Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Andrew Rice

"Now that Gov. Fallin's job is to responsibly run state government, she has belatedly chosen to comment on the gridlock and anti-government extremism in Washington that she herself proudly helped stoke and solidify over several years as a Congresswoman from Oklahoma's 5th district.

State Sen. Steve Russell will be a keynote speaker for the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this Saturday, June 18 at 12:50pm CT. The retired Lt. Colonel will be discussing the work and honor of U.S. soldiers as well as the division that currently exists among the country’s leaders, the two parties and various other groups concerning the current direction of the country.
read more.

On Saturday, June 18, State Sen. Ralph Shortey will be joining veterans from around the state at the Bowman Lodge at Lone Tree Ranch in Morris for a special event to raise funds for disabled veterans. The exclusive, five-star hunting and fishing lodge provides an array of free services for injured veterans.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced committee assignments for twenty-nine interim studies that have been approved by the senate leader today. Committee meetings will start this summer and conclude before the session begins in February of 2012.

Senate members have requested studies into some of Oklahomas most critical issues, said Bingman. I appreciate their focus and willingness to tackle such big issues in preparation for another great session in 2012.

State Senator Clark Jolley today praised State Superintendent Janet Barresi and members of the state Board of Education for funding reading programs throughout the state.

“Our recent reforms to end social promotion for students who can’t read after the third grade can only succeed with the appropriate level of support,” said Jolley (R-Edmond). “I appreciate the hard work that Superintendent Barresi did in making sure that reading sufficiency funding was addressed in this tight fiscal climate.”

“The only real limits are the ones you put on yourself.” Those are inspirational words, but even more so when you learn about the person behind them. Hailey Mathis is studying political science and history at the University of Oklahoma and balances her class schedule with an internship at the Oklahoma State Senate. She’s also a survivor of the May 3rd, 1999 tornado. One of the most destructive and powerful storms ever seen, Hailey, just 13 at the time, was home alone when the tornado destroyed her Bridge Creek home and changed her life forever.

Today the Oklahoma Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 23, commending the United States Military, U.S. intelligence operations, President Bush and President Obama for the successful efforts of the War on Terror and in the Pakistan operation last night that ended the life of terrorist Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Just as they were nearly ten years ago, members of the Oklahoma Senate were united in their pride in America, paying tribute Monday to thousands of victims of al-Qaida from 9-11 to the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993.
When the session first convened on Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman led members in a moment of silence to acknowledge those victims, including Oklahoman David Rice, brother of Democratic Senate Leader, Andrew Rice.
read more.

Two key education reforms are just one step away from becoming law. Senate Bill 346, which received final Senate approval on Monday, would end social promotion. The House gave final approval to House Bill 1456, which would create a report card for public schools. Sen. Clark Jolley is principal Senate author of both measures.
read more.

After four years of advocating for stronger laws on boating under the influence, Sen. Bill Brown finally succeeded Tuesday when Senate Bill 324 passed the Senate unanimously. The measure now heads to the Governor’s office.