Press Releases

Information obtained by a state legislator indicates the State Regents for Higher Education may have circumvented state open meetings and records laws in drafting their proposed shake up of Rogers University in Tulsa.

Oklahoma has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, according rankings distributed by two national research organizations. The findings of the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Tax Foundation were released in an analysis by the Oklahoma Senate staff today.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Two highly publicized accidents resulting in the spillage of hog waste is prompting State Senator Kevin Easley (D-Wagoner Co.) to call for an independent evaluation of the spills.

Senator Easley serves as chairman of the joint legislative committee created to study the impact of large corporate hog farms.

The Department of Agriculture has already conducted an evaluation of the spills and their impact. However, Senator Easley believes an independent study would be beneficial to lawmakers who are writing regulatory legislation this year.

Citing conflicting statements from Governor Frank Keating, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate is asking for a clear, public statement from the Governor, reiterating his unqualified support for a one-year moratorium on new hog operations.

Two days after Governor Keating vetoed an effort to lower insurance premiums by pumping additional funds into the state health board, his finance office endorsed the legislative initiative to bulk up the reserves of the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB). The endorsement came in a letter from the Oklahoma Office of State Finance to the federal government.

OKLAHOMA CITY - State Senator Paul Muegge is calling on his legislative colleagues and other Oklahoma leaders to join him in support of policies to ensure the quality of the state's water supply.

"The establishment of standards and protections for water quality is an issue that touches the lives of every Oklahoman," said Senator Muegge. "I believe the recent controversy over confined animal feeding operations could result in the initiation of a positive water quality policy."