The State Senate approved legislation Thursday to help prepare the state Capitol for its second century. The building will celebrate the centennial of its official opening in 2017, but Sen. Harry Coates is concerned that years of poor maintenance could keep the structure from being habitable in its second century.
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The State Senate unanimously passed legislation Thursday to help save Oklahoma's counties and municipalities thousands of dollars that are lost each year through the vandalism of signs and other property. Senate Bill 348, by Sen. David Myers, would allow counties and municipalities to offer higher rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals for such crimes.
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Tax relief could soon be on its way for Oklahoma military families following unanimous approval of legislation by the State Senate Thursday to provide an income tax exemption for serving military personnel. Sen Steve Russell, a retired Army infantryman and combat veteran, is author of Senate 881 and believes his bill would not only help military families, but the state’s economy.

A delegation consisting of the five Republican freshmen Senators congratulate Sen. Coffee for being
elected as Pro Tem of the Senate before escorting him to the President's chair.

is available of Sen. Coffee's speech following his official election by the Senate to the position of President Pro Tempore as well as a media Q & A with Coffee following the election ceremony.

Newly elected President Pro-Tempore Glenn Coffee announced Tuesday that long-awaited reform will be coming to the Legislature this session. Upon Coffee’s election as the new President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, the Senate approved new Senate rules for governing its legislative body.

In ten separate votes pertaining to the newly adopted Senate Rules, Senate Republicans sent a message loud and clear to the powerful insurance industry today: "Help is on the way"

Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate released their policy agenda for the 2009 legislative session today, calling for a fairer and more business friendly tax policy, reform of the archaic and business-unfriendly legal system in Oklahoma, and to continue to improve our state’s infrastructure.

Senate Democratic Leader Embraces Coffee’s New Found Appreciation for Middle Class Tax Cuts

*Statement from Democratic Leader Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee) on the unveiling of the Senate Republican Agenda

“It is refreshing to hear Senator Coffee embrace the Democratic principles of lowering the tax burden for Oklahoma’s middle class.

“In years past he and his Republican colleagues have done very little to help Oklahoma’s middle class, focusing their efforts instead on cutting taxes for only the wealthiest of Oklahomans.

Sen. Jay Paul Gumm is continuing his effort to end the sales tax on groceries and has called on Senate Republicans to help pass his legislation during the 2009 session. Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, said his proposal would help every family in the state.

“I am pleased to hear Senate Republicans say they want tax reform and relief for Oklahoma families. Eliminating the tax on groceries would give instant help to Oklahomans and it would stimulate our economy,” Gumm said. “I urge my fellow members to join me in passing this important legislation.”

House leaders fired yet another shot today in a full-out Republican legislative assault on efforts to end insurance discrimination against children with autism.

The seven-page study, including a two-page letter, suggests “Nick’s Law” would drive up insurance costs in the state of Oklahoma by almost 20 percent.