OKLAHOMA CITY - State Senator Paul Muegge is calling on his legislative colleagues and other Oklahoma leaders to join him in support of policies to ensure the quality of the state's water supply.

"The establishment of standards and protections for water quality is an issue that touches the lives of every Oklahoman," said Senator Muegge. "I believe the recent controversy over confined animal feeding operations could result in the initiation of a positive water quality policy."

Two days after Governor Keating vetoed an effort to lower insurance premiums by pumping additional funds into the state health board, his finance office endorsed the legislative initiative to bulk up the reserves of the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB). The endorsement came in a letter from the Oklahoma Office of State Finance to the federal government.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Two highly publicized accidents resulting in the spillage of hog waste is prompting State Senator Kevin Easley (D-Wagoner Co.) to call for an independent evaluation of the spills.

Senator Easley serves as chairman of the joint legislative committee created to study the impact of large corporate hog farms.

The Department of Agriculture has already conducted an evaluation of the spills and their impact. However, Senator Easley believes an independent study would be beneficial to lawmakers who are writing regulatory legislation this year.

Citing conflicting statements from Governor Frank Keating, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate is asking for a clear, public statement from the Governor, reiterating his unqualified support for a one-year moratorium on new hog operations.

Oklahoma has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, according rankings distributed by two national research organizations. The findings of the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Tax Foundation were released in an analysis by the Oklahoma Senate staff today.

Information obtained by a state legislator indicates the State Regents for Higher Education may have circumvented state open meetings and records laws in drafting their proposed shake up of Rogers University in Tulsa.

Saying Governor Keating is using "election year gimmickry and creative accounting procedures" to make his budget balance, a Senate budget leader is raising concerns about some of the funding sources cited in the executive budget.

"Red flags always go up when the state chief executive makes a lot of expensive promises in a tight budget year. When the promises outweigh the money, you've got a problem. I would say the Governor's budget has a big problem, especially in the pension area," said Senator Darryl Roberts, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

OKLAHOMA CITY - It appears that a proposal to encourage greater teenage participation in driver's education may face little opposition this legislative session. Senators Keith Leftwich (D-Oklahoma City) and Herb Rozell (D-Tahlequah) conducted a public hearing on the issue at the State Capitol this morning.

"I am very pleased by the response to this proposal," said Senator Leftwich. "We are gaining support for this driver's ed package from nearly every sector of society. Education, parents, business, and many others are voicing their enthusiastic support."

Oklahoma's wealthiest citizens would be the biggest beneficiaries of Governor Keating's proposed income tax cut, according to a new analysis by the Senate staff. The study indicates almost 80 percent of the $777 million tax reduction would go to less than one-quarter of Oklahoma taxpayers, those who make more than $50,000 a year.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Praising his many accomplishments in both the public and private sectors, The Oklahoma State Senate paid tribute this week to former State Senator H.B. Atkinson. Atkinson passed away on January 27.

Adkinson's many achievements were recounted in the chamber where he served from 1965 through 1970, with the passage of Senate Resolution 49.

Senator Dave Herbert was among those paying tribute to Atkinson.