“Governor Henry is to be commended for his commitment to keeping the promise we made to Oklahoma teachers to raise their pay to the regional average.”

“Senate Democrats have always supported better pay for our teachers because we fundamentally understand greater opportunities for all Oklahomans begin with smart and bold investments in education.
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“I sincerely appreciate the First Lady’s and Governor Henry’s continued commitment to public education, specifically their hard work towards getting Oklahoma teacher salaries to at least the regional average. However, I believe we should be even more aggressive because the regional average is a moving target. As soon as we pass the $1,200 pay raise proposed, that amount will be matched, if not surpassed by our neighboring states.”
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State Senator Bill Brown wants to reduce the number of alcohol- and other intoxicating substance-related deaths and accidents on Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers. He hopes to do this through Senate Bill 1140 which would require a conviction of boating while under the influence (BUI) to be made part of an individual’s driving record.
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State Senator Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee, has filed legislation which would designate the first Monday of each month to honor veterans who are currently serving or were killed in the global war on terrorism.

Senate Bill 1134 asks all state agencies, interested organizations, civic groups and individuals to fly the U.S. flag at half-mast in remembrance of those Oklahomans who are serving or who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces furtherance of victory in the global war on terror, particularly those who have died or have been wounded as a result of such service.

2008 Legislative Agenda Focuses on Opportunity and Responsibility

Statement by Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City:

"Republicans and Democrats have worked together over the past year in the evenly divided Senate to make sure the people's business gets done.

"While there will be disagreements on certain policy initiatives, I am confident that we can find common ground on some issues proposed by Senate Democrats today.

Statement by Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City:

“My thoughts and prayers are with Speaker Cargill and his family. He made a difficult decision, and should be commended for putting his caucus, the House of Representatives, and the state ahead of himself.

“Lance Cargill has many legislative successes during his tenure as Speaker that have had a positive impact on our state. He and I have had a positive working relationship as legislative leaders, and I wish Lance the best in his future endeavors.”

“It has become apparent in recent weeks the Speaker has come under scrutiny for certain personal matters.

“If Rep. Cargill believes issues in his personal life are interfering with his ability to serve the people of this state, I believe he has made the best decision to step down from his duties as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“He has always treated me with respect and it has been a pleasure working with him on issues important to our state. I wish him well during this trying time, and will keep Lance and his family in my prayers.”

With President Bush and the U.S. Congress working to pass a bipartisan economic stimulus package, State Sen. Don Barrington wants to ensure that the federal tax rebates included in the package are exempt from state income taxes.

“If the State of Oklahoma taxes these federal rebates, it will diminish the impact of the stimulus package on our state’s economy,” Barrington said. “It is imperative that the Legislature takes action this session to make sure Oklahomans don’t have to fork over part of their federal rebate to the state government.”

Common-sense measures to strengthen families and better utilize existing nutrition programs are among strategies to address hunger in Oklahoma identified by the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger in its final report delivered today to the Governor and leaders from the Senate and the House.

The report includes recommendations for increased coordination among services organizations and ways to extend existing outreach to serve more people. The report also includes strategies to involve schools and improve students' access to sufficient and nutritious food.
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