OKLAHOMA CITY- On Monday, the state Legislature honored two local heroes for their bravery while serving in the line of duty.  Sen. Frank Simpson and Rep. Pat Ownbey presented Ardmore Captain Eric Hamblin and Officer Juan Galicia with a citation for their heroic actions on January 16, 2014.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Aging Partnership (OAP) recently released a report ranking state legislators on their votes on four key measures affecting older Oklahomans.  Sen. Frank Simpson was one of 20 Senators who received a perfect score for his support of those bills.  

“It’s imperative that we do all we can to protect the most vulnerable in our society, which are our children and seniors,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore.  “I was proud to support these important bills that will help better protect the health and safety of older Oklahomans.”

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

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.