Wilson Implores Republicans to Lay Politics Aside to Make Healthcare More Affordable for Oklahoma Families

A conversation about insurance reform and affordable healthcare in Oklahoma will continue with the approval of a patient's bill of rights amendment authored by State Senator Jim Wilson. The amendment, which will require insurance companies to pay for health care procedures deemed medically necessary by a physician was attached to HB 2531 and now moves to the House of Representatives for an up-or-down vote.

The Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance (ODSA) has honored Sen. Kenneth Corn with the 2008 TRiO Achiever Award. The annual award is designed to recognize and honor former Oklahoma TRiO participants who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments in their professional pursuits and for whom TRiO played a fundamental role in their educational achievements.

The TRiO Programs were established by Congress under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in our country’s economic and social life.

The State Senate took steps today that will send several insurance proposals to conference committee for further consideration. The move allows for more time to study the cost and effects of the proposed measures.

These various measures addressed reforming the State Medicaid program, requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for autism and requiring insurance companies to cover any procedure deemed to be medically necessary.

The Oklahoma State Senate today approved a proposal to establish an office within the Governor’s cabinet to addresses Native American issues and state-tribal relations. Authored by State Senator Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee) the measure calls for the creation of the Secretary of Native American Affairs in the Governor’s office.

Laster said the newly created position would oversee agency consultation and collaboration with the state’s 39 tribal governments and to be in charge of relations between the executive branch and tribal nations.

A pre-school child left unable to walk or talk after a day care center accidentally left him in a hot van has resulted in the Senate passage of a bill to help families who could face a similar tragedy in the future. State Sen. Debbe Leftwich is author of House Bill 2863, known as Demarion’s Law, which would require day care facilities to carry liability insurance.

Sen. James A. Williamson and Rep. Pam Peterson have unveiled language to close a loophole in Oklahoma criminal statutes. The Tulsa Republicans crafted the measure after a Tulsa County judge was forced to reduce charges against an accused rapist from first-degree rape to second-degree rape.
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Legislation to tweak the Quality Jobs Act to encourage the National Basketball Association to move a professional basketball team to Oklahoma passed the State Senate today. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for final consideration before going to Gov. Brad Henry.

Senate Bill 1819, by Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and House Speaker Chris Benge, allows an NBA franchise to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs Program, which rebates a portion of employees’ income taxes to the state to qualified employers.

Sen. Jeff Rabon said on Wednesday he plans to amend at least two measures, adding language providing penalties for knowingly and willfully making false claims about candidates or ballot measures in political advertising.

Rabon has submitted the amendment to House Bill 2196, an election ethics measure, and House Bill 1897, which provides penalties for abuse against pregnant women. Rabon said it was time for the state to take a stand and ensure elections are conducted in an ethical and honorable fashion.

Sen. Kenneth Corn on Tuesday successfully amended a measure to allow for the use of dyed motor fuel in pickups, trucks or truck-tractors, provided that the operator has obtained a permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.