Following the Senate passage of House Bill 1953 on Tuesday, Sen. John Sparks said his successful amendment of the proposal marked a victory for transparency in state government. The bill establishes the Oklahoma Quick-Action Closing Fund, an economic development tool that would enable the Governor to use public funds to provide companies with a financial incentive to relocate to Oklahoma or expand existing facilities.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced plans to conduct an interim study for proposed bond issues. The senate leader opted for an interim study because various bond proposals were suggested this session and more information is needed about the bond packages before lawmakers consider the issues.

“We have a lot of capital needs in additional to existing bond obligations that need to be prioritized before we make decisions about additional bonding,” said Bingman.

The full Senate has given final approval to legislation to make the state more competitive when trying to attract major economic development projects. Sen. Mike Mazzei is principal Senate author of House Bill 1953.

“As we work to create jobs and grow Oklahoma’s economy, we need to make sure we take advantage of every tool available,” said Mazzei, R-Tulsa. “This program has generated 3,000 new jobs and $100 million in capital investment in Arkansas.”

On Tuesday, the Governor signed Senate Bill 239, by Sen. Josh Brecheen, which will add more transparency to the petition process when any tax increase is being proposed.
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With thirty years of legislative experience, first as a Senate staff person and then as a state legislator, Sen. Constance N. Johnson is looking forward to a new challenge. She was named by her peers last month as Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. Sen. Johnson assumed the chair position at the close of the 10th Biennial A.C. Hamlin Awards Banquet, their crowning event that is sponsored by the Black Caucus Foundation.

State Sen. Jim Reynolds has submitted his resignation from the State Legislature, effective July 1. Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, will begin his first term as Cleveland County Treasurer the first week of July after winning the post in the November 2010 election. Reynolds has represented the people of Cleveland and Oklahoma counties in Senate District 43 since 2000.

The Erin Swezey Act is on its way to Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk. Thursday both the House and Senate gave overwhelming support to Senate Bill 529, a measure named for a 20-year-old Oklahoma State University student from Edmond who was killed by a drunk driver in 2009.

Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is principal author of SB 529. He authored the bill at the request of Erin’s parents, Keith and Dixie Swezey, who sought the greater use of mandatory interlock devices as a way to keep more drunk drivers off the road and reduce fatalities.
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Today the Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 2140, authored by President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa and House Speaker Kris Steele. The measure will consolidate administrative processes and help to eliminate duplication of services.

The Oklahoma State Senate adjourned today capping off a year of legislative victories that will mark the most successful session for government reform and conservative goals in the history of the state. Leading an ambitious caucus that aggressively delivered on goals that have been on Republicans’ agenda for decades, President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, said he was proud of the accomplishments.

Gov. Mary Fallin has signed The Erin Swezey Act into law. Thursday, the governor approved Senate Bill 529 which is named for the 20-year-old Oklahoma State University student from Edmond who was killed in 2009 by a drunk driver with numerous DUI arrests and convictions.