“These Symbols of Pride Should be Made in America”

OKLAHOMA CITY- State Senator John Sparks, a Democrat from Norman, said today a bill he filed will require state agencies and public school districts to purchase American and Oklahoma flags manufactured solely in the United States. Senate Bill 2070 passed the General Government Committee and will go to the full Senate for a vote.

State Sen. David Myers said he was extremely pleased to win the support of the Business and Labor Committee on Monday. His legislation, Senate Bill 1875, would lift exemptions included in the 2003 law banning smoking in public places.

“I know this is just one step, and we have a long way to go, but this is a good start,” said Myers, R-Ponca City. “Too many Oklahomans are facing unnecessary health risks because of secondhand smoke. It kills hundreds of our citizens every year. They need our help.”

The Senate Education Committee on Monday unanimously approved a measure designed to make Oklahoma schools among the safest in the nation.

Authored by Sen. Todd Lamb, the Oklahoma School Security Act is a comprehensive proposal to combat bullying, reduce school violence and involve school administrators in the process of making their facilities safe for Oklahoma children.

Having been law enforcement’s most outspoken supporter in the state Senate since his election in 2000, Sen. Jonathan Nichols was recently honored by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) with the Director’s Award for Exemplary Service.

Nichols has been the author of numerous measures that have given the agency the tools necessary to fight crime more effectively and provide a more rapid response to crimes against Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Lawton State Senator Don Barrington’s bill to expand Oklahoma’s back-to-school sales tax holiday to include school supplies was approved by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Under current law, the sales tax holiday on the first weekend in August exempts clothing and shoes from sales tax.

Barrington’s Senate Bill 1149 expands the list of tax-exempt items to include school supplies beginning in August 2009. The bill was drafted so it would not impact the upcoming budget year.

OKLAHOMA CITY- A bill proposing the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to protect domestic abuse victims passed out of the Judiciary Committee today. Senator Debbe Leftwich, author of Senate Bill 2163, said the bill makes smart use of available technology.

Leftwich, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said it is a responsible to employ all available technology to protect Oklahoma citizens.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – State Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, the Republican co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, commented on the revenue certification approved by the state Board of Equalization.

“This is a bump in the road, that will require some belt tightening, but it is certainly not a crisis. We’ll roll up our sleeves and work together to pass a budget that puts critical state functions first,” said Johnson. “The Legislature should proceed very cautiously and must avoid digging budget holes that will negatively impact future budget years.”

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – The State Senate Finance Committee voted 6-5 today to advance Senate Bill 1383 out of committee and to the Senate floor for debate. SB 1383 is a bill to speed up the elimination of the death tax in Oklahoma that will have no impact on the upcoming budget year.

State Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher and Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, praised the passage of SB 1383 by the Senate Finance Committee.

With education revenues from the state lottery failing to produce the amount of education revenues initially projected, John Ford has authored legislation to examine whether to privatize the operation. Senate Bill 2173 is now headed to the full Senate for a vote after winning committee approval on Wednesday.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has given approval to Senate Bill 1150 which will require voters to show identification when they cast their ballots. Sen. John Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties, is author of the measure, which would require voters to show identification at the polls.