People all over the world can now see the original artwork that's been commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. That's according to State Senator and Historical Fund President Charles Ford who announced the works, descriptions of the paintings and information about the artists can now be viewed on the Oklahoma State Senate website.

Oklahoma City – Members of the Senate Republican Caucus leadership team today announced a portion of their 2003 legislative agenda with a show of support for Gov. Elect Henry's campaign pledge for Zero-based budgeting.

During the 2001 legislative session H.B. 1823, which required the legislature to implement zero-based budgeting passed through the House of Representatives, but subsequently died on the floor of the State Senate.

"The idea of zero-based budgeting isn't new. The Republican members of the Senate tried to do this last session, but there simply wasn't enough support from the other side of the aisle. What's different this year is that our incoming Governor favored the idea during his campaign; we're hopeful that support will continue in the session."

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate

"I haven't had an opportunity to review the specifics of their budget proposal, but I do look forward to discussing it with them in the days to come.

"I appreciate their willingness to work together in a bipartisan manner to address the many revenue challenges that confront our state. It is important for state policy makers to explore creative solutions to help Oklahoma weather the latest budget crisis.

Statement by Gov-elect Brad Henry

"Given the declining revenue reports that Oklahoma has experienced in recent months, we knew that there were going to be difficult decisions ahead. I wish we were facing a brighter revenue outlook, but we are not and we will have to deal with the budget reality in front of us.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate

"Unfortunately, the latest estimate confirms what we suspected. It is going to be difficult to weather the revenue losses of this fiscal year and it's not going to get much better in the next fiscal year. There are some encouraging signs in the revenue estimate for next fiscal year, but those indicators certainly do not diminish the budget challenge that we are facing.

Saying Oklahomans shouldn't be treated like common criminals for raising gaming fowl, Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta has announced plans to file a bill for the 2003 legislative session lowering the penalties; that after the passage of State Question 687 in Tuesday's General Election.

"State Question 687 makes it a felony to even raise these birds. That means honest, hard-working Oklahomans would be lumped in with murderers, rapists and drug-dealers. They would also lose basic rights like voting and the right to own firearms to protect their families," explained Shurden.

(Oklahoma City) When the next Oklahoma Legislature convenes, the State Senate will have a new leadership team and a streamlined committee system.

Senate President Pro Tempore elect Cal Hobson announced the changes Thursday, saying the new Senate will be ready to hit the ground running after new members are sworn in on November 19th.

"I'm fortunate to have so many talented members in the State Senate. We will be facing some very difficult issues in the months to come and their experience and skill will be invaluable," said Sen. Hobson (D-Lexington).

The newly and re-elected members of the State Senate will officially begin their terms when they take the oath of office at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19th. The ceremony will take place in the State Senate Chamber with Chief Justice Rudolf Hargrave administering the oath.

Those re-elected members being sworn in on the 19th include the following:

(Oklahoma City) In an effort to protect public safety during the ongoing state budget crunch, the Oklahoma Legislature will reconvene for a brief special session on November 18th to appropriate $9.8 million in emergency funding to the Department of Corrections.

Governor Frank Keating, House Speaker Larry Adair and Senate President Pro Tempore designate Cal Hobson announced the agreement Wednesday, saying the emergency appropriation will temporarily halt DOC's plan to furlough prison guards and other corrections employees in
the weeks to come.