Senator Glenn Coffee said a procedural move by Democrats has thwarted Republican efforts to cut taxes for retirees. Senator Coffee was referring to a measure that would have eliminated half of the state income tax for retirees once the economy improved.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson called again Thursday morning for Oklahoma to create its own regional cancer treatment center.

“It’s time for Oklahoma to make the most of our talented medical professionals and to serve our citizens with a center devoted to cancer treatment and research,” said Hobson, D-Lexington.
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Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, a portrait of Oklahoma’s first and only woman to serve in Congress, Alice Robertson, was created by award winning illustrator and artist Mike Wimmer of Norman. The portrait was sponsored by Senator Ford and was unveiled in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday afternoon.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Tuesday’s passage by the State Senate of the $1.95 billion common education budget for fiscal year 2004 is a major victory for the people of Oklahoma, Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson said.

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, entitled “S.W. Woodhouse at Lost City,” was created by acknowledged national painter Wayne Cooper of Depew, OK, and was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber Wednesday afternoon.
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State Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore, released a report today explaining the seriousness of the current budget crisis. The State Equalization Board sometime back subtracted another $77 million from funds available for appropriation. That brings the budget gap to the total amount of $677 million.

“Many of our most precious programs, such as education, services for elderly, mental health patients and veterans are at risk because of the crisis, which is possibly the worst in state history,” Taylor stressed.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senator Stratton Taylor‘s budget scare tactics are irresponsible, Senate Republican Floor Leader James A. Williamson said. Taylor, D-Claremore, released a so-called budget “report” Thursday that wrongly claims draconian cuts to government will be necessary following last week’s bipartisan balanced budget agreement.
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State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson is hopeful Governor Henry will sign a measure aimed at leveling the playing field for Oklahoma businesses selling construction materials. Senate Bill 5, which is co-authored by Representative Ron Langmacher, D-Carnegie, would ensure that building materials are taxed at the point of delivery rather than the point at which the items were purchased.
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Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The painting, titled “Transfer of the Louisiana Purchase-1803” by nationally renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon. Senator Ford noted 2003 marks the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase, a key event in Oklahoma and American history.
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Unfunded mandates by any other name are still unfunded mandates, and legislation proposing new unfunded mandates should stand the scrutiny of the General Conference Committee on Appropriations, Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Monday.

The Senate voted Monday afternoon to reject House Amendments on Senate Bill 492, a measure that would require doctors to provide additional information to women seeking abortions. The measure also includes additional reporting requirements.