The Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations has given approval to Senate Bill 1230, a measure Senate author Mike Mazzei said would result in meaningful income tax reductions that would stimulate the economy while truly protecting core services such as education, public safety, health care and transportation. The plan would reduce the top income tax rate to 5 percent in 2013 and 4.75 percent in 2014.

The Senate today approved a resolution commemorating the Centennial of Jim Thorpe’s gold-medal winning performances in the 1912 Olympic Games. Authored by Sen. David Holt, Senate Resolution 61 also celebrates Oklahoma’s rich Olympic tradition and the growing Olympic movement in Oklahoma.

Sen. Jim Wilson today said he has filed Senate Resolution 65, affirming support for the constitutional definition of the flash test for kerosene, as a result of the precedent set by yesterday’s passage of Senate Resolution 62. The resolution reaffirmed support of traditional marriage.

“According to its author, Sen. Clark Jolley, Senate Resolution 62 merely says “we have not changed our minds” about language in the Oklahoma Constitution,” said Wilson, D-Tahlequah. “In other words, we REALLY mean it.”

The full Senate has reaffirmed support of traditional marriage with the passage of Senate Resolution 62 by Sen. Clark Jolley on Monday. Jolley said the resolution, which was approved 40 to 4, was in reaction to President Obama’s recent announcement supporting same sex marriage.

“I believe traditional one man, one woman marriage is still the bedrock of our society. While the president’s stated views may have changed, I do not believe it reflects the values of this state,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “That’s why I authored this resolution.”

The state Senate today approved legislation that would allow veterans to have a special emblem on their Oklahoma driver’s licenses.
Authored by Sen. Roger Ballenger and Rep. Jerry Shoemake, Senate Bill 138 would authorize the Department of Public Safety to create driver’s licenses with the word ‘Veteran’ appearing on a flag in one corner.

Senator Patrick Anderson responded today to accusations that he has undertaken a “petty political attack” against the State Medical Examiner’s office. Senator Clark Jolley was quoted in the Monday, May 14, 2012 Daily Oklahoman stating that the project was “under a petty political attack” and that “there are people who are trying to politicize the question on whether or not we should construct the Medical Examiner's office.”

Legislation that would create the Oklahoma Blue Heart Medal of Honor was approved today by the full Senate. The honor would be awarded to members of the military who voluntarily perform a deed of bravery or self-sacrifice during combat occurring after Sept. 11, 2001, resulting in their death.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of Senate Bill 1814, said the proposal was a gesture of appreciation for our soldiers.

The full Senate this week advanced two measures to strengthen the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans. The proposals now await the Governor’s signature.

The Senate dedicated a painting Tuesday of the famous U.S.S Oklahoma Navy battle ship. The painting was both created and sponsored by Oklahoma artist Greg Burns in cooperation with the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor Executive Committee. Committee co-chairs retired Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, USN, and retired Commander Tucker McHugh, USN attended the event with U.S.S. Oklahoma surviving crewmember Ed Vezey.

Students from Norman Public Schools Advanced Robotics were recently given some time in the spotlight during a visit to the Oklahoma State Senate. Sen. John Sparks recognized the group for winning its sixth state and regional Botball championship in 2012, for being ranked third in the world in 2011 and 2012, and for competing for its third world title in July 2012.