federal mandate is a step too far.”

Senate Republicans met today for the first time since Election Day and elected Sapulpa Republican Senator Brian Bingman as their new leader and Senate President Pro Tempore-designate. Senator Bingman also announced his selection of Senator Mike Schulz of Altus as Floor Leader. The caucus, looking forward to an unprecedented 32-16 majority in the State Senate, came out of the meeting united and looking ahead to electing the remainder of their leadership team next Tuesday, November 16.

Pres. Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced Wednesday his selection of Sen. David Myers of Ponca City as the new Chairman of Appropriations.

"We must immediately get to work addressing another challenging budget. I know that Senator Myers is well prepared and ready to serve as Chairman of Appropriations,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Newly elected and reelected members of the Oklahoma State Senate took their Oath of Office during a ceremony Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. The Oath was administered by Oklahoma State Supreme Court Vice-Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor.
read more.

Oklahoma Senate Republicans elected the remaining members of their caucus leadership team on Tuesday.
Last week, Senate Republicans named Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, to serve as the second Republican in the Senate’s top leadership post, President Pro Tempore. Also last week, Bingman named Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, to serve as Majority Floor Leader. Rules were also changed at that time to add a fourth whip to the majority caucus as well as a caucus vice chairman.

On Tuesday, Senate Republicans elected these members of the leadership team:
read more.

Sen. Ralph Shortey on Wednesday announced his intention to introduce immigration reform legislation modeled after a statute approved last year by the Arizona Legislature.

Citing the extraordinary impact of illegal immigration on state resources, Shortey said it was time for Oklahoma to once again step to the forefront on immigration reform.

Sen. Steve Russell today announced an unprecedented and diverse gathering of professionals, including National Football League stars, world-class athletes and entertainers, military heroes and professional organizations that are joining forces to raise awareness and address the staggering needs of America’s veterans and their families.