A measure to simplify the criteria for students to be eligible for in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities has been approved by the state Senate.
Under Senate Bill 1624, authored by Sen. John Sparks, if a student is a United States citizen and an Oklahoma resident at the time they graduate from an Oklahoma high school, they will always be eligible for in-state tuition. Sparks said his proposal will make it easier for many native Oklahomans to pursue their educational goals in Oklahoma.
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Currently, an active member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) who is a war veteran is eligible for up to five years of service credit for overseas deployments. An unintentional loophole in Oklahoma statutes, however, did not extend this benefit to certain veterans of the Vietnam or Gulf Wars.

Senate Bill 616, by Sen. John Sparks, addresses the problem ensuring these veterans get the benefits they deserve.
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On Monday, the Senate approved Senate Joint Resolution 25, which will allow voters this November to decide whether or not to take the Governor out of the parole process for nonviolent offenses. The resolution, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen and House Speaker Kris Steele, is supported by the Governor.
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Sen. David Holt (R - Oklahoma City) and Rep. Mike Sanders (R - Kingfisher) this morning dedicated the "President George W. Bush Bridge" with the former President himself in his office in Dallas, Texas. The legislators presented President Bush with a replica of the sign that was placed this past weekend at the southbound Interstate 44 Bridge over the Red River. The Oklahoma Legislature approved the naming in 2011.

"Oklahomans remain grateful for President Bush's courage, and we are glad that we had this opportunity to communicate that personally," said Sen. Holt. read more.

In an effort to stem the nation’s ever-increasing debt, the State Senate has given approval to a measure calling on Congress and the president to reduce spending and initiate a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget.

Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, is principal author of Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, co-authored by Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa. Newberry said the federal government’s inability to stop adding to the national debt is one of the greatest threats facing the country today.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement after Tuesday’s passage of SCR 33, a measure calling on Congress and the President to begin work on a balanced budget amendment and to reduce spending:
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March 27, 2012 was officially recognized as Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage co-authored Senate Resolution 45 honoring the tribe, which is the second largest federally recognized tribe in the nation, and the largest in the State of Oklahoma.
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Sen. Constance N. Johnson says Wednesday’s ruling by Oklahoma County District Judge Bryan Dixon is a victory for women’s rights. The judge ruled that a 2010 law requiring women to have ultrasounds before having abortions is unconstitutional.
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Sen. Sean Burrage, Democratic Leader of the State Senate, issued the following statement after the governor and legislative leaders unveiled planned reforms for DHS.

“The plan to hire 200 new child welfare workers, recruit more foster parents and phase out shelters is extremely encouraging. I’m hopeful these initiatives will mark a real turning point in how Oklahoma deals with at-risk children and families.

When legislators return to the State Capitol next week to convene the 2012 session, lawmakers will be taking another look at a $25 million bond issue they originally authorized in 2009. That’s after the Council of Bond Oversight voted last week to require that a Concurrent Resolution be passed in order to have the original bonds issued.

Sen. Patrick Anderson applauded the Council’s decision, considering the significant changes in the proposal since it was first approved three years ago.
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