Sen. Bill Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Retirement and Insurance, on Monday called upon Gov. Fallin to stand with other governors who have announced their refusal to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) following the Supreme Courts recent ruling.

Calling the decision a blow to individual liberty and free markets, Brown said the state must refuse the expansion of Medicaid and federally-run market exchanges. Brown referenced Medicare as an example of the governments tendency to underestimate the cost of its far-reaching programs.

Sen. Bryce Marlatt, Chair of the State Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation, said the 2012 federal highway bill will help Oklahoma in its continued efforts to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure. The measure was signed into law on Friday and ensures Oklahoma will receive its current funding level of approximately $612 million a year through 2014.

State Sen. Patrick Anderson urged Oklahoma’s chief executive to join her fellow Republican governors across the country and state for the record that she will not implement ObamaCare. Anderson, a Republican from Enid, said Gov. Mary Fallin needs to be on the front line with those governors who have already announced they won’t submit to the federal health care law.

“There has been some misunderstanding about the purpose behind the Social Justice Advocacy Forums taking place in Stillwater. Rev. Jesse Jackson and those of us who attended Thursday prayed for Darrell Williams, who we believe was wrongly accused and convicted, and for the other victims - the women who wrongfully accused him, his family members and those who may be harmed because the actual perpetrator is still running free.

Long-time immigration advocate state Senator Harry Coates praised the GOP this week for endorsing a national Guest Worker Program in the Republican National Platform. The Seminole Republican has been encouraging his state colleagues for years to recognize the importance to Oklahoma businesses of allowing illegal immigrants to work in the state.

Oklahomans interested in following the work of Senate interim studies underway this fall now have easier access to materials provided during hearings. Lists of speakers, power-point presentations and other materials can be found on the State Senate website. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said placing these additional materials on the Internet makes it easier for more citizens to follow interim studies.

Sen. Patrick Anderson has filed a court action seeking a judicial determination that the issuance of $25 million of state bonds is unconstitutional.

Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Chair, State Senator Constance N. Johnson (D - Oklahoma County) and member, Representative-Elect Kevin L. Matthews (D-Tulsa), issued a statement today welcoming Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow Push Coalition to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Sen. Tom Ivester said he will work with officials at Oklahomas Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to author legislation aimed at regulating questionable practices of a drug treatment program with close ties to the Church of Scientology.

Of the more than 93,000 acres destroyed in Oklahoma wildfires, nearly 60,000 acres were in Creek County. According to the Department of Agriculture Forestry Services it is one of the largest fires in the history of the state. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman represents Creek County in the State Senate, while Rep. Skye McNiel represents the area in the House.