A measure to build a statewide aerospace training facility cleared both the Senate Education and the Appropriation and Budget committees this week and is now headed to the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 432, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to acquire or lease property for the purpose of creating the statewide aerospace training facility. Under the measure, the State Board would establish admission standards and the curriculum requirements.
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Following the discovery of a $30 million slush fund at the state Department of Health last year, a multi-county grand jury made seven recommendations to prevent future financial deceit by state agencies. Sen. Paul Scott has authored legislation to implement one of those recommendations by punishing state employees who hide public funds under their control.
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State Senator Bruce Price will hold an important new leadership post in the Oklahoma Legislature when he returns to the State Capitol for the next legislative session.

The Hinton legislator was named chairman of the Senate Science and Technology Committee today, a new panel which will focus on technological changes affecting areas ranging from industry to education to the environment.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor announced the appointment today, saying Senator Price is a "perfect fit" for the new committee.

Oklahoma's oil industry, already reeling from a lengthy price slump, is in danger of losing tens of thousands of wells and energy-related jobs if it doesn't receive speedy assistance from the state. That was the testimony of industry leaders who appeared before a special task force at the State Capitol today.

Calling it a "realistic and responsible" way to deliver tax relief to working Oklahomans, Senator Lewis Long filed legislation today which would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries and reduce personal income taxes, replacing the lost revenue by tightening up the state's current exemptions on sales taxes.

Citing new figures from the State Equalization Board, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee is predicting a difficult budget year for state lawmakers.

The state panel revealed its preliminary estimate for the coming fiscal year today, showing the state would have approximately $14 million less to spend in FY 2000.

The first bill filed for consideration in the 1999 legislative session will slash car tag fees and excise taxes, delivering significant savings to Oklahoma motorists, according to the measure's author, Senator Lewis Long.

"Oklahomans deserve a break on their car tags and that's what I plan to give them. There's no question that they're paying too much now, but if I get my way, the state will put a lot of money back in their pockets," said Senator Long.

Senate Bill 1 is already drafted and will be formally introduced when the filing period opens Monday morning.

County officials who handed themselves a major pay hike recently may have to give the money back if State Senator Kevin Easley gets his way. The Wagoner County legislator is preparing legislation which would rescind the pay raise authority granted to county officials this year, in addition to rolling back any salary increases.

The 1999 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in this morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, who also took the oath for another four-year term, presided over the occasion.

Citing falling oil prices and their adverse impact on the Oklahoma economy, Governor Frank Keating and legislative leaders have appointed a special task force to explore alternatives for saving jobs in the beleaguered energy industry.