The first bill filed for consideration in the 1999 legislative session will slash car tag fees and excise taxes, delivering significant savings to Oklahoma motorists, according to the measure's author, Senator Lewis Long.

"Oklahomans deserve a break on their car tags and that's what I plan to give them. There's no question that they're paying too much now, but if I get my way, the state will put a lot of money back in their pockets," said Senator Long.

Senate Bill 1 is already drafted and will be formally introduced when the filing period opens Monday morning.

County officials who handed themselves a major pay hike recently may have to give the money back if State Senator Kevin Easley gets his way. The Wagoner County legislator is preparing legislation which would rescind the pay raise authority granted to county officials this year, in addition to rolling back any salary increases.

The 1999 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in this morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, who also took the oath for another four-year term, presided over the occasion.

Citing falling oil prices and their adverse impact on the Oklahoma economy, Governor Frank Keating and legislative leaders have appointed a special task force to explore alternatives for saving jobs in the beleaguered energy industry.

Unwrapping the mysteries of the human brain and the implications of its early development will be the discussion topics when four experts from across the country speak in Tulsa next week at a special conference. "Making the Connection: Brain Development Research and Policy Implications" will be held on Wednesday, October 14th at the Rogers University campus there.

Who's the best state legislator in the country?

State Senator Paul Muegge of Oklahoma, according to a respected, national trade publication which covers federal, state and municipal governments across the country.

Senator Muegge has been tabbed "Public Official of the Year" by Governing magazine, making him the first Oklahoman ever to win the honor.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Visitors at the State Capitol can get a glimpse of a newly discovered Oklahoma dinosaur; the "Recycleosaurus."

"So far we only know of one Recycleosaurus, but we're hoping several more will soon be discovered by Oklahoma school children," said Senator Cal Hobson.

Recycleosaurus was discovered when some volunteers got together one evening after work and used some discarded packing styrofoam, wood and glue to show how a recycling project can tie in science and art.

Oklahoma's bid to bring passenger rail service back to the state is getting a shot in the arm from two neighbors. Both Kansas and Texas are taking the first steps to forming an alliance with Oklahoma, thus strengthening the region's chance of landing a new Amtrak line.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Frank Keating has vetoed a measure that would have perfected the state's position to restore high speed passenger rail service to Oklahoma.

In vetoing Senate Bill 848, Governor Keating is robbing the people of Oklahoma of a means of transportation enjoyed by 48 other states. Senator Dave Herbert, who has led the passenger rail movement in Oklahoma for the past four years, is expressing disappointment in what he calls "the Governor's lack of vision for Oklahoma."

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Howard Hendrick (R-Bethany) is stepping down from his post as State Senator from District 52. Hendrick has been selected to take over the reins of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

"My appointment as Director of the Department of Human Services presents a tremendous challenge both personally and professionally," said Senator Hendrick. "During my years in the Senate, I have taken particular interest in this agency and I count it an honor to have been selected to lead DHS into the next century."