OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave unanimous approval to legislation Wednesday that would help better prepare students for jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Senate Bill 1181, by Sen. Ron Sharp, seeks to put into effect some of the recommendations made by the governor’s Science and Technology Council, a group focused on enhancing workforce development through the strengthening of STEM education programs at K-12 and college levels. 

OKLAHOMA CITY –Sen. Nathan Dahm, Rep. Mike Ritze and Rep. David Brumbaugh are inviting citizens to attend a town hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 5 at 7 p.m. at the Central Park Community Center in Broken Arrow. 

Dahm said they would share their insights on the 2013 legislative session as well as discuss some of the issues that may be in the spotlight when the 2014 session convenes in February.  He said those attending would also have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics they’re concerned about as well.

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, Sen. Ron Sharp visited several schools in his Senate District to celebrate Constitution Day with local students.   The former history and government teacher said he enjoyed getting back in the classroom. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization and producer of the annual RIED Report, a grading system of Oklahoma legislators’ votes on key economic development issues, announced today that Senator Ron Sharp (R-Shawnee) recorded a score of 94 out of a possible 100 on the 2013 RIED Report. 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, recently appointed Jim Antosh to the Pottawatomie County Excise-Equalization Board.  The position was previously held by Judge Glenn Dale Carter, who is retiring after having served more than 10 years as a board member.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, recently appointed Jim Antosh to the Pottawatomie County Excise-Equalization Board.  The position was previously held by Judge Glenn Dale Carter, who is retiring after having served more than 10 years as a board member.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Statement from Sen. Ron Sharp on final passage Tuesday of SB 1062, creating the Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Senate’s approval last week of House Bill 2032 reducing the state income tax.  The Senate approved the Workers’ Comp bill Tuesday and it will now go to the Governor’s office.  However, the Senate amended the income tax cut bill so the House has to vote on it again before it can move on to Gov. Fallin’s desk. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – History repeated itself Tuesday when Sen. Ron Sharp found himself voting on House Bill 1999 dealing with the issue of horse slaughter – an issue his father, H.K. Sharp, dealt with in the early 1960s working at the State Department of Agriculture.  The bill would allow for the slaughter of horses in Oklahoma, but not for human consumption within the state.  Even with the Shawnee Republican’s “no” vote, the measure still passed 32-14.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The president of AARP Oklahoma, Marjorie Lyons, was recently appointed to serve on the Citizens Advisory Panel for Aging Issues by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman.  The Broken Arrow resident is the first appointee to this unique panel, which will oversee the functions and operations of the Aging Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Long-time educator Sen. Ron Sharp praised passage of legislation Monday that will help increase funding for education and other important state services.  The Shawnee Republican said Senate Bill 585 is a win-win for all Oklahomans including students, taxpayers and businesses.