Senate Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb applauded his colleagues as they completed the people’s business a day early in the State Senate, saving the state more than $5,000.

“We as the Senate worked tirelessly this week to approve quality legislation and save taxpayer dollars at the same time,” said Lamb. “During a challenging budget year, the Senate recognized the importance of implementing cost-saving measures and adjourning a day early allowed us to do just that.”

The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation that would strengthen Oklahoma’s foster care system by incorporating non-profit organizations and faith-based entities into the state’s program.

A measure to better protect older Oklahomans has now cleared both chambers and is on its way to Gov. Brad Henry. On Thursday the House joined the Senate in approving Senate Bill 1289. Sen. Harry Coates is principal author of the measure. He said the bill closes a loophole in current state law aimed at restricting dangerous criminals from working in nursing homes, assisted living centers or adult day care centers.

"This is a good day for the cause of life. Today a bipartisan Senate majority made a bold statement in support of the sanctity of life. Those who rallied behind this cause reflected the core values of Oklahoma citizens, and I applaud my colleagues in providing more safeguards for the life of the unborn.

“Republicans have championed the sanctity of life for decades, and today we once again saw our efforts come to fruition with bipartisan support behind these critical measures. My fellow colleagues in the Senate and House chose to uphold Oklahoma values and overwhelming override the Governor’s veto.

“As a former Secret Service agent, I had a calling to protect people and their rights. Our pro-life legislation protects not only the unborn child, but the mother as well, allowing her to have informed consent prior to an abortion.

State Sen. Jim Reynolds said the clock is ticking on Senate Joint Resolution 5, a measure to cut the growth of annual property tax valuations. The legislation would let Oklahomans vote to lower the current property value cap from a maximum of five percent to three percent.
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“It is striking that a pro-abortion organization based in New York believes they know what is best for Oklahomans and will go to the expense of filing suit over a bill that passed both legislative bodies by wide, bipartisan margins.

“The Left consistently claims that education and more information is always beneficial for our citizens. Now, we pass a bill which would provide more information for a woman contemplating the decision to end a life growing inside of her, and we hear them claim that more information is not beneficial in this case.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was disappointed to learn that Gov. Brad Henry had vetoed Senate Bill 1685, the Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act. The bill was designed to stop further encroachment of the federal government on Second Amendment rights by exempting firearms and ammunition manufactured in Oklahoma from regulations handed down from Washington D.C.
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Gov. Brad Henry has signed a bill into law that will ensure Oklahoma taxidermists are not stuck with the expense of preparing trophies should hunters not pick up the mount.

The measure, Senate Bill 1275, was written by Senator Jay Paul Gumm after a local Bryan County taxidermist contacted him about the problem. Rep. John Carey, who also represents Bryan County, was the House sponsor of the measure.
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The State Senate gave final passage Wednesday to legislation addressing the state’s transportation funding needs. Senate Bill 1941, by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, will create the Innovative Funding for Oklahoma Roads Task Force.
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