The State Senate has taken action to address a variety of emergency needs in Oklahoma, passing a general appropriations bill Tuesday that contains funding for heating assistance for the elderly, nursing home inspections, public education and health care, among other things.

Republican lawmakers blocked the emergency funding last week, but the latest action ensures that the money will be appropriated if and when Governor Keating signs the legislation.

A consultant to Governor Keating's state marriage initiative is billing the taxpayers for reading books, watching videos and performing other questionable tasks, according to the invoices she has submitted to the Department of Human Services.

Senator Kevin Easley, a state lawmaker who has criticized the contract and called for its suspension, said the bills submitted by Mary Myrick's firm are outrageous.

"It's crazy to make taxpayers pay someone to sit down on the couch and read a book or watch a video. I'm surprised they didn't bill us for popcorn," said Sen. Easley.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at protecting students from inappropriate relationships with teachers or other school employees is awaiting House consideration after being approved by the full Senate.

Senate Bill 716, written by Senator Jonathan Nichols would raise the age of consent specifically for situations dealing with students and their teachers or other school personnel.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"Unfortunately, what Governor Keating has done today will do nothing to stop program cuts at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Simply advancing next month's appropriation does not give the OHCA the legal authority to overspend its budget. The OHCA has confirmed that fact. It will still have to make cuts and those children and vulnerable Oklahomans that Governor Keating says he wants to defend will still suffer.

Legislative Republicans should end their hypocrisy and support a supplemental appropriations bill that would deliver emergency funding to heating assistance, nursing home inspectors, health care for the elderly and a variety of other pressing needs, according to the leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Senate today voted in favor of a $714,190 supplemental appropriation for the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, but without enough support for an emergency clause. That clause was necessary to make the legislation effective immediately upon the Governor's signature. Otherwise, those schools would have to wait 90 days after adjournment before receiving the appropriation.

Instead of helping the state meet a number of emergency funding needs, Republican members of the State Senate have opted for the "politics of gridlock" by blocking efforts to beef up heating assistance for the elderly and make nursing homes safer through increased inspections.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The full Senate has approved a measure to help put an end to unwanted sales calls. Senate author Keith Leftwich said he's pleased the legislation has cleared another hurdle.

"The response we've gotten since we first announced this measure has been overwhelming," explained Senator Leftwich. "People are tired of coming home from work only to have their meal and family time interrupted by phone sales calls."

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., has dedicated four more original works of art for display at the State Capitol. Senator Charles Ford, President of the organization explains the four bronze roundels were originally planned decades ago.

"This was something that Solomon Layton, the architect who designed our state capitol had envisioned; four bronze roundels depicting the state's native people placed on each side of the main entrances to the House and Senate Chambers," explained Senator Ford.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. has completed yet another project at the State Capitol. At noon on Monday, March 12, a ceremony will be held for the dedication of four bronze roundels that will mark the entrances to the House and Senate chambers.