The Senate Democratic caucus has chosen Oklahoma City State Senator Andrew Rice as leader designate for the 2011-2012 legislative session. The current Democratic Leader, Senator Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee) will continue serving as leader for the upcoming session slated to commence in February 2010, but will step down as leader after the Nov. 2010 elections. Laster has served as Democratic Floor Leader since January of 2007.
read more.

Following Tuesday's announcement of further state revenue shortfalls, State Sen. Randy Brogdon believes across-the-board funding cuts could have been avoided with better leadership and responsible prioritized budgeting during the 2009 session.
read more.

Members of the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association visited the State Capitol recently to see a print of the ranch's majestic residence headquarters, the Miller Mansion. The print, sponsored by Sen. David and Sara Myers, hangs in the lower level of the Capitol along with several other historical pictures including a print of Will Rogers. During their visit, Sen. Myers also presented the members with a large panoramic picture of the ranch to be displayed at the 101 Ranch Old Timers Museum in Ponca City.

—“Oklahoma has lost a true advocate of the people today with the passing of Governor Henry Bellmon. As the first Republican governor of this state, Bellmon was an Oklahoman first—placing the needs of this state over the politics of party. He was a true statesman and a fine example of a bipartisan leader. Oklahoma is a better place today because of his service to this state, and he will be greatly missed.”

“Governor Henry Bellmon was the first statewide elected official I ever met when I was 10 years old at Carl Albert State College. Meeting this great leader had a tremendous impact on me then, and still does to this day.

“He was a true champion of improving education in Oklahoma. The landmark legislation he championed, House Bill 1017, pulled education out of the gutter in Oklahoma and provided it with a standard driven system that emphasized student achievement unlike anything that had ever been done before.

“Henry Bellmon is a giant in Oklahoma history. He served his country, his state, and his family with great honor and always with humility. He leaves a legacy of service to which any public official would and should aspire.

“Politically, Henry Bellmon put the Republican Party on the map in Oklahoma, and set the path for its growth over the subsequent decades. But he transcended partisan politics, and I join Republicans and Democrats alike in honoring his memory today.”

“Governor Bellmon was a true statesman who exhibited consistent and honorable leadership, and he was also a family man.

In addition to his service to the state of Oklahoma, he served his country in battle as a soldier and later served as a U.S. Senator. He departs leaving a legacy of dedicated service for future state leaders to emulate.

“Upon learning of Governor Bellmon’s passing today I am very reminiscent of our family’s personal and political ties to the first Republican Governor in state history. Aside from being an honorable and historic leader in our state, he was a good friend to all Oklahomans, including the Lamb family.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said the President’s plans for socialized medicine in the United States presents a huge threat to the quality and availability of healthcare in this country. But Brogdon, R-Owasso, said the threat to personal freedom was just as ominous.
read more.