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.
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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.
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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.

In a victory for school choice in Oklahoma, the state Senate today approved legislation to broaden the number of private school scholarships awarded to children from low-income households.

Senate Bill 969, the Oklahoma Equal Education Opportunity Scholarship Act, will give businesses and individuals the opportunity to provide low-income students with expanded educational opportunities.

Sen. Don Barrington and Rep. Tommy Hardin were pleased when Governor Mary Fallin signed Senate Bill 742 into law earlier this week allowing for the regulated use of utility vehicles (UTVs) in certain instances on public roadways.

More women die of heart disease, stroke, and all other cardiovascular disease than the next five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers. For this reason, State Senators Kim David, Judy Eason-McIntyre, Constance Johnson and Susan Paddack wore red Thursday to show their support of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) efforts to improve heart health and save lives in Oklahoma.
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Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, a breast cancer survivor, proudly announced the release of two new “Fight Breast Cancer” license plates Thursday.

Pension reform legislation championed by the State Senate has been signed into law today. Recommendations from the Senate Select Committee on Pensions were also released in a final report Tuesday, some of which became law the same day.

“Reducing the long term unfunded liability of our pension systems is the single most significant accomplishment of this legislature,” Bingman said. “With this legislation we are committed to a sound fiscal future and leaving our state stronger for our kids and grandkids.”

"After months of secret negotiations, the Republicans who run state government are finally ready to show all Oklahomans where their priorities lie. They have chosen corporate special interest tax breaks that will result in drastic cuts to important areas like public schools, senior nutrition centers, and public safety.

With the signing of Senate Bill 324 Tuesday, boat owners will need to be cautious of how much they drink on the water. The new stricter law, which went into effect when signed, holds drivers of boats to the same standard as those on the road when it comes to drinking and driving.