OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, was sworn into the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, took the oath of office on Wednesday. The ceremony was led by Sen. Brent Howard, the chamber’s chief presiding officer, in the Senate chamber.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, took the oath of office on Wednesday. The ceremony was led by Sen. Brent Howard, the chamber’s chief presiding officer, in the Senate chamber, with family and friends in attendance to show their support.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Edmond, was sworn into the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday. Hines took his oath of office in the Senate chamber in a ceremony led by Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate Monday adopted Senate Resolution 13, which recognizes businessman, banker, and accomplished journalist Russell M. Perry for his significant contributions to the state. The resolution was authored and presented by Senator Shane Jett, R-Shawnee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Aerospace and Transportation Committee on Monday unanimously approved the executive nomination of Craig E. Campbell to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA). Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, carried the nomination, which passed 11-0.

Oklahoma’s initiative petition process was designed to empower the people, allowing residents to bypass the Legislature when lawmakers fail to act in the public’s best interest. Unfortunately, what was once a tool for direct democracy by Oklahomans and for Oklahomans has increasingly been manipulated by out-of-state interest groups and wealthy donors to push left-wing policies in a deeply conservative state.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement on the passing of former Senate President Pro Tempore Marvin York, D-Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate has overwhelmingly passed a series of lawsuit reforms aimed at reining in excessive lawsuits. This package of legislation is gaining momentum after a recent study found that Oklahoma loses more than $3.7 billion in total economic output and 32,300 jobs each year due to exorbitant tort costs stemming from lawsuits and legal claims.