When it comes to funding Oklahoma¹s higher education system this legislative session, the top priority should be Tulsa, even if it means tapping the rainy day fund, according to the chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Senator Penny Williams pointed out today that additional funding is needed for "unfinished business" in the state¹s second largest city, namely for the new graduate research center and the new OSU-Tulsa branch campus approved by the Governor and the Legislature last year.

Saying Governor Keating has apparently recognized the folly of his original budget proposal, a state lawmaker is applauding the chief executive's decision to scrap his plans to cut funding for rural firefighters. The Governor announced his budget reversal today.

The Senate Finance Committee has approved legislation which would slash car tag fees and excise taxes, delivering significant savings to Oklahoma motorists. SB 1 by Senator Lewis Long was approved on a 12-2 vote today.

"I think Oklahomans are paying too much for their car tags and deserve abreak. That¹s what I¹m trying to give them," said Senator Long.

Oklahoma City - Since 16-year old drivers are twice as likely to die in auto accidents, getting that laminated ticket to driving freedom may be a learning process rather than a one-day event for Oklahoma teenagers, according to Senators Keith Leftwich and Robert Milacek.

The two Senators, along with State Representatives Wallace Collins, Betty Boyd and Curt Roggow, have introduced a bill that would provide Oklahoma with a Graduated Driver Licensing program.

Saying Oklahomans deserve greater access to college degrees and better accountability in the public schools, members of the Senate Education Committee unveiled an improvement plan for Oklahoma's education system today. The proposed legislation would use a number of incentives to encourage better performance in public education.

State Senator Dave Herbert will be seeking a statewide vote on Right to Work when the Oklahoma Legislature convenes in February. The Midwest City Democrat is currently drafting legislation that would call a special election to decide the issue as an amendment to the state constitution.

"This issue has divided the state for far too long. It's time to end all of the fussing and the fighting, and let the people decide," said Senator Herbert.

The 2000 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in Tuesday morning at the State Capitol by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Hardy Summers.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor presided over the occasion.

Wanting to "lead by example," State Senator Grover Campbell announced today that he would file legislation proposing two reforms to the Oklahoma election laws.

Citing the lack of a vision coming from the Democrat leaders in the State Senate, the Senate Republican Leadership announced today their 2001 legislative agenda which includes significant education investment, broad based tax cuts, government reform, and the improvement of Oklahoma's business climate.

Warnings about the pitfalls of corporate control of farming that previously fell on uninterested ears may soon be taken seriously, according to one state Senator.

Senator Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, expects the controversy will gain momentum and have a snowball effect with the recent findings that farmers planted a variety of Aventis' StarLink bioengineered corn that was not approved for human consumption. More than 1,300 acres of StarLink seeds were planted in Oklahoma fields this year.