A plan to end private contracts for flight instruction at Vance Air Force Base and other training bases would end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars. State Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, said the Air Force’s proposal makes no sense.

“This is the kind of bureaucratic bungling that has destroyed the public’s trust in the federal government. Despite claims that this plan would save more than $480 million over five years, it will actually end up costing taxpayers another $27.5 million—and that’s based on the Air Force’s own numbers.
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Sen. Andrew Rice announced today that he will be filing legislation for the upcoming session to help better protect bicyclists in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma democrat said the legislation is necessary following the recent deaths of three Oklahomans in bicycle-related accidents.
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“The legal challenge by Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland jeopardizes the health of thousands of Oklahomans and the financial condition of dozens of hospitals and nursing homes. I am deeply disappointed. Given her advocacy this past session in support of a dedicated insurance fee and her efforts these past two years to expand coverage for the uninsured, I am also surprised by her apparent policy reversals.
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“We knew from the start that it would be an uphill battle for Oklahoma to prevail in Race to the Top funding this year, but the reforms we passed in the recent legislative session were vital nonetheless,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. “We’re making progress, and we have more progress to make, with or without federal dollars.”
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A $43 million dollar bond package that would have attracted another $45 million in private donations to complete the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum being built in Oklahoma City failed to receive floor votes on the final day of the 2010 legislative session. State Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole, said as a result, construction on the incomplete facility will be forced to a standstill.

Citizens will soon know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent in their local school districts thanks to a bill signed into law earlier this week. Sen. Randy Brogdon is author of Senate Bill 1633, which creates the School District Transparency Act. The bill is an expansion of Brogdon’s 2007 Taxpayer Transparency Act, which created a website to show taxpayers how the state spends their tax dollars.
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Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee has approved requests for twenty-four interim studies to be conducted in the coming months.

A variety of issues will be examined, including the areas of public safety, health, education, taxation and others. Studies were requested by twelve senators, and they will be heard in nine committees.

For a list of Senate interim studies, visit www.oksenate.gov and click on

Publications/Senate & Other Studies/Interim Studies.