Oklahoma's wealthiest citizens, particularly its millionaires, would be the biggest beneficiaries of Governor Keating's proposed state income tax cut, according to a new analysis by the Senate staff.

The study shows that more than 81 percent of the $1 billion tax reduction proposed by Governor Keating would go to a little over one-third of Oklahoma taxpayers - those who make more than $50,000 a year.

One of Oklahoma's largest hog farming operators has been publicly protesting the 3- mile setback restrictions they're legally bound to honor, but one state Senator says the corporate leaders need to look to the law already on the books for the answer instead of complaining to the Legislature.

Seaboard has reportedly invested millions of dollars getting their operations ready, but the corporation claims it is being unfairly hindered by an Oklahoma law designed to protect property owners located near the operation.

State marriage initiative funds that are transferred to a heating assistance program should not be replenished if the ultimate goal is to funnel additional money to high-priced consultants, according to a state lawmaker who proposed the funding transfer.

State budget writers should move with caution after receiving the latest revenue certification from the State Board of Equalization today, according to a State Senate budget leader.

Even though the panel today certified an additional $17.9 million for appropriation next fiscal year, it also reduced budget estimates for every major revenue source but one - gross production taxes.

An initiative that would transfer state marriage initiative funds to a heating assistance program has cleared its first legislative hurdle. SB 264, which mandates the funding transfer, was approved unanimously by the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday.

Senator Kevin Easley, who first proposed the transfer in January, expects the measure to gain widespread legislative support.

Republican Floor Leader Jim Dunlap, responding to recent comments from the Senate Appropriations Committee leadership stating that a slumping economy may eliminate the possibility for tax relief, reminded Senate leaders that the experts agree that tax relief fuels economic growth.

State Senator Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow) urged the Democrat leadership of the Senate to stop allowing political alliances to derail workers' compensation reform. Pruitt, the principal author of SB 770 which will transfer Oklahoma's antiquated court based workers' comp system to a more efficient administrative system, feels that needed reform is falling prey to the powerful lobby of the trial bar.

Statement by Senator Kelly Haney,
Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee

A resolution calling for a statewide vote on right to work will be taken up by the full Senate on March 14th, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor.

The Senate leader has scheduled debate on SJR 1 to begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 14th.

By announcing the time and date of the floor debate in advance, Senator Taylor said he hoped to allow members of the Senate and general public time to adjust their schedules accordingly.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at protecting farmer's rights in the midst of big business mergers and alliances is set to be introduced when session starts in a few weeks, according to Senator Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa and Representative Kenneth Corn, D-Howe.

Oklahoma is joining several other states, including Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming in its endorsement of the model legislation assembled in August of 2000 by Attorneys General Thomas Miller of Iowa and Heidi Heikamp of North Dakota.