Charles R. Ford announced the unveiling of a portrait of Amelia Elizabeth “Bessie” McColgin, as part of a series of paintings commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The portrait of Oklahoma’s first female representative is by nationally- renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, and was unveiled during a ceremony in the House Chamber this afternoon.
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Gov. Henry Putting Families at Risk With Release of Violent Criminals from Prison

Senate Republicans leaders said Wednesday that Gov. Brad Henry is putting Oklahoma families at risk with his approval of the release of nearly 500 violent criminals from prison since he took office two years ago – almost a 100% increase compared to former Gov. Frank Keating’s final two years in office, according to data obtained from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board.

A veteran State Senator has introduced legislation to reform the way Oklahoma purchases, manages and disposes of state-owned vehicles.

Citing a November 2004 report by the State Auditor and Inspector which said the state could save more than $20 million on vehicle costs over the next 10 years if authority over state-owned vehicles was centralized, State Senate Frank Shurden has introduced the “Fleet Management Reform Act.”
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“The Prescription Assistance program, created as a result of legislation passed by Governor Henry during his time in the Oklahoma State Senate, serves as a wonderful model for the rest of the state.

“I believe we must build upon the success of the Norman program and find ways to expand the program to other parts of the state so that all Oklahomans have an opportunity to save on the costs of prescription drugs. That is why I authored a bill in the Senate that will build upon the success of the pilot program in Norman.
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Five days after introducing their own plan to lower taxes and provide incentives for business growth, Senate Democrats Tuesday praised Governor Henry for offering his own tax proposal and vowed to work with the governor in an effort to make a better tomorrow for Oklahoma’s children.
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Senator Nancy Riley has once again filed legislation that will increase the amount an individual serving in the Armed Forces can take as an income tax deduction.

Under current law, the $1,500 of the salary an individual receives from any component of the military may be taken as an income tax deduction. Provisions of Senate Bill 46 would increase the tax deduction amount to $3,000, if the bill passes the legislative hurdles during the upcoming session.
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Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson

“First, I want to put an end to the spread of false information. I never agreed to a moratorium on further lawsuit reform last year and I was never asked to sign any such agreement. I have said repeatedly that in the coming session Oklahoma will become the first state in the country to address lawsuit reform for the third consecutive year

“We can still improve our system of civil justice, in particular, by focusing on the repeat offenders in both the medical and legal communities.
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Statement by Senate Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan

“Governor Henry’s proposal does more than just continue the advancements we made last year when we fully funded health insurance premiums for our teachers and agreed to increase their salaries to the regional average.
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The Oklahoma State Senate is once again leading the way in utilizing the latest technology for more open government and better public service. President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson has announced the Senate is now officially Oklahoma’s newest wireless internet hot-spot.

“We’re very excited about this latest innovation. It means that visitors to the Senate will be able to have full internet access through their wireless laptop computers. They’ll be able to access legislation, streaming and digital audio, web-based email and more,” Hobson said.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Ted Fisher
“We heard today, for the third straight year, from a governor who believes in Oklahoma. We agree with him. Oklahoma is a great place to live, work and raise a family and we are proud to join Governor Henry as we build on the great strides we have made in the last two years.
“Supporting our teachers, our students, our men and women in the military, small business and working families remain at the center of the governor’s agenda and our agenda because we believe it is truly an agenda for Oklahoma.”