After President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced his support for a $1.5 trillion Congressional proposal that would make health care a right for all Americans, Sen. Dan Newberry said the plan would compromise the quality of health care, limit consumer choices and lead the country further down a dangerous path toward socialized medicine.

Newberry said it was not the government’s job to compete with small businesses and that health care choices must be left up to the consumer.

The Democratic Leader of the State Senate said he isn’t surprised by the hollow words being spouted by members of the Senate Republican caucus today in regards to health care reform.

Senate Minority leader Charlie Laster joined with a minority of Oklahomans and in opposition to a vast majority of small business owners today when he sided with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy and President Barack Obama in promoting nationalized health care for the United States, according to Senate Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb.

State Senator Randy Brogdon, Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations sub-committee, said it was time to look at reforming the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). After the OTA approved toll hikes of 16 percent, Brogdon called for restricting the ability of the OTA to raise tolls--especially at a time when the economy and Oklahoma’s citizens are already suffering.
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OKLAHOMA CITY – The state’s third annual sales tax holiday will begin August 7, giving families an opportunity to save money on children’s back-to-school clothing while encouraging people to support Oklahoma businesses. State Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, was the principal author of the measure creating Oklahoma’s sales tax holiday and encourages residents to take advantage of the event.

State Sen. Dan Newberry said he was opposed to federal proposals in healthcare reform that could increase the number of abortions in this country funded for by taxpayers.

Legislation to exempt Oklahoma soldiers from state income tax on federal pay has been signed into law. Senate Bill 881, authored by Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City, was signed by Gov. Brad Henry on Tuesday. The tax exemption will apply to all troops, whether they are National Guard, Reserve or active.

“We have obviously known this would be a tough budget year with needed revenues not coming in. Just like families and businesses thoughout Oklahoma, your state government will continue to be conscientious and responsible with taxpayer dollars.”

Sen. Jonathan Nichols on Monday commended Gov. Brad Henry for taking a strong stand to protect Oklahoma families by signing legislation that establishes stronger penalties for domestic abuse and possession of child pornography.

Over the course of the next three days more than 80 paintings belonging to the State Senate Art Collection will be removed from the state Capitol. The artwork is being transported to the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, where it will be displayed from July through October.

Dr. Duane King, Executive Director of the Gilcrease Museum, said the collection is an extraordinary reflection of the state’s culture.