Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman (R-Sapulpa) today expressed concern over what he called a pattern of obstruction by the State Board of Education in recent months. Bingman’s comments came after the State Board of Education today blocked the hiring of key personnel at the Department of Education by new State Superintendent Janet Barresi.

With consumers struggling to pay ever increasing insurance rates, Sen. Earl Garrison wants insurance companies to be accountable to citizens and justify any rate increases. Senate Bill 354 would ensure that premium rate information relating to the individual accident and health insurance market be readily available to the public
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State Senators John Ford and Clark Jolley are calling for a member of the State School Board to resign from that post.

Jolley, a member of the Senate Education Committee said he was appalled by reports that former State Senator and current board member Herb Rozell had referred to State Superintendent Janet Barresi's legislative liaison as "useless" because she was pregnant and her baby is expected to be born during the legislative session.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman for standing committees and Chair and Vice Chairs of all Appropriations Subcommittees today.

“I am proud to work with an outstanding group of leaders dedicated to advancing a pro-jobs, pro-growth legislative agenda,” said Bingman. “This team of chairs and vice chairs will steer important legislative committees focused on solutions to the challenges facing our state.”

The State Senate’s committee Chairs and Vice Chairs for the coming session:

“Secretary Coffee is a dear friend and a leader of immense talent. Though I am saddened by the news of his departure as Secretary of State, I know Glenn will continue to serve Oklahomans for many years to come—for that I am thankful. His contributions to building a common-sense, conservative majority cannot be measured. He is, and always will be, a public servant. The state of Oklahoma, without a doubt, is better off because of Glenn’s public service. I wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced committee assignments for Republican members on Monday. Committee chairs and vice chairs were announced last Thursday.

“There is a tremendous depth and breadth of experience and talent to draw from in the Republican Caucus,” Bingman said. “We’ve worked to structure committee memberships that will enable us to build on an agenda dedicated to job creation and economic growth benefiting our state now and in the future.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus announced their leadership team for the 54th Legislature Monday. Senator Sean Burrage will once again serve as Democratic Leader.
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State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma’s improved ranking by the United Health Foundation. (Ranked 46th in the nation last year, the report issued Tuesday ranks Oklahoma at 43rd).

“Just three years ago, Oklahoma was ranked 49th by the United Health Foundation in their national report. The fact that in those three years we’ve been able to move to 43rd is proof of our dedication to addressing critical public health concerns. I particularly want to point out the hard work of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Sen. Harry Coates will be continuing his fight for immigration reform in Oklahoma this coming session. On Thursday, he filed Senate Bill 22 to create the Guest Worker Permit Program Act. He filed the bill last year and although it did not receive a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, he hopes the measure will be given fair consideration this year.
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Students who are unable to meet certain requirements under the Achieving Classroom Excellence Act (ACE) would still be able to graduate under legislation filed recently by Sen. Earl Garrison. Senate Bill 11 would allow a composite score of 18 or higher (equivalent to the 34th percentile or higher) on the ACT exam to count as satisfactorily completing all of the ACE end-of-instruction testing requirements.
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