OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, was recently appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislature’s Education Committee.  Thompson was chosen to serve earlier this month by Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman.

Sen. Wayne Shaw has officially begun his second term after being officially sworn in during a special oath of office ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday.  

“I am honored to be able to continue my service in the Senate on behalf the citizens of District 3,” Shaw said.  “While we have many challenges ahead, we also have the opportunity to strengthen our public policies so that when our economy does rebound, Oklahoma will be able to build on that growth, creating jobs and building a better future for citizens.”

OKLAHOMA CITY –   A criminal reform package containing four bills aimed at allowing the state to be smart on crime without jeopardizing public safety was signed by Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday.  

Senator Wayne Shaw, author of HB 2753, one of the four bills in the package, said these reforms were overdue and needed to alleviate excessive and growing strain in the state’s prison system.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The State Election Board has appointed Cathy Harrison of Stilwell to become the next secretary of the Adair County Election Board, according to State Senator Wayne Shaw.

Harrison will be replacing Marilyn Hill-Russell, who has served as Adair County Election Board Secretary for eight years.

“I am pleased with the experience Ms. Harrison brings to this position,” said Sen. Shaw, R-Grove.  “I am confident she will do an excellent job as Adair County Election Board Secretary.”

OKLAHOMA CITY –  Rachel Carlile, a student at Carl Albert State College (Poteau Campus) was recognized on March 7 at the state Capitol by Sen. Joseph Silk, the Oklahoma Council of Two-Year College Presidents, and the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges for academic excellence during her two year college program.
Rachel was among 40 students nominated by their college president to be on the All Oklahoma/ USA Coca-Cola Academic Team. This prestigious recognition is given to outstanding students who maintain a 3.5 cumulative G.P.A. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Joseph Silk recently received the Freshman Senator of the Year award from the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC).

“It’s an honor to be recognized by this organization for my work in state government,” said Silk, R-Broken Bow.  “I will continue to support smaller government and strive to promote liberty and our free market.” 

OCPAC called Silk a courageous leader in conservative state government, noting his outstanding work in protecting individual liberties.

OKLAHOMA CITY –   McCurtain County native, Michelle Finch-Walker is the newest Tourism and Recreation Commissioner according to State Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow.  

 “I was honored to carry the gubernatorial nomination of Michelle Finch-Walker to the Senate,” said Silk.  “It’s clear to the entire state of Oklahoma that the southeastern corner knows what it’s doing when it comes to the tourism industry.  It’s time that we share that experience and expertise across our state.” 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Responding to recent discussion throughout the district about his stance on proposed legislation that would force school consolidation, State Senator Joseph Silk issued the following statement today:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring monthly financial reporting to school boards to provide increased transparency of financial records unanimously cleared the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.  

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Sen. Dan Newberry has filed legislation to create a poultry house contractor license.  The license, issued by the Construction Industries Board (CIB), would allow for the expansion of the poultry industry in Oklahoma.