Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor
Senate President Pro Tempore

"The only pressing issues that require immediate attention are the Multiple Injury Trust Fund and the budget reconciliation bills. For example, we plan to fix the federal tax rebate problem and address the other agenda issues, but there is no urgency that requires the work to be done on September 7th."

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Kelly Haney said work on the 17-foot bronze statue "The Guardian" is going so well the project will likely be completed ahead of schedule. This week the clay version, which Haney has been working on in sections, was assembled for the first time. The clay version will be used to create a mold for the bronze statue, which will be placed on top of the state capitol dome upon its completion next year. The statue, which will weigh an estimated five thousand pounds, is being cast at the Crucible Foundry in Norman.

The State Department of Mental Health is getting legislative support in its ongoing dispute with Parkside Hospital in Tulsa. The Tulsa mental health facility is planning to turn mental patients into the street unless the state agency agrees to give it more money for its services.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Brad Henry says news of a proposed double-digit rate cut for workers comp insurance is good news for the entire state, and proof that legislative efforts to improve the system are working. That's after the organization that represents workers comp insurance companies recommended at least a 12.1 percent reduction effective this December 1.

Senator Cal Hobson has been picked to help lead a prestigious think tank that researches policy issues affecting the country, particularly the southern United States.

Hobson was named vice-chairman of the Southern Growth Policies Board at the organization's annual meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas in June. The SGPB is a bipartisan organization of state legislative leaders, governors, business officials and academic leaders that focuses on issues ranging from economic development to education.

(Oklahoma City) Oklahoma City will host the annual conference of one of the largest state legislative organizations in the country in 2008, according to Oklahoma legislative leaders and city officials. The meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is expected to have an economic impact of at least $1.2 million.

OKLAHOMA CITY - With the legislative session over, Senator Kelly Haney has been able to spend more time with another type of State Capitol project; work on the 17-foot tall, 4-ton bronze statue called "The Guardian" that will be placed on top of the Capitol dome, now under construction.

Senator Haney, a master artist of the Five-Civilized Tribes, has exhibited his paintings and sculpture across the United States, Europe and Asia. Haney said this would be the largest piece he has ever created.

Governor Keating has vetoed legislation that would have specifically prohibited law enforcement officers from handcuffing and incarcerating Oklahoma motorists that violate the state seatbelt law, according to Senator Frank Shurden, the author of SB 444.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders are planning to come back for a one-day special session in September to address two key issues remaining from the regular session that adjourned last month.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor and House Speaker Larry Adair want to give lawmakers ample time to research the issues - tax reform and congressional redistricting - before returning to the State Capitol to take formal legislative action.

After a lengthy career in public service, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Lance Ward announced today that he is retiring from state government.

Ward, who also serves as Secretary of the State Senate, will retire from both positions on August 1st, 2001. He has served in the dual roles since 1988.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor applauded Ward's service, saying the long-time public servant will be missed.