Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The painting, titled "Elk Herd in the Wichita Mountains" by regionally known artist Barbara Vaupel of Henryetta, was unveiled during a ceremony in the House Chamber this afternoon.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson today received a letter of resignation from Senator Gene Stipe, D-McAlester.

Senator Stipe has had a long and productive career serving the people of southeastern Oklahoma and has been a friend of the poor, the elderly and working men and women of this state for more than five decades. His wit and wealth of historic knowledge will be missed, said Hobson, D-Lexington.

Notice of the senators resignation will be forwarded to Gov. Brad Henry.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Tuesday he is delighted Senate Republicans have recognized the need for additional revenue and have indicated their intention to support a number of the revenue proposals included in Governor Henrys Executive Budget.

This is a positive step forward in the budget process. We have said all along that it will take a bi-partisan effort to write the budget for the coming fiscal year in the face of nearly $700 million in budget cuts, said Hobson, D-Lexington.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I'm pleased that a majority of House members agree with Governor Henry, Representative Kirby and me that the people of Oklahoma should have the opportunity to vote on the education lottery.

"We look forward to working with the governor on refining the legislation and working toward passage of the best possible lottery proposal to put before the voters of this state.

A bill authored by Senator Jim Maddox, D-Lawton, would boost support for the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative (OWPI) and its efforts to promote wind energy resources as an economic development tool.

SB 342 would send additional funding to the OWPI, which is located at the University of Oklahoma's Environmental Verification and Analysis Center. The Senate passed the measure on February 26th.

Senator Mike Morgan and Representative Dan Boren announced Wednesday that they have agreed to withdraw Senate Bill 637 from consideration during the current legislative session, citing their desire to further study the issue.

Morgan, D-Stillwater, is the principal author of the measure. Boren, D-Seminole, is the House author.
Senate Bill 637 would change the way judges are appointed to the state's Worker's Compensation Court.

The State Senate has voiced its support for the thousands of Oklahomans who have already been deployed. That support came in the form of Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, co-authored by the Democrat and Republican leaders of the Senate.

We have more than 3,600 Oklahomans in the National Guard and the Reserve who have already been activated. Its important that those men and women and their families know we appreciate their sacrifice and stand united with them, said Senate Majority Leader Ted Fisher of Sapulpa.

Senate and House Democratic leaders, Senate Republican leadership and Governor Brad Henry have agreed on emergency funding solutions that will prevent Medicaid cuts for more than 139,000 Oklahomans and reduce prison guard furloughs for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson and House Speaker Larry Adair joined Senate Minority Leader James A. Williamson and Governor Henry in announcing plans Wednesday for a $9 million supplemental appropriation for the Department of Corrections and $7.2 million for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

State Senator Daisy Lawler is awaiting action by the House of Representatives on a measure clearing the way for inpatient hospice care throughout the state.

Senate Bill 591 has already won approval by the full Senate and is now awaiting action in the opposite chamber. The measure would authorize the Department of Health to create a licensing process and would establish set standards. The legislation would also allow regular inspections of inpatient hospice facilities.

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson is urging Democrat leaders to allow an immediate vote on public school funding. The Oklahoma City Republican said that without it, one of the state’s largest school districts will be forced to slash teaching jobs. According to media reports, the Moore School Board could vote tonight to cut nearly 80 teaching and counseling positions. School Boards have only until April 10th to notify teachers whether they will still have a job in the fall.