A joint legislative committee charged with examining the purchase and use of state aircraft will continue to work after the Legislature adjourns on May 30th. Legislative leaders announced today the panel will use the legislative interim to draft legislation and address any remaining issues in the inquiry.

A sweeping crime bill, a historic road construction program and a $56 million tax cut for business highlighted a busy legislative session that adjourned Friday. After approving the state budget and passing hundreds of bills, legislators officially shut down their 1997 meeting at 5 P.M. Friday as mandated by the Oklahoma Constitution.

A Weekly Update on all of the Good News about Oklahoma

Because much of the good news about our state is sometimes overlooked by state leaders and others, many positive developments and success stories in Oklahoma go unreported. It is our hope that "Oklahoma Pride," a weekly publication of the Oklahoma Senate, will ensure that the best stories about Oklahoma are told.

For example, this week in Oklahoma, did you know that......

At the request of Senator Mike Morgan and Representative Terry Ingmire, Reverend Tom Moll is performing what some might believe is a difficult task. He's saying grace over the Oklahoma Legislature this week as the official "Pastor of the Week" for the State Senate.

Reverend Moll is pastor at the Sunnybrook Christian Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Stillwater.

"I haven't seen all the details of their plan, but I am glad House Republicans have joined the debate about how to improve Oklahoma's road and highway system. I look at their proposal as another option on the table. I still believe the Senate program is the best option available, but obviously we need to find common ground among the various proposals that have been introduced.

The bottom line is we must do something substantial to improve Oklahoma's roads and highways this year."

A Weekly Update on all of the Good News about Oklahoma

Because much of the good news about our state is sometimes overlooked by state leaders and others, many positive developments and success stories in Oklahoma go unreported. It is our hope that "Oklahoma Pride," a weekly publication of the Oklahoma Senate, will ensure that the best stories about Oklahoma are told.

For example, this week in Oklahoma, did you know that......

The attorney for Tulsair has failed to deliver documents to a special legislative committee as promised today, leading the panel co-chairs to prepare to move forward with subpoenas to obtain the information. Michael Freeman, a former State Republican Party chairman, represents Tom Clark, owner of Tulsair.

Responding to an avalanche of orchestrated media efforts by Republicans and others who are calling for a premature conclusion of the airplane inquiry, legislative leaders and the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on State Aircraft today reiterated their plan to proceed as scheduled. Representative Bill Settle and Senator Billy Mickle cited evidence uncovered by testimony to date indicating serious problems with the airplane purchase.

A Weekly Update on all of the Good News about Oklahoma

Because much of the good news about our state is sometimes overlooked by state leaders and others, many positive developments and success stories in Oklahoma go unreported. It is our hope that "Oklahoma Pride," a weekly publication of the Oklahoma Senate, will ensure that the best stories about Oklahoma are told.

For example, this week in Oklahoma, did you know that......

The latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance indicates continued growth in the Oklahoma economy, a sign that the state's economic policies are on the right track, according to a Senate budget leader.

"This is just more good news for Oklahoma. Whenever revenue collections increase, it means our economy is growing. Business, both small and large, is thriving in Oklahoma," said Senator Kelly Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senator Haney was referring to the March revenue collection report issued by the Office of State Finance today.