A proposed reduction in business taxes could be larger than initially anticipated, according to a Senate leader who is advocating the tax reduction. Senator Ted Fisher had originally proposed a $20 million cut in the unemployment tax, but the Sapulpa legislator said today new statistics indicate the reduction could be much larger, possibly in excess of $54 million depending on future economic growth.

In an effort to stimulate long-term economic growth in Oklahoma, Senate budget leaders are proposing an educational investment program that will pump an additional $165 million in the state's three branches of education next fiscal year.

Continuing Oklahoma's economic growth will be the top priority of a wide-ranging Senate agenda this legislative session, according to the leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

"We'll be addressing all of Oklahoma's needs, but our overall theme will be one of economic growth. We're experiencing an economic renaissance of sorts in Oklahoma, and we're going to do everything we can as legislators to make sure the success continues," said Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Saying this week's reduction in workers comp rates is the beginning of a trend, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate is predicting continued cuts in the future. The State Board for Property and Casualty Rates implemented a 10 percent reduction yesterday on the heels of approving a 4.5 percent cut last year.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Recent rate hikes by Oklahoma Natural Gas will soon be the subject of a state Senate investigation, announced Senator Frank Shurden, author of a measure which calls for the investigation.

Shurden, D-Henryetta, said Senate Resolution 2 calls for the investigation to determine if ONG's recent rate hike, which added almost $30 to the average consumers monthly gas bill, was truly justified.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure giving municipalities and County Commissioners the ability to set speed limits for trains at local rail crossings will soon be heard in the state Legislature, Senator Frank Shurden announced today.

Senate Bill 270 would allow towns and cities to set speed limits in incorporated areas and County Commissioners to set them for unincorporated crossings as long as the new limit is above 25 miles per hour.

Currently rail speed limits are set by the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Jeff Rabon is urging the head of the Department of Human Services and commission members not to cut a program that provides hot meals to tens of thousands of elderly Oklahomans.

Senator Rabon said the commission could vote to eliminate all funding to the Community Expansion for Nutritional Assistance Program during tomorrow's Human Services Commission meeting.

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has selected two longtime public servants and a financial officer from the private sector to help lead his gubernatorial administration.

Gerald Adams, a veteran staffer for three Oklahoma attorneys general, will serve as the new governor's chief of staff. Tom Spencer, the chief of staff for the state treasurer's office and a former assistant state attorney general, will act as general counsel in the new administration. Scott Meacham, an Elk City banker, will serve as director of the Office of State Finance.

Senator Frank Shurden announced plans to introduce legislation making cockfighting legal in the counties that voted against a state question banning the sport. The measure would also give every county the option of making cockfighting legal or illegal.

(Oklahoma City) Incoming State Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced Senate committee assignments Monday.

"The committee assignments are based on each member's individual expertise and ability to contribute, not political affiliation or ideology. Oklahoma will face many challenges in the months to come and it's important that we address those issues in a bipartisan manner," said Sen. Hobson (D-Lexington).