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 Senator Jonathan Nichols feels it's time Oklahomans who always make it to the polls have a place of honor. That's why Nichols has authored legislation creating the "Oklahoma Voter Hall of Fame."

"We live in the greatest country in the world and enjoy freedoms others can only dream about. But with those freedoms comes a responsibility to participate in the democratic process. There are thousands of Oklahomans who take that responsibility seriously by participating in our elections," explained Senator Nichols, R-Norman.

Funding for education has dominated forums held by Senator Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman. The forums provide classroom teachers an opportunity to ask questions about the current revenue shortfall. Nichols has held the forums in Blanchard, Norman and Washington schools.

To keep the budget crisis from further hurting the classroom, Nichols believes the legislature should fund education first. "We should fund education in February, and at the same level as fiscal year 2003, before budget cuts were implemented."

Senator Glenn Coffee has announced plans to file legislation eliminating state income tax on retirement income. The Oklahoma City Republican said he had filed the measure for the 2003 legislative session, but would not kick in until the economy had begun a strong recovery.

Senator Daisy Lawler is fulfilling a campaign pledge beginning this Friday evening when she presents a personal check for $1,000 to Bridge Creek Public Schools.

"I taught elementary school for 28 years. I know how our schools are struggling financially, and I wanted to do everything I could to help. That's why I promised last fall that if I were elected, I would donate 15 percent of my salary to schools in Senate District 24. The first check will be to Bridge Creek Schools," said Senator Lawler, D-Comanche.

State Senator Frank Shurden says a recent poll shows most Oklahomans favor the idea of deciding whether to allow cockfighting by county option. The poll also revealed an overwhelming majority believes the penalties included in the State Question approved last November are too harsh.