First term State Senator James Leewright has been appointed to chair the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee.  Senate Pro Tempore Mike Schulz announced he tapped the Bristow Republican for the position last week. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ron Sharp recently joined the state Department of Corrections and the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in honoring four of the facility’s outstanding correctional employees. 
Those honored included Lt. Clint Bennett of Midwest City, Capt. Christopher Burchett of Shawnee, Sgt. Robbie Hicks of McLoud, and Corporal Daniel Pianalto of Choctaw.  read more.

State Senator Micheal Bergstrom visited the Home of Hope in Vinita this week, where he toured the facility and had the opportunity to see firsthand the various programs the organization has to offer.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ron Sharp recently received the 2017 Outstanding Rural Legislator Award from the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools for his tireless support of rural schools.  read more.

State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Vezey Veterans Complex in Oklahoma City last week.  The new facility is named in honor of the last survivor of the USS Oklahoma, Lieutenant Commander Edward Earl Vezey, Jr., as well as the 429 service members who died on the USS Oklahoma when it sunk on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.   

Op-Ed: Sen. Ron Sharp

Oklahoma's citizens are demanding their elected lawmakers present plans to address Oklahoma’s revenue and budgeting problems.  Although, I’m just one of 149 state legislators, I believe I have an obligation to present a plan or, in this case alternative plans.

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down, in a 6-3 decision, a fee that would have been charged to drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, declaring it an unconstitutional tax.

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, agrees with the court’s decision.

“The Oklahoma Supreme Court made the right decision here,” said Bergstrom, “but it will cut this year's revenue by about another $400,000, which probably means more cuts in the budget.”

On Thursday, October 12, the Apache Chamber recognized 2017 “Town Treasure” recipients, Pepper and Clorinda Tsotoke and Richard and Betty Vail.  State Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Senate District 26, presented citations to both couples at the banquet and issued the following statement with State Representative Scooter Park, House District 65, on Friday.

By Sen. Paul Scott

Due to a lack of a budget agreement, the legislature has rightfully decided to adjourn until an agreement has been made.  By adjourning, we’ll continue holding committee meetings about the budget without incurring daily expenses.

Recent events and state issues are foremost on my mind; however, I also care about what’s happening nationally.  I want to share my thoughts on the NFL kneeling situation. I simply wish to provide a peaceful alternative for individuals to share their beliefs without unnecessarily hurting others. 

State Senator Micheal Bergstrom joined Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Representative Josh West as panelists for the Northeast Board of Realtors’ meeting held Tuesday, August 22 in Grove.  They were invited by ReMax Grand Lake owner and broker, Chuck Perry to weigh in on state and federal issues affecting real estate in Oklahoma.