Statement by Senator Angela Monson,
Chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee

"I think it's offensive for the Governor or anyone else to imply that the Senate leadership is racist when the exact opposite is true. Senator Taylor has appointed two African-American women to leadership positions and has consistently supported issues that are important to minority
communities. His track record on racial issues is impeccable, which is a lot more than I can say for Governor Keating."

Consumer protections, an enhanced competitive environment and school funding safeguards highlight the final version of an electric deregulation bill approved by the State Senate Tuesday. SB 220 by Senator Kevin Easley passed on a 30-18 vote.

The measure would deregulate the electric industry in Oklahoma, encouraging competition among providers in an effort to reduce rates for state consumers.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore

"You know the end of session is near when Governor Keating throws his annual temper tantrum about all of the great ideas of his that haven't been enacted into law yet. What the Governor forgets is the Legislature wasn't elected to rubber stamp every single idea that happens to pop into his head. As Oklahomans have learned from experience, no Governor is always right, especially this one."

Checks should soon be going out to injured workers and Oklahoma businesses under legislation approved by the House and Senate late Wednesday.

SB 1414 by Senator Brad Henry and Representative Mike Ervin will pay off injured workers who are owed money by the former Special Indemnity Fund, in addition to awarding a $30 million premium rebate to customers of the State Insurance Fund and providing for similar rebates in the future.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"This is an important step in the right direction. It sends the signal that the state of Oklahoma will accept nothing less than the best possible treatment for our elderly. Families shouldn't have to worry about the quality of care their loved ones receive, no matter what nursing home is involved."

Oklahoma would ultimately deposit 75 percent of its annual tobacco payments into a special trust fund administered by two panels of private citizens, under a bill given final approval by the State Senate Friday.

HB 2022 by Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor would ask voters to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to establish the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund and guidelines for its administration.

Oklahoma voters will get to decide in August whether they would like to slash the cost of annual car tags. State lawmakers voted Friday to place the question directly on a state ballot, bypassing Governor Keating, who had vetoed two previous car tag reform efforts.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore

Car tags - After Governor Keating vetoed car tag reform for the second year in a row, lawmakers voted to bypass the state chief executive and put the question directly on a statewide ballot in August. The measure would junk Oklahoma's current tag system, replacing it with a system of flat annual fees ranging from $85 to $15 depending on the age of a vehicle. It would also reform the excise tax, assessing it on the actual sales price rather than the inflated sticker price as current law allows. The measure would result in a $22 million tax cut. read more.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore