OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Jeff Rabon has asked Governor Frank Keating to amend his special session call. The Hugo Democrat said the State Senate had approved legislation to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue up to $10 million in bonds to replace out-dated, unusable forestry equipment, however the House adjourned sine die before taking up the measure.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I haven't had time to read the report thoroughly so I can't comment on the specifics. I am anxious to review the recommendations and all the supporting information. In the weeks and months to come, I will be discussing the report with fellow legislators, Governor Keating and
Oklahoma citizens to help determine the best course of action for our state."

OKLAHOMA CITY - The soon to be constructed Native American Cultural Center and Museum got a big financial boost on Wednesday. That's after Phillips Petroleum presented officials with a check for $100,000. Senator Kelly Haney, who has been working since 1994 to make the center a reality, said this donation would be used for matching funds.

"This is really seed money to help us attract even more donations. We have the location for the museum, we've finalized the design concept, and now it is time to begin our fundraising for this world-class facility," said Senator Kelly Haney.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders and Governor Frank Keating announced today that they plan to continue discussions on the reform of Oklahoma's tax code, but the state leaders made it clear that they would not be pursuing a proposal that involved a property tax increase.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Although most doctors recommend yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40, Medicaid and many private insurance companies in Oklahoma don't offer it until age 50. But that will soon be changing thanks to the passage and final approval of Senate Bill 711, authored by Senator Larry Dickerson, D-Poteau and Representative Jari Askins, D-Duncan.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahomans will soon be using an identification number other than their social security number for their driver's license. That's after the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraudulent use of social security numbers. Senator Carol Martin became concerned after increased reports of identify theft began surfacing both in her district and around the state.

Some Oklahoma classroom budgets may be a little smaller in the coming school year thanks to an action taken by Governor Keating this month. The governor ensured that more money would be drained out of public school classrooms when he vetoed SB 496 - legislation that would have required schools to pay state-imposed fines for paperwork violations out of their administrative budgets.

Senator Jeff Rabon, author of SB 496, said that Governor Keating's veto is more likely to punish school children than it is the people who made the paperwork error.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure to repeal the state's mandatory vehicle inspections has been signed into law. House Bill 1081 authors Representative Richard Phillips and Senator Glenn Coffee say it will result in a $12 million savings, as well as eliminating an outdated mandate.

"I'm very happy that we've been able to repeal this outdated requirement. There are too many hassles and expenses to deal with day to day as it is. I'm sure the majority of Oklahomans will be thrilled that we've done away with this one," said Sen. Coffee, R- Oklahoma City.

State Senator Cal Hobson confirmed Tuesday that he has secured unanimous support from fellow Democrats to win election as the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate. The Lexington Democrat said that every member of the Democratic caucus has provided him with an official pledge card, promising to support his election to the top Senate post. Hobson will replace Senator Stratton Taylor after his current term expires in two years. Taylor is not seeking another term as Senate President Pro Tempore, but is running for re-election to the State Senate in 2002.

The State Senate has approved legislation that would increase health benefits for all state employees, in addition to raising the pay of such high-turnover positions as state correctional officers and state nurses.

SB 702 would authorize the appropriation of approximately $36 million for a state employee pay package. Among other things, the measure would provide a $4,000 pay hike to state prison guards and a $2,100 salary increase to nurses at state veterans centers and other facilities.