OKLAHOMA CITY – The efforts of local volunteer firefighters are being commended by Senator Roland Pederson, as the Burlington legislator recognized their contributions to the areas impacted by the wildfires this week.

“The aid provided by volunteer firefighters around the state has had a significant bearing on the areas destroyed by recent wildfires,” said Pederson.  “Providing support, as well as delivering fuel and hay to the devastated areas are just a few ways our local volunteers have made a difference in the community effort to provide help.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved two bills this week to help victims of sexual assault.  Senate Bill 654 would create the Joint Legislative Task Force on Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) in an effort to get more rape kits tested annually and reduce the number of sexual assaults statewide.  SB 208 would create the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights to Information Act to ensure victims are kept up-to-date on their cases and made aware of their rights.  Sen. Kay Floyd is the author of both measures.

“Senator  Standridge is attempting to find a solution to a serious problem for children in failing inner-city schools. While I do not agree with Senate Bill 560 as it is written, I do want to give him the opportunity to make his argument and rewrite the bill so that it does not take away funds from any child in our schools,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom.   “That is the reason I voted to pass SB560 out of committee.  If he is not successful in this attempt, I will be voting against his bill.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Roland Pederson filed two bills this week as the filing deadline for the 2017 legislative session came to a close. 

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Senator Micheal Bergstrom filed a bill this week to move the existing sunset date for the film industry tax credit program from July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2018.   Citing the anticipated continuing budget hole this year, Bergstrom, R- Adair, said accelerating the expiration of the program will save money that can be used in other crucial core areas like education.

Sen. Greg McCortney has filed his first three bills for consideration in the upcoming legislative session.  McCortney, R-Ada, said all three are aimed at either modernizing or unifying statutes concerning the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

“CLEET is a vital part of Oklahoma’s overall public safety efforts, and the center in Ada is vital to District 13.  The center and its mission are both priorities for me, and I look forward to working with CLEET and our law enforcement community in the State Senate,” McCortney said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Senate staff joined Sen. Darcy Jech and his wife, Vicky, to volunteer at the Regional Food Bank in Oklahoma City on Thursday, November 10th.  The group of nearly 40 volunteers helped pack more than 8,000 pounds of food that will provide almost 2,500 backpacks filled with the equivalent of nearly 7,000 meals for Oklahoma children.

The event was part of the annual State Charitable Campaign (SCC), with the Senate and staff raising more than $6,400 to help feed Oklahoma families that struggle to make ends meet. 

State Sen. Tom Dugger said he’s looking forward to the upcoming legislative session.  The Stillwater Republican said his first official votes will come during the Senate’s organizational day on January 3, 2017, when members officially elect their leadership for the next two years and adopt rules for conducting legislative business. 

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Senator Mark Allen has been appointed to chair the Senate Transportation committee by incoming Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz.  Allen was also recently elected to serve in a leadership role as Majority Whip and was appointed as Sportsman’s Caucus Chairman by the Pro Tem’s office.

Sen. Julie Daniels has been named to several key committees for the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions.

Daniels will serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee; Judiciary; Business Commerce and Tourism; General Government; and the Subcommittee on Human Services.