“There seems to be an irrational political pressure to further erode Oklahoma’s tax base when we have no way to even begin to address all of the needs and obligations we’re currently facing. Reality doesn’t seem to figure into this discussion at all.”—Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore

“We don’t have enough money to pay the bills as it is, and unless natural gas prices start improving, we could find ourselves facing another revenue shortfall in the months ahead. It is beyond irresponsible to still be discussing further cuts in taxes at this point in time.”—Sen. Tom Ivester, D-Sayre

A measure to better protect youth from human trafficking was signed into law earlier this week. House Bill 2518, by Rep. Sally Kern and Sen. Josh Brecheen, strengthens Oklahoma’s human trafficking laws in the hopes of deterring the industry in the state.

State Sen. John Ford said he is gratified that Oklahoma is continuing to pursue ways to further ensure the integrity of the state’s election process. Ford, who represents Washington, Nowata and northern Rogers counties, was the author of a state question requiring voters to provide identification when casting their ballots. The proposed law was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2010.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today released the following statement on the passage of House Bill 2155, the Oklahoma Option.

“Oklahoma does not have enough revenues to even begin to meet critical needs in education, health, public safety, transportation and other services our citizens depend upon. House Bill 3038 will further erode those resources. We’re 48th in the nation in the health of our citizens. If this becomes law, we’ll soon be 50th. We’re close to last when it comes to teacher pay and per pupil spending. We’ll soon be dead last in those categories, too. Supporters claim we’re going to see businesses and people flock to Oklahoma if we end the income tax.

Legislation to target meth manufacturers without limiting consumer access to medicines has been approved by the Senate. House Bill 2941, authored by Rep. David Derby and Sen. Rick Brinkley, was approved Tuesday by a vote of 46-1.

Brinkley said the proposal is a way to fight meth addiction in Oklahoma without burdening law-abiding citizens by forcing them to get a prescription for safe, effective cold and allergy relief like Claritin or Advil Cold and Sinus.

On Monday, the Senate added two more paintings to its diverse collection of artwork depicting famous Oklahomans and special events in the state’s history. The newest additions depict two of Oklahoma’s most famous Wild West Show personalities, Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie and Lucille Mulhall.

The portraits, by Tulsa artist Tracey Harris, were sponsored by Bob Funk and commissioned by the State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

Two Tulsa lawmakers said they were disappointed by the governor’s veto of House Bill 2296 on Friday. Sen. Brian Crain and Rep. Eric Proctor co-authored the bipartisan measure, which would have given liability protection to mobile home park operators who allowed residents to take shelter in their office during severe weather

A measure to help eradicate feral hogs, one of Oklahoma's greatest agricultural nuisances, has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1751, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen and Rep. Don Armes, would authorize citizens to use an electronic tracking device while employing the services of a "Judas pig" to help locate and capture or kill entire herds of feral swine.