The full Senate has given unanimous approval to legislation reforming Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system. State Senators Anthony Sykes and Patrick Anderson authored Senate Bill 878. Sykes presented the measure to the full Senate on Wednesday and said it was the result of several months of intensive work representing all entities with a stake in the system.

Senator Patrick Anderson today applauded Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman for his decision not to consider a $40 million bond issue this year for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. Anderson recently requested that the State Auditor and Inspector conduct an audit regarding the use of state dollars for the construction of the facility.

To date, the state has issued over $63 million in bonds for the project.

Aubry Weatherly is a freshman at the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee. Last week, she had the opportunity to spend four days at the State Capitol serving as a Senate page – the first student from her school to do so. She paged for Sen. Earl Garrison who represents Muskogee County where the school is located.

Following the Senate passage of House Bill 1953 on Tuesday, Sen. John Sparks said his successful amendment of the proposal marked a victory for transparency in state government. The bill establishes the Oklahoma Quick-Action Closing Fund, an economic development tool that would enable the Governor to use public funds to provide companies with a financial incentive to relocate to Oklahoma or expand existing facilities.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced plans to conduct an interim study for proposed bond issues. The senate leader opted for an interim study because various bond proposals were suggested this session and more information is needed about the bond packages before lawmakers consider the issues.

“We have a lot of capital needs in additional to existing bond obligations that need to be prioritized before we make decisions about additional bonding,” said Bingman.

The full Senate has given final approval to legislation to make the state more competitive when trying to attract major economic development projects. Sen. Mike Mazzei is principal Senate author of House Bill 1953.

“As we work to create jobs and grow Oklahoma’s economy, we need to make sure we take advantage of every tool available,” said Mazzei, R-Tulsa. “This program has generated 3,000 new jobs and $100 million in capital investment in Arkansas.”

On Tuesday, the Governor signed Senate Bill 239, by Sen. Josh Brecheen, which will add more transparency to the petition process when any tax increase is being proposed.
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With thirty years of legislative experience, first as a Senate staff person and then as a state legislator, Sen. Constance N. Johnson is looking forward to a new challenge. She was named by her peers last month as Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. Sen. Johnson assumed the chair position at the close of the 10th Biennial A.C. Hamlin Awards Banquet, their crowning event that is sponsored by the Black Caucus Foundation.

State Sen. Jim Reynolds has submitted his resignation from the State Legislature, effective July 1. Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, will begin his first term as Cleveland County Treasurer the first week of July after winning the post in the November 2010 election. Reynolds has represented the people of Cleveland and Oklahoma counties in Senate District 43 since 2000.

The Erin Swezey Act is on its way to Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk. Thursday both the House and Senate gave overwhelming support to Senate Bill 529, a measure named for a 20-year-old Oklahoma State University student from Edmond who was killed by a drunk driver in 2009.

Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is principal author of SB 529. He authored the bill at the request of Erin’s parents, Keith and Dixie Swezey, who sought the greater use of mandatory interlock devices as a way to keep more drunk drivers off the road and reduce fatalities.
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