Statement by Senate Appropriations Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield

“The budget outline released by Senate Republicans today is just that – a very sketchy outline with no details. Senator Coffee couldn’t be more wrong than when he says that Senate Democrats are trying to engineer a shutdown of state government.

“Senate Republicans are the ones who voted as a block against funding for a multitude of state agencies two weeks ago.
read more.

Senator Cal Hobson said today that college students throughout Oklahoma will soon see the results of a $500 million dollar investment in their future when construction begins on projects included in the Higher Education Bond Issue that passed the Senate with bi-partisan support. Hobson, Senate author of the bill, said passage of House Bill 1191, marks the end of months of work on an issue that will go down in history as an important victory for higher education and a victory for all Oklahomans.
read more.

If Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company doesn’t sign a new long-term contract to buy electricity from the AES Shady Point co-generation plant in Le Flore County soon, more than 2,000 Oklahoma coal miners and truck drivers could be forced into the ranks of the unemployed, State Senator Kenneth Corn said Wednesday morning

“We’re talking about real people with mortgages to pay and children to clothe and feed. We’re talking about wiping out an entire industry in our state,” said Corn, D-Poteau.
read more.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Has Already Killed Henry’s Tort Bill This Session

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee has written Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Laster to formally request a committee hearing for House Bill 2047, the landmark comprehensive lawsuit reform bill authored by Coffee and House Speaker Todd Hiett.

HB 2047 passed the House of Representatives three weeks ago on a bipartisan 62 to 38 vote, and is still awaiting action in the Senate.

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.
read more.

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.”
read more.

“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.
read more.

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.
read more.

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.
read more.