Four Senators who are drafting distribution plans for Oklahoma's share of the national tobacco settlement are adding another area to their list: child abuse.

Just two weeks ago, Senators Angela Monson, Ben Brown, Ben Robinson and Bernest Cain unveiled a proposal which would deposit half of the state's tobacco settlement in an interest-earning trust fund and distribute the other half to programs ranging from before and after school programs to expanded health care opportunities for the elderly, the disabled and the uninsured.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore

Senator Taylor Comments on Keating Temper Tantrum

On Keating's Complaint about the "Do Nothing" Approach to his agenda:

OKLAHOMA CITY - Victims of last week's deadly storms won't have to worry about being victimized again by those trying to take advantage of their situation. That's according to Senator Ted Fisher and Representative Mike Tyler.

The two Sapulpa lawmakers have authored the "Emergency Price Stabilization Act." SB 69 has cleared both the Senate and House, and is awaiting Governor Frank Keating's signature.

Governor Keating's failure to address the current funding needs of Oklahoma public schools will only exacerbate an ongoing budget crisis in common education, according to the leader of the Oklahoma Senate.

"We have schools that are cramming kids into overcrowded classrooms and onto rickety, old schools buses because they can barely make ends meet under their current budget. Instead of trying to address the needs we have, Governor Keating is pushing unfunded mandates like his 4x4 program that will only make the situation worse," said Senate President Pro Tem Stratton Taylor.

Saying his "sell out" strategy may not be in the best interest of the state, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate is questioning Governor Keating's plan to cash in the state's tobacco settlement share immediately for a discounted amount.

Under the national settlement, Oklahoma stands to receive $2.4 billion in tobacco funds over the next 25 years, but the Governor has proposed "selling" the state's share to New York bond dealers for an immediate pay off. Estimates indicate such a pay off would net Oklahoma only $1 billion.

OKLAHOMA CITY - With some 250 bills in conference committee still awaiting final action, and another 171 in various GCCA subcommittees, Republican lawmakers complain legislators simply will not have enough time to give careful consideration to each piece of legislation.

"When you take into account the number of bills remaining, and the fact that we only have two weeks left, we'll only have a few minutes to deliberate each of these measures. We know for a fact from past experience that this isn't the best way to run state government," complained Senator Carol Martin.

Senator Lewis Long has authored a bill to help with the cost of replacing vehicles destroyed by the May 3rd tornadoes. Senate Bill 1 would give prorated credits on both the cost of tags and the excise tax for replacement vehicles. Early projections indicate 30 to 40 thousand vehicles may have been destroyed in the May 3rd tornadoes.

Annual license plate fees may soon be measured in dozens rather than hundreds of dollars, allowing Oklahomans to enjoy some of the cheapest car tags in the country. Already approved by the House, HB 1734 will be heard by the Senate Monday.

Against the recommendation of the state Water Resources Board staff last week, the agency's nine-member governing board approved Seaboard's application to draw underground water, and now State Senator Paul Muegge is questioning why the permit was approved in the first place.

Oklahoma is ready to shoot for the stars. That's after the Governor signed Senate Bill 720 into law, clearing the way for development of the state's first spaceport. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor and House Speaker Loyd Benson were principal authors of the legislation. Senator Gilmer Capps and Representative Jack Bonny co-authored SB 720.