Having beaten the disease once, Senator Larry Dickerson is beginning a second battle against cancer. The Poteau legislator announced today he will soon begin undergoing a series of treatments to attack a malignant tumor in his lung. The survival rate for the type of cancer Dickerson has is almost 90 percent.

"I'm going into this with a very positive attitude and most importantly, the love and support of my family and friends. I've beaten this disease once and I don't have any doubt that I'll beat it again," said Senator Dickerson.

Governor Keating axed the equivalent of a $120 million tax cut for business and denied thousands of injured workers their court-awarded settlements when he vetoed HB 1771 late Wednesday, according to the author of that legislation, Senator Brad Henry.

The Shawnee legislator called the veto "the most irresponsible" of Keating's administration.

"Basically, the Governor killed a $120 million tax cut. He took money out of the back pocket of business with one hand and slapped injured workers with the other," said Senator Henry.

The Senate today approved a second bill designed to bail out the Special Indemnity Fund and deliver relief to injured workers and business owners around the state. SB 680 by Sen. Brad Henry is almost identical to HB 1771, legislation which was vetoed by Governor Keating earlier this week.

The Governor's office has indicated he will sign the latest measure.

In an effort to keep state government functioning even if a budget impasse develops later this legislative session, the Oklahoma State Senate approved a $4.8 billion general appropriations bill late Wednesday afternoon.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate Republicans filed 189 bills this legislative session, but the overwhelming majority of them, 162, were never even heard by the committees they were assigned to. That's according to Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin.

"When the session began, both sides of the isle applauded Governor Keating's calls for bipartisan cooperation. But it seems all that good will was forgotten when it came time to consider our legislation," said Senator Martin.

Oklahoma's bid to bring passenger rail service back to the state received another shot in the arm today when Governor Keating signed SB 383 into law. The legislation by Senator Dave Herbert would clear the way for Oklahoma to form an alliance with other states like Kansas and Texas, thus strengthening the region's chance of landing an Amtrak line.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has approved legislation that would set specific standards for abortion clinics. The legislation, authored by Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin was approved as an amendment to HB 1404.

"I first attempted to pass this legislation over two years ago, and since then the State Health Department has begun to address this issue. Now it is time for us to follow through with the implementation of these standards," said Senator Martin.

State employees and their families are the big losers in a fight over Governor Keating's first veto of the legislative session, according to the Senate author of SB 323. The Governor vetoed that bill earlier this month and Senate Republicans successfully voted to sustain the veto on Wednesday.

"The Governor who vetoed this bill and the people who voted to sustain that veto turned their backs on state employees and their families. We were trying to extend a helping hand to them in their time of need, but the Governor and his supporters slapped it away," said Senator Paul Muegge.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Education Association needs to get a new calculator and explain the facts regarding education funding in Oklahoma. That's according to Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin. Her comments came after the OEA criticized the legislative leadership from both parties.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore:

Senator Taylor Comments on Nichols' Trial Request

"I obviously want to be sensitive to the concerns of members of the Oklahoma County delegation and their constituents. They've raised a serious issue and their request deserves consideration.