Governor Frank Keating and legislative leaders have appointed State Treasurer Robert Butkin to lead a special task force on the management of Oklahoma's tobacco settlement. The group will make recommendations on how the state should best administer its $2.3 billion settlement.

"Oklahoma has never faced a situation like this before and it's important to have a truly gifted public servant like Robert Butkin advising the executive and legislative branches on the best ways for Oklahoma to invest the tobacco settlement funds," said Governor Keating.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has approved a measure to fund special child abuse investigation teams across the state. House Bill 2007 would help duplicate the success Tulsa County has had with its multidisciplinary teams for identifying and stopping physical and sexual abuse of children. That's according to Senator Mike Morgan. Senator Morgan, D-Stillwater and Representative Mike Thornbrugh, R-Tulsa are co-authors of HB 2007.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, Senate President Pro Tempore

"We had reached an agreement with the minority leadership to take a vote on their amendment. Just as we were completing those negotiations and preparing to carry through with our agreement, the Lieutenant Governor jumped into the chair of the Senate and took over. If her action wasn't so disruptive to the government process, her behavior would really be comical. But as it stands, she's managed to bring the wheels of government to a screeching halt, all to prove a political point."

The Oklahoma State Senate returned to its normal routine on Thursday, reconvening to consider action on several pieces of legislation before adjourning for usual weekend break.

A majority of members convened as a "committee of the whole" with Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor presiding as required by Senate rules.

The Oklahoma State Senate will begin the process required for a formal vote on a right to work measure Tuesday morning, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor. Senators had originally planned to begin that process last Wednesday, but Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin derailed the scheduled action.

Senator Taylor, in discussion with the Senate Majority Leader, has scheduled the action for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, Senate President Pro Tempore

"Majority rule was exercised in the State Senate and the majority decided that it did not want to advance right to work. That's the way it works in a democratic process. I hope this puts to rest all the claims that the majority's will was somehow being thwarted in the State Senate."

Governor Frank Keating owes an apology to Senator Penny Williams and the family of the late Cheryl Selman, the longtime legislative liaison of the Tulsa Public Schools who died Tuesday morning of heart failure.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor said remarks made by the Governor during an interview on KRMG radio in Tulsa Wednesday morning were "cruel and heartless."

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Senate will vote on a bill Monday that would slash the cost of tags for Oklahoma vehicles. That's according to Senator Jim Maddox, Senate author of HB 2663.

"I've requested a floor vote for this Monday, April 17th on HB 2663. We've been getting great feedback from Oklahomans about this bill. They're anxious for the Governor to sign it into law so they can begin enjoying much cheaper tags," said Senator Maddox.

Legislation approved by the State Senate Monday would slash the annual tag fees paid by Oklahoma motorists, charging them a flat fee of $15, $45 or $85 depending on the age of their vehicle. If approved by the full Legislature and the Governor, the measure will also give Oklahoma some of the lowest tag and excise fees in the region --lower than Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

HB 2663 by Senator Jim Maddox passed the State Senate on a 37-11 vote. It now goes to conference committee where final details will be ironed out.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, Senate President Pro Tempore