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. read more.

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.

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.

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.

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."

State Sen. Jim Reynolds will be on hand next week when a new permanent exhibit about the U.S.S. Oklahoma is dedicated at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. The unveiling will be on December 6, 2004, the eve of the 63rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“About a million and a half people visit the museum every year. They know all about the Arizona, but there are too many people who don’t know that the U.S.S. Oklahoma sustained the second largest loss of life, with 429 men killed. This exhibit will finally help tell their story,” Reynolds said.

(Oklahoma City) Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson and House Speaker Todd Hiett announced Thursday an agreement on deadlines for the First Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature.

“These deadlines provide a framework for the exercise of democracy, in which critical issues are debated and decided by the people’s representatives. Oklahoma’s citizens can be confident that the new bi-partisan government will work,” said Hiett, R-Kellyville.

“If my particular bill were to be passed, I would sign it. I was serious about that effort last year." -- Gov. Brad Henry, discussing the possibility of future lawsuit reform legislation in The Journal Record, 12/02/2004.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – New Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said he welcomes comments by Gov. Brad Henry that he would sign new lawsuit reform legislation in the next legislative session.

“It is very welcome news that Gov. Henry now seems willing to ignore his moratorium and support new lawsuit reform.

(Oklahoma City) Saying it’s only natural to continue to build on the advances enacted by the Legislature in the last two years, Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced Friday that he will support Governor Henry’s continued work on tort reform in the coming legislative session.

(Oklahoma City) Oklahoma’s continued inclusion in a national report released this week as one of the top 10 “business friendly” states didn’t just happen, a veteran state senator said Thursday.

Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, said the state’s outstanding showing in the annual rankings by Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc. is a result of work by the Legislature to foster an environment to grow existing Oklahoma businesses and attract new firms.