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. 

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.