Oklahoma's only passenger rail service will soon be faster and better, according to a state legislator who has worked hard to expand Amtrak's presence in the state.

State Senator Dave Herbert said the Heartland Flyer will be able to increase its speed and add a lounge-dinette car, thanks to actions taken by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Kelly Haney wants to know if Oklahoma is doing everything possible to maximize its international trade potential. The Senate Leader is in the midst on an economic development and cultural exchange program that will take him through parts of Europe and Asia.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Recognized for his "outstanding dedication to Oklahoma's children," Senator Mike Morgan was honored today at a ceremony in downtown Oklahoma City for his legislation aimed at fighting child abuse.

The award was presented by the Oklahoma Professional Society on the Abuse of Children in connection with the 8th Oklahoma Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect and Healthy Families Oklahoma 2000 Conference.

Even though he was the chief architect of the plan to close Eastern State Hospital in Vinita, Health and Human Services Secretary Jerry Regier is trying to dodge responsibility for recent problems associated with the shutdown. That according to a state lawmaker who has repeatedly cautioned Regier about moving too quickly to close the mental health facility.

OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to the increasing fire danger across Oklahoma, a joint interim study meeting on fire danger and hay supply is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27th at 10:00 AM, according to Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta and Representative M.C. Leist, D-Morris.

The interim study will focus on problems the recent dry weather has created and will address the wildfires, crop damage and the number of homes burned in recent weeks.

Health and Human Services Secretary Jerry Regier will appear before a special legislative committee on Monday to discuss ongoing efforts to close Eastern State Hospital in Vinita.

Regier is scheduled to testify at a meeting of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Eastern State Hospital Transition on Monday, October 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. The committee will also hear from a citizens' advisory panel that has raised concerns about the Eastern State shutdown.

The Education Reform Act of 1990, a decade of school budget increases and hardworking Oklahoma teachers deserve the credit for rising ACT scores, according to two Senate education leaders.

Oklahoma's average ACT score increased to 20.8 this year, up from 20.6, according to new data released by the American College Test Thursday. Oklahoma's score was also the highest of a 14-state region that included Texas, Florida and Virginia.

Oklahoma business should be in line for another reduction in workers compensation rates when state regulators conduct their annual rate review next month, according to a state legislator who authored workers comp reform legislation this year.

Senator Brad Henry noted that the latest workers comp statistics indicate that costs are continuing to decline in Oklahoma, a fact also acknowledged by insurance industry representatives.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Hoping to further advance the message of the plight of the family farmer in America, the Organization For Competitive Markets is set to meet in Kansas City next week, according to Senator Paul Muegge, D- Tonkawa.

The OCM is the product of a grass roots effort to assemble those who are dedicated to the independent production of agriculture, including farmers, ranchers, attorneys, legislators and others who are connected to the farming industry.

OKLAHOMA CITY -State Senator Angela Monson has been unanimously elected to serve as the next vice-president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Monson was
chosen for the post during this week's meeting of the NCSL in Chicago.

Senator Monson's election marks the first time a black woman will serve as NCSL vice-president, and the first time an Oklahoma legislator has been tapped for the post. It also means that Senator Monson will automatically become President of NCSL in two years.