- Democrat leaders refuse to give bill a committee hearing

An Edmond state senator said he is disappointed that the State Senate’s Democrat majority killed a bill aimed at helping more people go to college in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1658, by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, was not given a hearing by Senate Democrats before Monday’s committee deadline, killing the measure for the year. The bill would have provided tax credits to Oklahoma companies that pay for their employees’ higher education or helped to fund the OHLAP program.

The full Senate has given its approval to a measure creating a world-class diabetes research and treatment center in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1056, co-authored by Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, and Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, would help fund the start-up cost for creating the center, which would have locations at the University of Oklahoma campuses in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with outreach programs serving the entire state.

Another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. was dedicated at the State Capitol today. The painting, entitled “Fort Smith Council - 1865” by nationally renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon.

State Senators gave approval Tuesday to a $339.1 million boost in public school funding, including the largest teacher pay raise in seven years. By a 41-5 vote the Senate sent Senate Bill 1644 by Senators Susan Paddack and Stratton Taylor to the House for consideration.

Under a proposal approved by the State Senate, victims and family members would be able to give their impact statement in person, without fear of further trauma. Senate Bill 1503, by Senator Glenn Coffee, would prevent the cross-examination of victims or their family members after presenting an oral impact statement during the sentencing phase of a trial.

The full Senate has approved a measure which would identify registered sex offenders on their state driver’s license. Under Senate Bill 1426, by Sen. Brian Crain, convicted sex offenders would be given 180 days after being notified by the Department of Corrections to get a new license reflecting their status as a sex offender or face cancellation of their license for one year.

Senator Susan Paddack, a Democrat from Ada, said she is pleased a measure that will bring more accountability to Oklahoma classrooms won the approval of a Senate panel earlier today.

“If we want Oklahoma to be even more successful, we must offer our children the best education possible,” Paddack said. “And that means making Oklahoma classrooms more accountable through end of instruction testing and through additional support for students to achieve their maximum potential.”

The Oklahoma State Senate honored two special Oklahomans today in the Senate Chamber. The Senate presented resolutions recognizing the accomplishments and talents of Jenks High School graduate Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006 and Edmond resident Jennifer Warren, Miss Oklahoma 2005

State Senator James A. Williamson said his bill to protect Oklahomans from uninsured motorists is dead for the session after it failed to get a committee hearing this session. Williamson, R-Tulsa called it a blow to law-abiding citizens.

“Over a quarter of all drivers on the road are uninsured,” said Williamson, R-Tulsa. “Far too often, those drivers are only discovered once they’ve already caused damage and injury. My bill could have helped catch them before they victimized anyone,” Williamson said.

The Oklahoma State Senate voted Monday to appropriate $125 million to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to fund the repair and replacement of the worst bridges on state highways and county roads.
Senate Bill 1288, authored by Senate Appropriations Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield, dedicates $100 million for state bridges and sets aside an additional $25 million for county bridges.