Press Releases

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore:

Senator Taylor Comments on Nichols' Trial Request

"I obviously want to be sensitive to the concerns of members of the Oklahoma County delegation and their constituents. They've raised a serious issue and their request deserves consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Education Association needs to get a new calculator and explain the facts regarding education funding in Oklahoma. That's according to Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin. Her comments came after the OEA criticized the legislative leadership from both parties.

State employees and their families are the big losers in a fight over Governor Keating's first veto of the legislative session, according to the Senate author of SB 323. The Governor vetoed that bill earlier this month and Senate Republicans successfully voted to sustain the veto on Wednesday.

"The Governor who vetoed this bill and the people who voted to sustain that veto turned their backs on state employees and their families. We were trying to extend a helping hand to them in their time of need, but the Governor and his supporters slapped it away," said Senator Paul Muegge.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The State Senate has approved legislation that would set specific standards for abortion clinics. The legislation, authored by Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin was approved as an amendment to HB 1404.

"I first attempted to pass this legislation over two years ago, and since then the State Health Department has begun to address this issue. Now it is time for us to follow through with the implementation of these standards," said Senator Martin.

Oklahoma's bid to bring passenger rail service back to the state received another shot in the arm today when Governor Keating signed SB 383 into law. The legislation by Senator Dave Herbert would clear the way for Oklahoma to form an alliance with other states like Kansas and Texas, thus strengthening the region's chance of landing an Amtrak line.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate Republicans filed 189 bills this legislative session, but the overwhelming majority of them, 162, were never even heard by the committees they were assigned to. That's according to Senate Minority Whip Carol Martin.

"When the session began, both sides of the isle applauded Governor Keating's calls for bipartisan cooperation. But it seems all that good will was forgotten when it came time to consider our legislation," said Senator Martin.

In an effort to keep state government functioning even if a budget impasse develops later this legislative session, the Oklahoma State Senate approved a $4.8 billion general appropriations bill late Wednesday afternoon.