OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee voted down a measure to repeal the sales tax exemption on newspaper and periodicals.  Sen. Frank Simpson was one of thirteen who voted against Senate Bill 1098.  The only vote of approval came from the bill’s author, Sen. Jim Wilson, a democrat from Tahlequah.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Sen. Greg Treat announced he has selected Sen. Frank Simpson as chairman of the Appropriation Subcommittee for Health and Human Services.

“I am humbled to have such trust placed in me.  One of our greatest responsibilities as legislators is to protect the health and well-being of Oklahomans.  The decisions made in this subcommittee impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to working to meet the needs of our fellow citizens,” said Simpson, R-Springer. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past several weeks, central Love County has experienced numerous earthquakes.  These tremors have ranged in magnitude from 1.8 to 3.2 on the Richter scale and there have been reports of property damage throughout the area.

Personnel from the Oklahoma Geological Survey have been on site installing monitoring equipment to collect data and determine the cause and source of the tremors.  As of Monday, there has been no definitive conclusion.

I have discovered in my years that the meaning of certain words has either changed or evolved over time. One word that comes to mind is the word hero. It seems this word, which at one time had a very narrow definition, has broadened its field of vision. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Four southern Oklahoma legislators have been named to key leadership positions in the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.  State Senator Frank Simpson was officially named chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and Rep. Pat Ownbey assumed chairmanship of the House Human Services Committee.   Rep. Tommy Hardin will be serving as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee while Rep. Charles McCall was named Vice Chairman of the House Appropriation and Budget Committee for Revenue and Taxation. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Frank Simpson said he was relieved that the Senate unanimously passed legislation Tuesday to protect vital services and programs at the Department of Human Services (DHS).  The Springer Republican presented House Bill 1058X, which outlines priority spending for the upcoming fiscal year for the agency read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Frank Simpson was one of six senators recently appointed to the newly created Capitol Construction Oversight Committee.  Legislation (Senate Bill 2044) authorizing a $160 million bond issue for the much-needed repairs to the state building was approved by the Senate last Thursday and will now be considered by the House. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Frank Simpson was tapped by his colleagues for one of the Senate highest leadership roles Wednesday when he was appointed Assistant Majority Floor Leader.  The Springer Republican was elected last month to serve his last term in the Senate. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman recently appointed Sen. Frank Simpson to the Senate Agenda Committee to decide what issues the Senate Republican Caucus will be addressing in the 2014 session.   

Two weeks ago a news story broke which alleged patient abuse and neglect at some of our State Veterans Centers.  If these allegations are true then they are shocking and saddening, but currently they are only allegations.  As Vice-Chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and based on the nature of the charges, I felt it was my duty to ask for an interim study to look into these allegations.  They could not go unanswered.  If left unanswered it would cast a shadow of doubt over the entire department.