"My thoughts are with our families in the Tulsa area that are feeling the impact of American's restructuring. I know Oklahomans will rally around our neighbors during this tough time, just like we always do.

“Yet, with adversity always comes opportunity. We've been told this restructuring will help American keep thousands of jobs in Tulsa that otherwise would have been lost. For that we should be thankful.

Senate Education Chairman John Ford is working to restore a $5,000 stipend to Oklahoma teachers whove completed National Board Certification. Ford said ensuring those educators get what was promised is a top priority in the 2012 session.

I believe a promise made is a promise kept, said Ford. These are dedicated educators who have gone above and beyond what is required. In return, they were promised a $5,000 a year bonus for the duration of their National Board Certification. We need to honor that promise.

The Senate Republican Caucus on Tuesday released their agenda for the 2012 session. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said this agenda continues the priorities outlined in the 2011 session, which focused on jobs, streamlining government, and protecting core services.
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When the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Education meets Wednesday, members are expected to review a package of bond proposals the Regents of Higher Education will issue this year. Sen. Patrick Anderson is voicing his opposition to the package because it includes a $42 million request from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) to construct a 45,000 square foot building for the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
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The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would help public housing authorities recoup financial losses caused by irresponsible tenants. Senate Bill 1019, by Sen. Earl Garrison, would allow housing authorities to garnish former tenants’ personal income tax refunds for any monies owed for rent or property damage.
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2011 Jim Thorpe Award winner Morris Claiborne was honored on the floor of the state Senate on Tuesday. The Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 31 congratulating the cornerback from Louisiana State University.

As a junior, Claiborne recorded six interceptions and 173 interception return yards. His 274 career interception return yards ranks second in school history. He was a unanimous first-team All-American selection in 2011, and was selected as Defensive Player of the Year by Southeastern Conference coaches. read more.

Each year, the Department of Corrections struggles to keep up with the increasing costs of housing inmates. Many inmates pass away while incarcerated each year and the families of most of these individuals bury their loved ones. There are situations, though, where an inmate doesn’t have any living relatives or his or her designee declines to accept the individual’s remains for burial. In this case, DOC pays for the cost of cremation.
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Sen. Patrick Anderson is predicting that the $26 million bond issue that was approved by the Oklahoma Council of Bond Oversight is headed to the courthouse.

“Thursday’s action by the Council of Bond Oversight to rescind its prior decision to consult the Oklahoma legislature regarding the issuance of this bond issue opens the door to litigation on this matter,” said Anderson, R-Enid.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved a measure to simplify the criteria required for students to be eligible for in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Sen. John Sparks, author of Senate Bill 1624, said the proposal would make it easier for students to attend the Oklahoma college or university of their choice. Under his proposal, Sparks said, if a student is a United States citizen and graduates from an Oklahoma high school, they will be eligible for in-state tuition rates.
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State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, principal author of SB 1433, issued the following statement after the full Senate approved the measure on Wednesday.

“With this bill, Oklahoma law will follow what Missouri has done for the last 23 years. It will not stop stem cell research. It will not prohibit birth control. It does make a very simple, yet profound statement that life begins at conception.