“The only real limits are the ones you put on yourself.” Those are inspirational words, but even more so when you learn about the person behind them. Hailey Mathis is studying political science and history at the University of Oklahoma and balances her class schedule with an internship at the Oklahoma State Senate. She’s also a survivor of the May 3rd, 1999 tornado. One of the most destructive and powerful storms ever seen, Hailey, just 13 at the time, was home alone when the tornado destroyed her Bridge Creek home and changed her life forever.

Today the Oklahoma Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 23, commending the United States Military, U.S. intelligence operations, President Bush and President Obama for the successful efforts of the War on Terror and in the Pakistan operation last night that ended the life of terrorist Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Just as they were nearly ten years ago, members of the Oklahoma Senate were united in their pride in America, paying tribute Monday to thousands of victims of al-Qaida from 9-11 to the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993.
When the session first convened on Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman led members in a moment of silence to acknowledge those victims, including Oklahoman David Rice, brother of Democratic Senate Leader, Andrew Rice.
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Two key education reforms are just one step away from becoming law. Senate Bill 346, which received final Senate approval on Monday, would end social promotion. The House gave final approval to House Bill 1456, which would create a report card for public schools. Sen. Clark Jolley is principal Senate author of both measures.
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After four years of advocating for stronger laws on boating under the influence, Sen. Bill Brown finally succeeded Tuesday when Senate Bill 324 passed the Senate unanimously. The measure now heads to the Governor’s office.

In a victory for school choice in Oklahoma, the state Senate today approved legislation to broaden the number of private school scholarships awarded to children from low-income households.

Senate Bill 969, the Oklahoma Equal Education Opportunity Scholarship Act, will give businesses and individuals the opportunity to provide low-income students with expanded educational opportunities.

Sen. Don Barrington and Rep. Tommy Hardin were pleased when Governor Mary Fallin signed Senate Bill 742 into law earlier this week allowing for the regulated use of utility vehicles (UTVs) in certain instances on public roadways.

More women die of heart disease, stroke, and all other cardiovascular disease than the next five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers. For this reason, State Senators Kim David, Judy Eason-McIntyre, Constance Johnson and Susan Paddack wore red Thursday to show their support of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) efforts to improve heart health and save lives in Oklahoma.
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Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, a breast cancer survivor, proudly announced the release of two new “Fight Breast Cancer” license plates Thursday.

Pension reform legislation championed by the State Senate has been signed into law today. Recommendations from the Senate Select Committee on Pensions were also released in a final report Tuesday, some of which became law the same day.

“Reducing the long term unfunded liability of our pension systems is the single most significant accomplishment of this legislature,” Bingman said. “With this legislation we are committed to a sound fiscal future and leaving our state stronger for our kids and grandkids.”