With lake season quickly approaching, Gov. Fallin signed legislation Monday to ensure eligibility for boat rental businesses to operate in state parks. Sen. Bill Brown, author of Senate Bill 374, said the measure will protect legitimate, rule-abiding businesses.
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Senate Democratic Leader, Sean Burrage, Claremore:

“This budget bill is just another example of our legislature lacking the political courage to tell Oklahomans exactly how and where we are spending their money.

Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, issued a statement following Tuesday’s announcement from Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, unveiling an agreement for creating an additional judgeship for the voters of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties:

Gov. Mary Fallin has signed legislation that would prohibit the use of welfare cash cards in strip clubs, liquor stores, and casinos. Authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, Senate Bill 667 would help ensure public assistance is ultimately being used to support families and children who need it most.
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One of the main roadblocks faced by Oklahomans recently released from prison who are trying to reintegrate into society is a lack of finances to afford driver license reinstatement fees. The costs associated with reinstating a suspended driver license can range anywhere from $300 to $700, and for those already struggling to pay off court fines still owed after incarceration, such a sum can be in surmountable. In an effort to help these individuals, Sen. read more.

Hunting is one of Oklahoma’s top tourism activities generating millions in revenue for communities and businesses around the state. This year, Sen. Josh Brecheen authored Senate Bill 780 to address hunters illegally killing deer only for their antlers and leaving the carcasses to rot – a growing problem brought to his attention by a game warden and rancher in his district.
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The state Senate voted Wednesday to direct $45 million from the state Rainy Day Fund for immediate tornado disaster relief. Senate Bill 249, passed unanimously in the Senate, directs funds to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management to aid recovery efforts in affected communities. SB 249 was passed in response to a request by Gov. Mary Fallin.
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Sen. Mike Schulz and Rep. Charles Ortega said the selection of Altus Air Force Base for the first Formal Training Unit (FTU) for the Air Force’s new KC-46 air refueling tanker will have numerous benefits for the base and the city of Altus and Southwest Oklahoma.
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The Senate has approved a package of tax relief measures to help Oklahoma tornado victims. Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, is the author of Senate Bill 330. He represents the district hardest hit by Monday’s EF5.

“We know that thousands of Oklahomans have lost everything, including their homes and their vehicles. Even with insurance, there can be a tremendous personal expense for replacing these things,” Sykes said. “This package of credits will help offset some of the cost for replacing homes and vehicles, and help businesses that were impacted.”
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Oklahomans whose property was damaged in the May tornadoes need to be cautious when it comes to hiring someone to make roofing repairs. Taking the time to make sure a roofer is registered to do business in Oklahoma can protect property owners from being ripped off by scam artists who exploit storm victims.