Speaker of the House Lance Cargill and Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee today criticized Tulsa Public Schools’ lawsuit against the state’s charter schools law. The lawsuit’s goal is to get the Charter School Act, which allows charter schools to operate in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, declared unconstitutional.

With state employees having received only two pay increases in the past seven years, Sen. Kenneth Corn on Monday said the Legislature must make state employees a priority and provide them with a pay raise this year.

Corn is the author of SB 1379, which authorizes a $2,700 pay raise for Oklahoma state employees. Corn said state employees provide valuable and indispensible work, and should be at the top of the list when state funds are dispersed.
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Following is a statement by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, author of “Nick’s Law” relating to the enactment of Senate Bill 135:

“Sadly, this bill will do nothing to relieve the pressure on families struggling to care for children with autism. The measure was designed to relieve political pressure on legislators who refuse to even consider ‘Nick’s Law,’ which would require health insurance to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism.
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A bill waiting to be heard on the Senate floor has been stripped down by Senate Republicans to protect the insurance industry, a pattern of behavior by the majority party that began quickly after they came into power for the first time in state history.

Two measures that would have provided assistance to Oklahoma veterans have failed to receive a hearing prior to the February 19 deadline for approval of legislation in Senate committees.

Senators Want to focus on the Economy, Health Care and Education to Build a Brighter Future for all Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Diabetes is a growing problem in Oklahoma especially among the state’s minority communities. Occurrence of diabetes among American Indians and African Americans is double that of Caucasians. Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel will be joining other community leaders Monday, November 14 for the 3rd Annual Capitol Dome Blue World Diabetes Day Program at the State Capitol to help raise awareness about the growing health epidemic.
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(Archived digital audio available at www.oksenate.gov under “Media”)

“This is simply devastating news.  I just want everyone to know that Senator Myers was one of the kindest, most genteel and honest men I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.  My wife’s hometown is Ponca City, so we’ve always felt particularly close to David and Sara.  He was beloved by the entire Senate.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Myers family.”

“The taxpayers of Oklahoma are being asked to carry the burden of an additional $535 million in new bond indebtedness this year if the legislature moves forward and passes the pending bond issues that have been brought forward during this last week of the legislative session,“ said Anderson, R-Enid. “The $535 million only accounts for the principal repayment of the bond issues – the interest on these bonds will obligate the taxpayers of Oklahoma for millions more in addition to that amount.”

The $535 million in new bond debt for 2012 is for the following projects: