(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.

With many of the state's roads and bridges in dangerous disrepair, the fact is badly needed funding to improve and upgrade the transportation system is simply not available; not unless Oklahomans are given the chance to vote on a fuel tax that would generate millions in federal matching funds. That's according to Senator Robert Milacek, who addressed a public hearing at the State Capitol Thursday.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate

(Oklahoma City) The 2003 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place.

New senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn in Tuesday morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Rudolph Hargrave.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate chamber. Senator Cal Hobson is the incoming Senate President Pro Tempore.

When the 2003 legislative session gets underway in February, State Senator Jim Reynolds will have a new friend and ally in the House of Representatives; his older brother Mike who was elected this fall to his first term in the Oklahoma Legislature. The brothers believe it's a first for the state legislature. The two life-long South Oklahoma City residents represent districts which include parts Del City and Moore.

(Oklahoma City) When the nation's next presidential election is held in 2004, Oklahoma may be at the center of attention in the primary sweepstakes if State Senator Keith Leftwich gets his way. The South Oklahoma City legislator is drafting legislation that would move the state's presidential primary election into February closer to the beginning of the campaign season.

Sen. Leftwich believes the change would benefit both Oklahoma voters and the state economy.

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has tapped a diverse, bipartisan team of Oklahomans to help him assemble his new administration. The incoming state chief executive and his transition chairman, State Treasurer Robert Butkin, announced the transition team Friday, saying they are looking forward to working with members to construct a bipartisan administration that will serve the needs of all Oklahomans.

Saying their goal is to protect Oklahoma students from child abusers who move from district to district, two state lawmakers say they plan address the issue this coming legislative session.

Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson and Representative Carolyn Coleman said the problem is that many school districts don't know a prospective employee has a history of child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct. That's because their former employer may have been advised to simply accept their resignation in exchange for keeping quiet about inappropriate behavior.

State Senator and former classroom teacher Nancy Riley says Oklahoma schools could be hit by even more revenue cuts due to property tax breaks intended to help the economy. The Sand Springs Republican has asked the Attorney General to look into the constitutionality of the law that was supposed to guarantee schools and other public entities would be reimbursed for those tax breaks.

Statement by Senator Angela Monson

"I'm very pleased that the court ruled in my favor. It is the decision that I had expected all along. I look forward to continuing my re-election campaign and my service to the state of Oklahoma, particularly the people of Senate District 48. I think the latest ruling is a victory for all Oklahomans, especially the voters who help elect candidates for public office."