A Republican-authored pro-life bill was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry Tuesday, legislation that includes several pro-life issues that have been blocked for years by the Senate’s Democrat leadership.

“This is a great victory for the unborn,” said Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, the bill’s Senate author. “This new law is an answer to many years of prayer – and it shows the importance of electing pro-life legislators in the Senate and the House.”

Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said one of the first measures passed this legislative session in the Oklahoma State Senate honors the life of Senator Robert M. Kerr.

Today, Senate Joint Resolution 63 which names the Quartz Mountain Resort Arts and Conference Center after the late Senator finally received final approval in the House of Representatives.

The State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure that will create the Oklahoma Farm-to-School Program. The bill now advances to the Governor’s office.

Sen. Daisy Lawler, author of House Bill 2655, said she was pleased her legislation has reached the final step in the legislative process.

“This legislation is a win-win situation for Oklahoma,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Not only will the bill provide our school children with fresh and healthy foods, but it will create a significant economic boost for Oklahoma farmers.”
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Sen. Mike Mazzei said he was extremely gratified that the full Senate had given unanimous approval to his bill strengthening retirement systems for teachers, public employees and judges. Mazzei said Senate Bill 1894 was designed to “stop the bleeding” before it is too late.
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State Sen. Mike Mazzei wants the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to reject an application that could increase utility costs for AEP-PSO residential and business customers. On Tuesday, Mazzei authored and won approval for Senate Resolution 115, which calls for the Commission to reject a long-term power sales agreement that would force the utility company to buy electricity from a planned cogeneration plant near Lawton.
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The State Senate has passed a resolution honoring the outstanding career of professional football player, Troy Aikman. Senate Resolution 53, authored by Senator Frank Shurden, praises Aikman's athletic prowess throughout his high school, college and professional football career and congratulates him for being selected as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan issued the following statement in response to Governor Brad Henry’s issuance of a call for a special session to address the state budget.

“While it is unfortunate that we won’t be able to complete our budget work by Friday’s deadline, I believe the most important thing is that we do the job right. This year that will require some additional time.
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The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a measure ensuring the future of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSUCOM). Senate Bill 1771 will create an authority and trust to execute and implement the terms of an Academic Affiliation Agreement recently reached between OSUCOM and the Tulsa Regional Medical Center (TRMC).

Sen. Mike Mazzei is co-author of the legislation, which he called critical to the survival of the medical school.
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State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City made the following statement regarding Gov. Brad Henry’s call for a special session on the state budget:

“This is the special session that should not be. It is only necessary because of the weeks of obstruction by Senate Democrats and their unwillingness to allow a meaningful income tax cut for Oklahoma taxpayers in a year with a record tax surplus,” Coffee said.

State Sen. James A. Williamson said Gov. Brad Henry’s call for a special session on the state budget is a failure of leadership by the governor.

“This special session is a failure of leadership by Gov. Henry. It is incredible to me that he apparently has no ability to convince any of the Senate Democrats to compromise on the budget and tax cuts,” stated Williamson, R-Tulsa.