As the clock runs out on the 2008 legislative session, Senator Jay Paul Gumm expressed disappointment that House Republican leaders continue to stonewall families with autistic children.

“If the Speaker and his minions truly believe in their argument - believe their position is righteous – then why do they fear a vote on ‘Nick'’ Law’?” Gumm asked.

Both the Senate and House unanimously approved a measure Thursday making various types of abuse against elderly and incapacitated Oklahomans a felony. Principal Senate author Sen. Ron Justice said the measure, which strengthens Elderly and Incapacitated Person Act, was long over due.
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The Oklahoma State Senate approved a resolution Friday recognizing Aug. 19, 2008 as the 50th anniversary of the sit-in movement that began in Oklahoma City at Katz Drug Store. The resolution also honors the life and legacy of local civil rights pioneer Mrs. Clara Luper and all those who participated in that first peaceful and non-violent demonstration 50 years ago.

Senate Resolution 102 is authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson, D-Oklahoma County. A copy of the resolution will be distributed to Mrs. Luper, the NAACP Youth Council in Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma History Center.

The state Senate on Friday approved a bill that would increase penalties for date rape as well as create new laws against the desecration of human bodies and aggravated child pornography possession. Sens. Jonathan Nichols, Jim Reynolds and James A. Williamson praised the Senate’s passage of the measure, and addressed the importance of providing protection for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a resolution honoring the life of former Lieutenant Governor and University of Oklahoma football star Jack Mildren. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, President of the Senate, presided over the chamber as the resolution was read and approved unanimously. Mildren, age 58, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and died on Thursday.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, principal author of Senate Resolution 105, said he was extremely saddened by Mildren’s passing. He recalled Mildren as a man who loved life and always had a smile on his face.

Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, the leader of Republicans in the evenly divided Senate, gave the 2008 legislative session a “solid B” grade.

“2008 was a good legislative session, but not a great one. I’d grade it a solid B,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

A “puff-piece” profile of the lawmaker leading the fight against “Nick’s Law,” the autism insurance bill, reveals his true intentions, according to Senator Jay Paul Gumm.

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) distributed a profile of Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow. The profile lauds the lawmaker’s “courage” for blocking even consideration of Nick’s Law when it arrived in the House of Representatives, noting Peterson’s defense of “free enterprise.”

Rice hopeful for bill’s future after unanimous committee passage

A bill aimed at battling food insecurity in Oklahoma moved one step closer to bringing needed relief to the state’s hunger crisis with a unanimous, bipartisan vote in the Senate Finance Committee today, according to Sen. Andrew Rice.

The state Senate on Tuesday honored Army Staff Sergeant Chris Hake of Enid, who was one of four U.S. soldiers killed on Easter Sunday when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq.

Hake was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, where he served as a Squad Leader.

Senate Resolution 68 was authored by Sen. Patrick Anderson to honor Hake’s contributions to his country and the state of Oklahoma.

Legislation to require day care providers to carry liability insurance has cleared its first major hurdle in the State Senate. House Bill 2863, called Demarion’s Law, was approved unanimously by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday.
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