The Oklahoma Senate Democratic caucus issued a statement today through their leader, Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, commenting on the Governor’s call for a special session of the Oklahoma Legislature:

“The Senate Democrats have been clear all along: we need to approach a special session thoughtfully with real plans for recurring revenue.

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OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, issued the following statement regarding the Governor's official call for a special legislative session:
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With a special session less than two weeks away, Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz called on lawmakers to put partisan politics aside and come together on a plan to fill the $215 million budget hole created by court rulings this summer.

“The special session is rapidly approaching and all we’ve seen so far is political games from both sides of the aisle. I understand why the public would think it’s ‘déjà vu all over again’ and worry that the special session will be a repeat of the end of regular session," said Schulz, R-Altus.
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The Oklahoma State Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement today through their leader, Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, commenting on the charges filed against Sen. Bryce Marlatt.

“We have seen the probable cause affidavit that led the Oklahoma County District Attorney to file felony sexual battery charges against Senator Bryce Marlatt. These are serious charges which demand his prompt attention.

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and House Speaker Charles McCall today reached an agreement adjusting the 2018 fiscal year budget that, among other things, helps fill the $215 million budget hole and puts Oklahoma on a more stable budget path, as well as provides a needed teacher pay raise.

If passed by the Legislature, the agreement would:
Place a $1.50 tax on a package of cigarettes.
Provide for a 6-cent fuel tax increase.
Revise taxes on alcoholic beverages.
Restore the Earned Income Tax credit.

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Although the state Capitol will be closed beginning Friday evening, October 13 through Sunday, October 22, citizens will still be able to contact members and staff for assistance via phone. The closure is necessary for crews to replace the building’s electrical system, part of which includes original wiring installed over 100 years ago. This marks another key step in the multi-year interior and exterior repair and restoration project currently underway at the Capitol.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz said a new commission that will conduct performance audits of state agencies will offer lawmakers independent data to improve the management and fiscal affairs and operations of the biggest state agencies.

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Paul Rosino is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 45. The Oklahoma City Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

I am extremely grateful to the citizens of District 45 for entrusting me to be their voice in the Senate, Rosino said. Im looking forward to promoting legislation to help create more jobs for our district and our state, help our veterans, expand our economy and properly fund education, public safety, and other core services.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, released the following comment on the governor's veto of the revised FY'18 budget:

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Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz commented on the Senate’s passage of HB 1019, the revised general appropriations bill that closes the FY’18 budget shortfall:

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