“Obviously, we have struck a nerve. No telling how many millions of dollars have been flowing to Mexico out of Oklahoma; a large portion of it, due to narcotics trafficking and illegal aliens who work for cash, pay no taxes, and then send it by wire straight to Mexico. Our state’s new regulations on the wire transfers of money have obviously put a dent in this flow of cash to Mexico, and serve as a great tool for law enforcement to identify those engaged in such activity.”

"Today we have taken a giant step backwards. By filing this lawsuit, we could thwart the liberal left's push to encroach on the liberties of all Oklahomans. Attorney General Drew Edmondson has refused to make this bipartisan move to challenge the constitutionality of Obamacare. But we as a legislature will continue to fight for the state of Oklahoma and not allow the government to strip away our liberties one mandate at a time."

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm has won Senate approval for measures aimed at better protecting families mourning the loss of fallen soldiers. Gumm successfully amended HB 2572 on Monday.

That legislation would better define the language in Oklahoma’s Funeral Picketing Act, which is aimed at keeping protestors from coming within 500 feet of where funeral services are being held from one hour before the services until an hour after the end of the services.
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For the second time in as many years, April 26, 2010 has been designated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol”, and breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, or anyone interested in saving lives from the disease are welcome to attend. Twenty plus organizations from throughout the state will have displays to share information on the fourth floor rotunda. Artists and survivor authors of Oklahoma will also be present. read more.

“The revenue collections for the month of March are indeed encouraging, but the reality is we have farther to go on this road to recovery. Fiscal responsibility of taxpayer dollars will continue to be a priority, as well as funding for core functions of government. The Legislature will keep track of revenue numbers as we work to draft a balanced budget and complete the people’s business.”

The state Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution celebrating the life and legacy of the late Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty. Daugherty was pastor of Victory Christian Center, and founder of Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute, the Tulsa Dream Center and Victory World Missions Training Center. Daugherty passed away last year, after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

The full Senate on Wednesday approved language to give 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans a special two-day hunting season. Senator Jay Paul Gumm included the measure as an amendment to House Bill 2701.

“This is based on a law on the books in the State of Michigan,” explained Gumm, a Democrat from Durant. “Our disabled veterans have sacrificed more than any of us can imagine. This benefit is just one more way we can honor and thank them for their service.”
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Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City) said today, the anti-government rhetoric among some Republican state legislators has reached disturbing levels. Rice pointed to comments by a Republican legislator running for statewide office who said on Wednesday the federal government is "tyrannical" and said he is willing to take his challenge of the federal government "to the max."

Oklahomans are three steps closer to seeing relief in our state’s Worker’s Compensation system with the passage of three reform bills in the State Senate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, sponsor of House Bills 1611, 2652 and 2659, said these bills would not only protect rights of Oklahoma workers, but also move towards a more business-friendly climate in our state.

The State Senate Monday gave bipartisan approval to five sanctity of life bills, providing more safeguards for the unborn.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he was encouraged by his colleagues’ efforts and success in pushing for strong, pro-life reforms.

“Senate Republicans continue to fight for life of the unborn, and we saw members from both parties join together in supporting this great cause,” said Coffee. “Oklahomans have consistently voted and called for measures like these, and today we have held true to Oklahoma values.”