A bill to expand a prescription assistance program has passed the Senate in a bi-partisan majority vote and awaits action in the House of Representatives, Senator Susan Paddack, author of the measure said.
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State Senators Monday overwhelmingly approved a $2.152 billion budget for public schools two days before the “Fund Education First” deadline of March 16.

Senate Bill 217, which represents a funding increase for K-12 schools of $144.7 million over Fiscal Year 2005, passed on a 43-0 vote.
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Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee praised a bipartisan effort in the State Senate to pass funding for Oklahoma’s public schools – beating a March 16 deadline for the Legislature to send the “common education” budget bill to the governor.

“Funding education first and early during the legislative session ensures that education is not used as a political football in the budget process,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

In a show of bipartisan support, the State Senate has approved a measure that could help law enforcement identify suspects in unsolved murder, rape and other criminal cases. Senator Jonathan Nichols is principal author of SB 646. He said the measure would expand the state’s DNA database to include all convicted felons.
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In an effort to boost Oklahoma's economy, increase financial literacy and stop the growing crisis of credit card debt and bankruptcy in Oklahoma, the State Senate passed a measure late Monday to ensure Oklahoma's students are taught financial responsibility.
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A measure to ensure that municipal police chiefs receive administrative training to better prepare them for their jobs and reduce employment turnover rates passed the Senate recently.
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State Senators Monday passed legislation to provide grants to upgrade law enforcement programs in Oklahoma’s small towns.

Senate Bill 15 by Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, creates the Anti-Crime Operation Program or ACOP. It establishes a fund to provide grants to fund law enforcement activities in municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less.
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Senator Debbe Leftwich announced today that a measure to extend the Oklahoma Quality Investment Act that was signed by the Governor during the last legislative session, has cleared yet another legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 755 also renames the Act, which served as a pilot program for Dayton Tire, to the Oklahoma Specialized Quality Investment Act.
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The 80th anniversary of the distinctively designed Oklahoma flag is April 2, 2005, and Ponca City will be honoring the flag's designer, Louise Funk Fluke, in an all-day celebration.

"I'm very excited about this event. We have one of the most magnificent state flags and I think it is only fitting to honor the woman who gave us that beauty," said Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City. "Mrs. Fluke lived in Ponca City for many years after her flag was adopted in 1924, so we consider her one of Ponca City's daughters."
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State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson said her bill to give assistance to victims of uninsured motorists has made it through a major hurdle in the legislative process. Senate Bill 613 won approval from the full Senate on Tuesday.

Sen. Wilcoxson said her bill is not a new concept. The Oklahoma City Republican said it is modeled after the state’s Victim’s Compensation Fund.
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