As part of National Agriculture week, the state Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution declaring March 24, 2009, as “Ag Day” in the state of Oklahoma. Sen. Ron Justice, author of the resolution, said it was important to remember the important role agriculture plays in our economy and culture.

“When we promote agriculture, we’re promoting Oklahoma,” said Justice, R-Chickasha. “The performance of the agricultural economy is vital to both our state and the nation as a whole. Today, we salute our agricultural system and its role in making Oklahoma a great state.”

The Oklahoma State Senate has had 40 President Pro Tempores since statehood and the Senate dedicated two portraits Tuesday afternoon of former Pro Tem Mike Morgan and the Senate’s current leader Glenn Coffee. The portraits by world-renown Norman artist Mike Wimmer were commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund.
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The Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday approved legislation that would restrict drivers with intermediate Class D licenses to a curfew of 10 p.m. for one year after becoming a licensed driver. The measure would also extend the amount of required driving training for parent-taught drivers from 40 to 50 hours.

The state Legislature this week approved a resolution praising volunteer firefighters and mourning the loss of John Adams, a volunteer member of the Silver City Fire Department.

The 45 year-old Silver City resident died on duty, after fighting a 12-hour wildfire west of Mannford. The fire covered 600 acres and required a total of nine fire departments, 23 brush trucks, three tankers, a Blackhawk helicopter and 60 firefighters to contain. Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 was authored by Sen. Brian Bingman and Rep. Skye McNiel to honor Adams.

Republican State Sen. Dan Newberry has won Senate passage for a measure opposing the creation of a new currency to replace the dollar as the worlds standard. The full Senate approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 on Wednesday. Newberry, R-Tulsa, said Chinas proposal to create a new currency would undermine Americas dominance in global economics.

This outrageous proposal is set to be debated at the upcoming G20 meeting in London, Newberry said.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee issued the following statement regarding the passing of Jarita Askins:

“Oklahoma lost a great leader and public servant this week. As a mother of successful children, she obviously instilled strong Oklahoma values and has a living legacy that goes on. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Governor Jari Askins and her family during this difficult time.”

Does Senator Coffee’s Loan Comply with State Ethics Rules and Laws?

Saying full disclosure is needed to restore public trust in the State Senate, Democratic Caucus Chairman Kenneth Corn today pressed again his request for Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City) to release all pertinent documents related to his tax troubles and the loan he secured to pay his tax debts. The Poteau Democrat noted several papers across the state over the weekend, including the second largest newspaper in Oklahoma, the Tulsa World, have echoed his request.

The House of Representatives joined the Oklahoma Senate in giving unanimous approval to legislation designed to honor Oklahomans who pay the ultimate price in the War on Terror.

The measure, Senate Bill 712, was approved by representatives Monday 99-0. The measure had previously been approved by the Senate on a 47-0 vote. The next stop for the bill is Governor Henry’s desk.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 1603 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee with bipartisan support today, advancing tort reform legislation to the Senate floor.

“The numbers don’t lie, and the numbers tell us that Oklahoma is sixth in the nation in medical students per capita, yet 49th in the nation in the number of active physicians,” said Coffee.

“Governor Henry laid out a bold vision for Oklahoma today in his “State of the State” address and the Senate Democratic caucus stands ready to work with the Governor to continue moving Oklahoma forward.

“Health care is an issue our caucus is extremely passionate about and we have been at the forefront of this discussion of making access to affordable health care a greater reality for more Oklahoma families.
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