State Sen. Constance N. Johnson praised President Obama’s administration this week for transforming women’s health care in America by classifying birth control as preventative care – an issue the Oklahoma County democrat has been advocating since getting into office.

The Institute of Medicine medical advisory panel recommended the changes to the Health and Human Services Department last month. The panel said contraceptives should qualify as preventive care, which insurers must fully cover under Obama’s federal health care reform plan.
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Sen. Constance N. Johnson believes Oklahoma's sentencing guidelines regarding life without parole for nonviolent drug crimes are unfair, costly and, in the case of Larry Yarbrough, a waste of tax payer dollars.
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State Sen. David Holt praised completion of an initiative to place signage marking historic Route 66 throughout Oklahoma City. The project was spearheaded by Sen. Holt and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and was a joint project of The City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

“In his press release last Friday, Attorney General Scott Pruitt made factually untrue statements with a political spin intended to distract from the real issue -- the extreme cost of unnecessarily locking up people for life for nonviolent drug related crimes.
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Senator Sykes marks historic day in Oklahoma

“My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes, vehicles, and businesses in the tragic wildfires sweeping across northeast Oklahoma City, along with those who have been displaced from their homes, and the pastor and members of Harrison Bethel Baptist Church. You are all in my and so many other Oklahomans’ prayers and thoughts. It’s times like these that government can make the difference in people’s lives, not only with the recovery effort but in other ways as well. We are at your service to help in any way possible as you adjust and work to get your world back to normal. read more.

“Although his service in the legislature was tragically cut short, Rep. Farley left a very positive, lasting impression on Oklahoma. His integrity and conservative leadership greatly benefitted our state. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.”

State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R-Oklahoma City) issued the following statement on the passing of state Rep. Rusty Farley.

“The Legislature and southeastern Oklahoma has experienced a terrible loss with the passing of Rep. Farley. I was so fortunate to get to work closely with him this session and get to know him not only as a respected colleague, but also as a trusted friend. We became very close and I will miss him dearly.

Sen. Sean Burrage today said State Superintendent Janet Barresi's decision to defund the National Board Certification Teacher (NBCT) incentive program represents an epic failure of leadership.

“This is a slap in the face to our best and brightest teachers,” said Burrage, D-Claremore. “Having for years assured Oklahoma teachers of this incentive for their efforts at achieving National Board Certification, funding this program is not just our legal duty, it is a moral obligation.”

Sen. Jim Wilson announced Thursday that he is challenging the constitutionality of the
Senate Redistricting Plan approved this session.