As Texas families this week celebrate the signing of legislation expanding the age of mandatory insurance coverage for children with autism, Sen. Jay Paul Gumm said Oklahoma families struggling to care for autistic children deserve better from their state Legislature.

Texas’ new law expands the age of mandatory insurance coverage for children with autism from the time of diagnosis to their 10th birthday. Gumm noted that Texas’ legislation was approved by a majority Republican Legislature and signed by a Republican governor.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee announced the approval of thirty-four interim studies and their committee assignments. The studies will be conducted between now and the beginning of the next legislative session in February, 2010.

Nineteen Senators requested interim studies in a variety of areas of concern to them and their constituents. Some studies are a result of legislation filed in 2009 for which further study was required or requested before moving the legislation forward.

The State Legislature honored the life and work of Oklahoma artist Willard Stone last week. Sen. Mary Easley and Rep. Ben Sherrer authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 recognizing Stone's artistic ability and many accomplishments.

"Willard Stone was a gifted man whose pride in his Native American heritage can be seen in his wonderful works of art," said Easley, D-Wagoner. "I applaud the Gilcrease Museum for their fitting tribute to his extraordinary artwork; and I hope that citizens will take the time to go see the works of one of our state's most gifted artists." read more.

Relief is on the way for Oklahoma families dealing with autism after the Governor signed Senate Bill 135, by Sen. Ron Justice, into law Monday. The measure will increase the number of trained specialists to treat autism spectrum disorders while allowing the open market to adjust coverage based on the demand of services.

The full Senate has paid tribute to the first Boy Scout Troop founded in the United States. Lawmakers gave unanimous approval Monday to Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, recognizing the 1909 Pawhuska troop as the first to be founded in America. Sen. Joe Sweeden is principal author of SCR 24. The measure was co-authored by Rep. Eddie Fields, R-Wynona.

The State Senate honored two of Oklahoma's outstanding teachers Tuesday. Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, by Sen. Earl Garrison and Rep. Jerry McPeak, congratulated the 2008 Milken Educator Award winner Ronia Davison and the 2009 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence winner Georgie Chapuis - both of which teach at the Sadler Arts Academy in Muskogee.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee’s House Bill 1676 that aids in streamlining government received final passage and is on its way to Governor Henry for his consideration.

Senator Coffee’s legislation moves the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC) out of the Legislative Service Bureau, reassigning its functions and staff to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Attorney General, in an effort to improve efficiency and accountability at the CJRC.

The life and work of evangelist Oral Roberts was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate on Thursday, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 25. Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, was principle author of the measure, and said 91-year-old Robert’s impact in both religion and education has been world-wide.

“As Oklahomans, I think most of us are familiar with Oral Roberts, his ministry, and the university he founded in Tulsa, but I don’t know if most people realize how much influence he’s had around the world,” said Newberry.
read more.

Members of the Oklahoma Legislature joined with citizens around the state and nation in recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Sen. Earl Garrison introduced SCR 20 endorsing the special event.

"Now more than ever with our country facing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, we need to look to the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and discernment on how to address this crisis," said Garrison, D-Muskogee.
read more.

The Governor elected to dismiss vital education reform on Friday by vetoing the School District Empowerment Program, Senate Bill 834.

Senator John Ford, author of SB 834, expressed his disappointment in the Governor’s choosing to neglect the quality reforms Oklahoma schools need.