The full Senate has given its approval to a measure to strengthen state retirement systems. Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, is author of Senate Bill 1894. While the legislation would apply to the retirement systems for teachers, public employees and judges, Mazzei said there’s a particular concern about the Teachers Retirement System of Oklahoma (OTRS), which is only 49 percent funded.
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The full Senate has given its approval to what would be the most substantial income tax cut in the history of Oklahoma. Senate Bill 2022, authored by Sen. Scott Pruitt seeks to lower the rate from 6.25 percent to 4.9 percent. He said the measure would be a great victory for Oklahomans that would allow them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
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State Senator Constance N. Johnson says the African-American Centennial Plaza to be built at the State Capitol will reflect and honor Oklahoma’s rich African American history.

On Tuesday, the full Senate passed Senate Bill 1919, co-authored by Johnson, (D-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Jabar Shumate, (D- Tulsa), which expresses the Senate’s support for the creation of the plaza.

The bill now goes before the House for consideration.

The plaza will be built on grounds south of the State Capitol and will be completed in May 2007.

The Senate voted Tuesday to establish clear, fair guidelines for determining if a convicted murderer is mentally retarded and thereby ineligible to receive the death penalty. Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, introduced Senate Bill 1807 at the request of Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, is a co-author of the bill.

Upper Chamber Completes Work on Senate Bills Ahead of Deadline

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan touted the accomplishments of Senate Democrats Wednesday saying that the first third of the 2006 legislative session has been a tremendous success.
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The Oklahoma State Senate approved a resolution Wednesday thanking and recognizing the efforts of firefighters in dealing with Oklahoma’s recent drought and the resulting wildfires. Senator Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, is the principal author of SR 71. All other Senate members are coauthors of the measure.

A bipartisan bill to protect property owners from abuses of government’s power of eminent domain was unanimously approved by the Senate on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma Property Owners Protection Act would prohibit any public entity from seizing private property solely for the purpose of economic development, and would require municipalities to provide relocation assistance for those who are forced to move by an eminent domain proceeding.

As part of National Agriculture Week, which continues through March 25, State Sen. Daisy Lawler will present a resolution on the Senate Floor Wednesday proclaiming March 22, 2006, to be Agriculture Day in the State of Oklahoma. The resolution will be heard when the Senate convenes at 1:30 p.m.
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Senator Jeff Rabon, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services, noted the recent wildfires that have swept across this state has prompted the Senate to boldly step forward with a plan that will help create a safer Oklahoma.

“The Senate felt like we had to step in, and put forth a plan that will give these rural fire departments the ability to continue to be the first line of defense against wildfires that threaten our homes, our churches, our businesses and our farm and ranchland.” Rabon said.
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The Senate Finance Committee passed a measure Tuesday that will provide an income tax deduction for volunteer fire fighters, reserve police officers and reserve sheriff's deputies. House Bill 2073 is principally authored by Senator Jim Wilson (D-Tahlequah) and Representative Glen Smithson (D-Sallisaw).
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