Senator Keith Leftwich and Representative Al Lindley today announced a sweeping program to fight the scourge of organized prostitution that has plagued parts of Oklahoma City for several years.

Far from being a victimless crime, Senator Leftwich and Representative Lindley said part of South Oklahoma City is literally under assault due to the high numbers of prostitutes, pimps and customers who frequent the area.

In the past several months, World War II vets across the state who dropped out of high school to serve their country finally received their high school diplomas. Thats thanks to legislation approved during the 2001 legislative session. However because of the way the law was written, many veterans may have been ineligible for the diplomas.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Many Oklahomans were shocked when evidence pointed to a connection between an Oklahoma flight school and at least one of the suspected terrorists linked to the September 11th attack on America.

In an effort to derail any similar terrorist training in Oklahoma in the future, Senator Kevin Easley, D- Broken Arrow, has drafted a bill that would make it unlawful for anyone to instruct someone who is not a United States citizen in learning flight skills or procedures, or participating in ground school courses.

New safeguards designed to keep tobacco products out of the hands of Oklahoma youngsters will be on the agenda when the Legislature convenes in February.

State Senator Mike Morgan has filed SB 1310 - legislation that would strengthen state laws that address tobacco sales to minors and related issues.

A lawsuit advocated by Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode could torpedo a tax relief law that helps Oklahoma oil producers, plunging the state energy industry into deeper turmoil and costing the state thousands of jobs in the process, according to a state legislator.

(Oklahoma City) Tougher laws against terrorism, better intelligence gathering capabilities and higher security levels at state facilities are just some of the recommendations made by a special panel that has been investigating Oklahoma's security needs in recent months.

The Joint Homeland Security Task Force released its final report and recommendations at a State Capitol news conference Thursday.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senate Republicans today challenged Governor Brad Henry to stand with the people of Oklahoma against recent liberal court rulings across the nation.

“We would like to know if he agrees with his fellow Democrat, Senator Bernest Cain, who said anyone who opposes the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage is a bigot. Or does the governor agree with the vast majority of Oklahomans that marriage is a sacred institution that should be protected?” said Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa.

(NORMAN) Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Thursday he is “humbled and honored” by the designation of the new Cleveland County Health Department facility as the Cal Hobson Center.

The new $4 million center, which located on 12th Avenue SE in Norman, held an open house Thursday afternoon in conjunction with ceremonies honoring the 25-year legislative veteran from nearby Lexington.

Hobson said there are many others worthy of praise – including the 87 employees of the Cleveland County Health Department.
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State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson and State Representative Thad Balkman have filed legislation calling for a statewide vote to allow future Oklahoma governors to appoint the state school superintendent. Currently, that position is an elected, statewide office.
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Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore, is asking Secretary of Transportation and Oklahoma Transportation Authority head, Phil Tomlinson, for answers on a poor performance during Wednesday’s snow storm.

“I personally drove the Creek Turnpike that day and OTA, in my mind, got a failing grade,” said Taylor. “The section between Highway 169 and Highway 75, which is the most traveled portion of the turnpike, was in absolutely terrible condition at 9 a.m., and appeared to have had minimal, if any, maintenance work performed on it.”
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