OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahomans will soon be using an identification number other than their social security number for their driver's license. That's after the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraudulent use of social security numbers. Senator Carol Martin became concerned after increased reports of identify theft began surfacing both in her district and around the state.

Some Oklahoma classroom budgets may be a little smaller in the coming school year thanks to an action taken by Governor Keating this month. The governor ensured that more money would be drained out of public school classrooms when he vetoed SB 496 - legislation that would have required schools to pay state-imposed fines for paperwork violations out of their administrative budgets.

Senator Jeff Rabon, author of SB 496, said that Governor Keating's veto is more likely to punish school children than it is the people who made the paperwork error.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure to repeal the state's mandatory vehicle inspections has been signed into law. House Bill 1081 authors Representative Richard Phillips and Senator Glenn Coffee say it will result in a $12 million savings, as well as eliminating an outdated mandate.

"I'm very happy that we've been able to repeal this outdated requirement. There are too many hassles and expenses to deal with day to day as it is. I'm sure the majority of Oklahomans will be thrilled that we've done away with this one," said Sen. Coffee, R- Oklahoma City.

State Senator Cal Hobson confirmed Tuesday that he has secured unanimous support from fellow Democrats to win election as the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate. The Lexington Democrat said that every member of the Democratic caucus has provided him with an official pledge card, promising to support his election to the top Senate post. Hobson will replace Senator Stratton Taylor after his current term expires in two years. Taylor is not seeking another term as Senate President Pro Tempore, but is running for re-election to the State Senate in 2002.

The State Senate has approved legislation that would increase health benefits for all state employees, in addition to raising the pay of such high-turnover positions as state correctional officers and state nurses.

SB 702 would authorize the appropriation of approximately $36 million for a state employee pay package. Among other things, the measure would provide a $4,000 pay hike to state prison guards and a $2,100 salary increase to nurses at state veterans centers and other facilities.

OKLAHOMA CITY - If not for last year's legislation calling for a $250,000 appropriation for DNA testing, Jeffrey Todd Pierce would likely still be behind bars for a rape he never committed. The total appropriation for the coming fiscal year for that program will be almost triple that amount.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders and Governor Keating have reached a bipartisan budget agreement that will deliver more funding to all three branches of education and other vital services, in addition to cutting income taxes for all Oklahomans, including working families at the bottom of the income ladder. After it is fully implemented, the tax relief initiative will return $46.3 million to citizens each year.

The Governor, House Speaker Larry E. Adair and Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor announced the budget agreement at a State Capitol news conference Monday.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A statue of the first woman ever elected to statewide office was unveiled Tuesday during a ceremony at the State Capitol. Keynote Speaker Senate Appropriations Chairman Kelly Haney secured funding for the project, which he said was long overdue.

"This marks the first time any woman has ever been honored with a sculpture like this at the Capitol. And I can think of no better woman to honor than Kate Barnard, who was Oklahoma's first Commissioner of Charities and Corrections," said Senator Haney.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at helping more people construct storm shelters has cleared another hurdle. House Joint Resolution 1001, which was given final approval by the State Senate on Wednesday, would let the voters decide whether to give a property tax exemption to new storm shelters.

Jim Reynolds is the Senate author of the measure. The Oklahoma City Republican hopes it will encourage more people to build safe rooms or other storm shelters.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has given its final approval to a measure aimed at encouraging more Oklahomans to save for their children's college education. That's according to State Senator Brad Henry and Representative Debbie Blackburn, authors of House Bill 1896, which has also been approved by the House of Representatives.