Saying he wants to give the Governor's $1.2 billion tax cut program thorough consideration, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate announced today that he would work to advance Governor Keating's initiatives to the next stage of the legislative process. The tax proposal will be considered in the Senate Finance Committee tomorrow.

Citing a new budget estimate that will certify an additional $19.9 million for appropriation in the coming fiscal year, a Senate leader is urging Governor Keating to drop his proposed pension raid and use the new funds to help balance the current executive budget. He also wants the Governor to take a "pension protection pledge."

Oklahoma City - State Senator Bill Gustafson (R-El Reno) is announcing his decision not to seek a third term as State Senator for District 22. Gustafson, the current Minority Leader in the Legislature's upper chamber, will complete eight years of service at the end of this year.

The Oklahoma Senate has taken final action on legislation that should result in lower health insurance rates and greater health care choices for state employees. SB 1089 was approved on a 33-15 vote.

Among other things, the legislation begins the process of pumping an additional $35.9 million into the reserves of the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) to help offset a recent premium increase for state employees. OSEEGIB voted to raise rates last year, citing a decline in reserve funds.

By vetoing legislation designed to offset a recent premium increase, Governor Keating has insured that state employees will be hit with a health insurance rate increase. SB 1089 would have begun the process of pumping an additional $35.9 million into the reserves of the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB), which recently voted to raise rates after a decline in reserve funds. The increase affects state employees, state retirees and teachers.

Governor Keating's desire to cut taxes even if it adversely impacts public education is out of step with both Republican and Democratic governors around the country and could damage Oklahoma's economic development efforts, according to a Senate leader.

Senator Cal Hobson pointed to a recent Washington Post article on this week's National Governor's Association meeting which detailed how the nation's state chief executives were resisting large tax cuts in an effort to devote more funds to education.

Two Tulsa legislators are asking the State Regents for Higher Education to delay a January 15th public hearing on the future of Rogers University, saying the Regents have yet to provide RU students and stakeholders with a specific proposal outlining their plans for Tulsa higher education.

OKLAHOMA CITY - An important and possibly the most divisive issue facing state lawmakers in the upcoming session of the Legislature is that of animal waste regulation.

State Senator Paul Muegge is at the forefront of this battle between corporate hog and chicken producers and those concerned about the environment. In his capacity as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Muegge has pledged to find a solution to Oklahoma's animal waste problems.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A proposed new student loan program could provide some answers for Oklahomans unable to afford a college education while at the same time foster job growth and economic development.

State Senator Gene Stipe (D-McAlester) has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session to provide tuition loans to state residents attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. Upon graduation and employment at specified companies, the borrower's state income tax would be credited against the borrower's loan obligation.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Saying it was time to pick up where her predecessor had left off, Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City and Representative Dwayne Steidly, D-Claremore today announced they had filed a bill to ban the sale of 3.2. beer between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

"Three years ago, after many hard fought battles, State Senator Helen Cole was finally able to pass the state's first limits on the overnight sales of 3.2. beer," said Senator Wilcoxson, R-OKC.