The state board that oversees Oklahoma's nationally recognized career technology schools is working to dismantle the award-winning vocational education system - an action that would jeopardize the future of career technology and ultimately hinder Oklahoma's economic development efforts, according to Senator Mike Morgan, vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

A special task force on electric restructuring will hold its third meeting in Tulsa on Wednesday, November 7th.

State Senator Kevin Easley, chairman of the Electric Restructuring Advisory Committee, said the panel is in the process of touring the state, gathering information and seeking public input on how Oklahoma should proceed with the complicated issue.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders have created a special committee charged with improving health benefits for Oklahoma public school teachers and their families.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor and House Speaker Larry Adair announced appointments to the panel today, saying they are hopeful that the group will be able to find a way to make health insurance more affordable for teachers and their dependents.

Oklahoma City - The State Health Department has given final approval to new regulations for non-emergency medical transportation companies. That's after State Senator Jim Reynolds had authored legislation calling for the agency to clear the way for these companies to operate legally.

-- Says reform more critical than ever in light of Phillips Petroleum's relocation

OKLAHOMA CITY-State Senator Glenn Coffee today urged the Democrat legislative leaders to reconvene the current special session to address the repeal of Oklahoma's income tax. The Oklahoma City legislator likened the announced relocation of Phillips Petroleum to that of Fleming Foods when they moved their headquarters from Oklahoma City in 1999.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"Just like all Oklahomans, I'm very concerned about the jobs our state is losing because of the Phillips-Conoco merger. If there is anything that we can do to prevent those job losses or lessen the economic impact of them, I am certainly interested in pursuing it."

If State Senator Jeff Rabon gets his way, Oklahoma public school students will soon be observing a moment of silence in their classroom each day.

The Hugo legislator has filed a bill that would require public school administrators to set aside a minute of silence each day for prayer, meditation or reflection. He is currently working with Attorney General Drew Edmondson to review the bill's language to make sure it passes legal muster.

The Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. continues to fill the State Capitol with original art depicting important scenes and personalities from Oklahoma history. The latest art to be unveiled will include a portrait of one of Oklahoma Territories first legislative leaders, as well as a painting of Oklahoma's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

Senator Charles Ford announced Tuesday that the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. has now formally dedicated two more original paintings. The two latest works were unveiled during a special ceremony in the Senate Chamber.

"With these latest additions, our organization has now commissioned 24 pieces of original art for the Capitol," said Senator Ford, President of the Preservation Fund.

"Like our other pieces, the two latest paintings were created by Oklahoma artists, and present images from our state's past," explained Senator Ford.

The Oklahoma State Senate has taken action that will prevent Oklahomans from paying any state taxes on their federal income tax rebates.

In a special session of the Legislature on Tuesday, lawmakers approved HB 1002X - legislation ensuring that the $300 and $600 federal tax rebate checks are not subject to state taxes. Those checks, which are a byproduct of the federal tax reduction program approved by the U.S. Congress earlier this year, have been going out to taxpayers since August.