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

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.