In an effort to boost economies in rural Oklahoma, two rural democrats have teamed up to push for passage of Senate Bill 1587. The measure’s authors, Senator Susan Paddack of Ada and State Rep. Wes Hilliard of Sulphur are pleased the measure unanimously won the approval of a House panel Wednesday.

Hilliard said the measure modifies the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act by providing protection for communities and gives incentives to corporations who want to set up in areas after a negative economic event occurs.
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Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan
“Each of the measures that grew out of House Republicans brief sojourn into rural Oklahoma last year has been assigned to the appropriate committee and each will be given due consideration. Every bill will be weighed on its own merits.
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Senator Tom Adelson, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Health and Social Services, today congratulated the Oklahoma Health Care Authority for identifying a way to reduce billing errors and save the state $30 million.

The senator said that he now plans to reduce the OHCA budget by a corresponding amount.

Oklahomans now have even greater access to events at the State Capitol via the Internet. As of Wednesday, February 1, streaming audio and video will be available from two Senate committee rooms as well as in the Senate Chamber. In addition, beginning Monday, all floor votes on bills can be viewed in real time on the Senate website.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan said the Senate has been on the cutting edge when it comes to utilizing new technology to open up the legislative process.
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The Senate author of the “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday said the tax cut, targeted directly to middle class families, will be among the first bills considered by the Senate Finance Committee.

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant and chair of the Finance Committee, said he was pleased Gov. Brad Henry joined Senate Democrats in putting the sales tax holiday at the top of the tax cut agenda. The governor announced Wednesday the proposal would be a centerpiece of his tax cut agenda; Senate Democrats did the same a week earlier.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan announced Wednesday that intends to fast-track through the Senate a measure that would expand college scholarship opportunities for high school students in Oklahoma.

Morgan’s plan calls for raising the maximum income level under which students are eligible to take part in the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program from $50,000 to $75,000. The measure would increase the number of students eligible to take part in the program by 20 percent.
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State Senator Mary Easley (D-Tulsa) wants to protect the privacy of mourning families from picketers and other public demonstrations seeking to disrupt funerals in order to bring attention to their causes.

Easley, who serves as vice-chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, filed a measure that would make it illegal to picket prior to, during and following the commencement of a funeral. The House co-author is Rep. Wade Rousselot (D- Waggoner).

State Senate Democrats today announced plans to file legislation that will penalize companies that knowingly employ illegal immigrants and measures that would force drug companies to divulge how much they spend on advertising, lobbying and the salaries for top executives.

In announcing an “Agenda for a More Accountable Oklahoma,” Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan also called for annual performance review audits of state agencies to “make sure Oklahoma taxpayers are getting what they paid for.”

State Senate Republican Floor Leader Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, made the following statement in reaction to the Senate Democrats’ proposed legislative agenda.

“The proposals that Senate Democrats have put forward during the past two weeks are weak and reactionary. The Senate Democrats are scrambling to propose quick fixes to problems that have been created by their own failed policies,” Coffee stated.

Current and former members of the Oklahoma State Senate gathered along with friends and family members of the late Sen. Robert M. Kerr for a “Celebration of Life” ceremony held in the Senate Chamber on Monday.

When roll call was taken, Sen. Kerr’s grandchildren answered for him. The children were seated at his desk, which was adorned with 20 white roses, one for each of the years he was a member of the State Senate.

Former Senator Dick Wilkerson recalled his friend, Bob Kerr, as a gentle man who always thought the best of everyone.
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