Stephanie Bice is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 22.  The Oklahoma City Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Association for Justice (OAJ) honored newly-elected State Senator Kay Floyd as their Awards Gala recently with the 2014 Legislator of the Year Award.  The Oklahoma City democrat said she was honored to receive the recognition.
            “I’m humbled to have received this award,” said Floyd.  “I
            Legislator of the Year is awarded to a member of the Oklahoma Legislature who stands strong for the rights of Oklahoma individuals and shows commitment to the preservation of the civil justice system.

Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, issued the following statement after state Superintendent Janet Barresi announced the 5th- and 8th-grade writing scores would be excluded from the calculation for the A-F report cards for public schools this year.  The decision arose from concerns about the writing test scores from testing vendor CTB-McGraw Hill.

“I want to thank the State Department of Education for listening to the concerns raised by educators in my district and across the state. 

The Oklahoma Aging Partnership (OAP), a nonpartisan coalition of organizations dealing with aging issues, has released its annual report.  The organization includes the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association, AARP Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Council on Aging. State Sen. Kim David is among those lawmakers who helped win passage for bills OAP identified as important to Oklahoma seniors.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ron Sharp had the honor of being the commencement speaker for the County Deputy Reserve CLEET graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 1st at the Shawnee Bible Church.  The group was this year’s first class to graduate from the Basic Reserve for the 5th District. 

“It was such a privilege to get to speak to this outstanding group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting others,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “Pottawatomie County will be in good hands with these brave and talented men and women on the job.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) approved two local lake access projects in Pottawatomie County this week.  ODOT will be upgrading roadways to recreational areas at both Twin Lakes and the Wes Watkins Reservoir. 

“Oklahoma is known for its beautiful lakes, which attract tourists from all over the world and provides significant revenue to local communities,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “It’s important that the state maintain these natural gems, and providing better access to our lake recreational areas is an important part of that effort.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kim David was recognized this week for her support of pro-business legislation this session by the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization that grades Oklahoma’s legislators on their votes on key economic development issues. 

            This year’s RIED Report considered votes for 19 bills including House Bills 1416, 2480, 2509, 2562, 2580, 2630, 2711, 2903, 2956, 2974 and 3365 as well as Senate Bills 1023, 1218, 1246, 1799, 1905, 1948, 2029 and 2128.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Ron Sharp was recognized this week for his support of pro-business legislation this session by the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization that grades Oklahoma’s legislators on their votes on key economic development issues. 

Sen. Sharp was the principal Senate author of Senate Bill 442, which would have made it illegal to text and drive.  The bill was not heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee.  He also was a Senate coauthor of SB 1601 making it illegal for anyone operating a motor vehicle to use a wireless communication device in a school zone.  The bill would not have applied to stopped cars, drivers using hands-free devices, or emergency calls as outlined in the bill. read more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a measure Wednesday to protect the visitation rights of noncustodial parents.  Senate Bill 1612, by Sen. Ron Sharp, would require custodial parents to provide the noncustodial parents, who are current on their child support, with the court ordered visitation schedule.