Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement after Tuesday’s passage of SCR 33, a measure calling on Congress and the President to begin work on a balanced budget amendment and to reduce spending:
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March 27, 2012 was officially recognized as Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage co-authored Senate Resolution 45 honoring the tribe, which is the second largest federally recognized tribe in the nation, and the largest in the State of Oklahoma.
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Sen. Constance N. Johnson says Wednesday’s ruling by Oklahoma County District Judge Bryan Dixon is a victory for women’s rights. The judge ruled that a 2010 law requiring women to have ultrasounds before having abortions is unconstitutional.
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Sen. Sean Burrage, Democratic Leader of the State Senate, issued the following statement after the governor and legislative leaders unveiled planned reforms for DHS.

“The plan to hire 200 new child welfare workers, recruit more foster parents and phase out shelters is extremely encouraging. I’m hopeful these initiatives will mark a real turning point in how Oklahoma deals with at-risk children and families.

When legislators return to the State Capitol next week to convene the 2012 session, lawmakers will be taking another look at a $25 million bond issue they originally authorized in 2009. That’s after the Council of Bond Oversight voted last week to require that a Concurrent Resolution be passed in order to have the original bonds issued.

Sen. Patrick Anderson applauded the Council’s decision, considering the significant changes in the proposal since it was first approved three years ago.
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"My thoughts are with our families in the Tulsa area that are feeling the impact of American's restructuring. I know Oklahomans will rally around our neighbors during this tough time, just like we always do.

“Yet, with adversity always comes opportunity. We've been told this restructuring will help American keep thousands of jobs in Tulsa that otherwise would have been lost. For that we should be thankful.

Senate Education Chairman John Ford is working to restore a $5,000 stipend to Oklahoma teachers whove completed National Board Certification. Ford said ensuring those educators get what was promised is a top priority in the 2012 session.

I believe a promise made is a promise kept, said Ford. These are dedicated educators who have gone above and beyond what is required. In return, they were promised a $5,000 a year bonus for the duration of their National Board Certification. We need to honor that promise.

The Senate Republican Caucus on Tuesday released their agenda for the 2012 session. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said this agenda continues the priorities outlined in the 2011 session, which focused on jobs, streamlining government, and protecting core services.
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When the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Education meets Wednesday, members are expected to review a package of bond proposals the Regents of Higher Education will issue this year. Sen. Patrick Anderson is voicing his opposition to the package because it includes a $42 million request from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) to construct a 45,000 square foot building for the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
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The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would help public housing authorities recoup financial losses caused by irresponsible tenants. Senate Bill 1019, by Sen. Earl Garrison, would allow housing authorities to garnish former tenants’ personal income tax refunds for any monies owed for rent or property damage.
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