Issues ranging from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the construction and purchasing processes of the Office of Central Purchasing are among four additional interim study requests that have been approved by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan.
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State Sen. Cal Hobson said the fact that 99 percent of the funding for the so-called Tax Payer Bill of Rights (TABOR) has come from out-of- state contributors shows that there is virtually no support for the initiative in the Sooner State. The veteran lawmaker was responding to a report in Friday’s Journal Record newspaper which examined financial records filed with the state Ethics Commission. Hobson said it was time for out-of-state millionaires to stop meddling in Oklahoma’s business.

The Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday encouraged members of Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation to co-sponsor and support legislation in the U.S. Senate that would replace an out-dated law that gives foreign interests an unfair advantage over Oklahoma meat and poultry producers.

Senator Daisy Lawler’s Task Force on Illegal Immigration has announced its first meeting and added new members.

During the 2006 legislative session, Lawler authored Senate Resolution 125, requesting the creation of the panel.

Based on 2000 census figures, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that approximately 46,000 illegal immigrants or undocumented workers live in Oklahoma, representing a 188 percent increase from figures obtained in the 1990 census.

(State Capitol, Oklahoma City) – State Sen. Randy Brogdon, a proponent of a spending limitation amendment known as the Stop Over Spending (SOS) initiative, responded Wednesday to a recent, misleading rant against the proposal by State Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington. SOS is also known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).

Sen. Jeff Rabon on Thursday applauded Gov. Brad Henry’s call for President Bush to make available funding for federal livestock assistance programs to aid Oklahoma farmers and ranchers facing financial hardships as a result of drought conditions.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan
“I am pleased at the Supreme Court’s decision today. TABOR was a disaster in Colorado – one that Oklahoma doesn’t need to repeat. I also think this decision sends a clear signal that Oklahoma will not allow out-of-state interests to manipulate public policy in our state. The initiative petition is an important tool granted to the citizens of Oklahoma in their Constitution. The Supreme Court said today that abuse of the initiative process by special interest groups from beyond our borders will not be tolerated.”

(Oklahoma City) – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield said Friday that the first priority for 51st Oklahoma Legislature next year should be to provide a supplemental appropriation to help public schools cover the cost of social security taxes and benefits associated with the $3,000 pay raise given to state teachers.

State Sen. Cal Hobson recommended today that the Oklahoma Legislature convene in special session in late July or early August to complete its work on two critical funding areas.

Hobson, D-Lexington, suggested that $21.7 million be allocated to Oklahoma public schools for the 2006 – 2007 school year. This amount will guarantee for educators, schools, and students 100 percent state funding of the recently mandated $3,000 teacher pay increase.

State Sen. Cal Hobson has sent letters to all members of the Oklahoma Legislature asking for their support for a special session to address unfunded costs of the recently approved $3,000 pay raise as well as funding to shore up the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS). Hobson said he decided to approach members of the House and Senate after Gov. Brad Henry said the issues could wait until the regular session.