School is back in session and children across the state will get a civics lesson first hand from their elected officials. Senators across the state will once again be traveling to schools in their districts to personally meet with students, answer questions and share ideas from the students in the public school system. The Senators will also provide the students with a greater understanding of the legislative process through explaining how a bill is drafted and the steps a bill goes through to become law.

The Governor has signed legislation naming the Mexican free-tailed bat as the official state flying mammal of Oklahoma.

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Glenn Coffee and Senate Republicans meet with the press corps followingTuesdays historic election in which the State Senate Republicans gained the majority in the State Senate for the first time in history.

Artist Wayne Cooper explains his painting Wednesday on the Senate floor alongside his wife, Clara, as well as Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund president and former senator Charles Ford and sponsors Senator Owen and Charlette Laughlin.

Graph comparing the five appropriations bills approved in the Senate on Wednesday with Gov. Henry’s proposed budgets for those same agencies presented this session.

"Apple and I are saddened to learn today of the death of our friend, Steffanie Collings, who fought to survive brain cancer for the last five years of her life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steffanie's parents, Monty and Tracy. The courage and compassion of the entire Collings family inspired us to seek help for them wherever it might be found. Steffanie in particular was one of the bravest people I've ever met. read more.

For the fourth year, Sen. Constance N. Johnson is teaming up with the Office Depot Foundation to provide sackpacks and school supplies to a local elementary school. This year’s recipient will be Dove Science Academy Elementary School. The sackpacks will be provided as part of the Foundation’s 2013 National Backpack Program in partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). The presentation will be made on Friday, September 13 from 1:30-2:30pm at Dove Academy located at 4901 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, has filed legislation to increase Oklahoman’s minimum wage requirement.

Senate Bill 1165 would require employers to pay their employees a minimum wage of $10.50 per hour, or match the federal minimum wage rate, whichever is greater. Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, which is equal to the federal minimum wage.