Press Releases

Some Oklahoma classroom budgets may be a little smaller in the coming school year thanks to an action taken by Governor Keating this month. The governor ensured that more money would be drained out of public school classrooms when he vetoed SB 496 - legislation that would have required schools to pay state-imposed fines for paperwork violations out of their administrative budgets.

Senator Jeff Rabon, author of SB 496, said that Governor Keating's veto is more likely to punish school children than it is the people who made the paperwork error.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahomans will soon be using an identification number other than their social security number for their driver's license. That's after the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraudulent use of social security numbers. Senator Carol Martin became concerned after increased reports of identify theft began surfacing both in her district and around the state.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Although most doctors recommend yearly mammograms for women starting at age 40, Medicaid and many private insurance companies in Oklahoma don't offer it until age 50. But that will soon be changing thanks to the passage and final approval of Senate Bill 711, authored by Senator Larry Dickerson, D-Poteau and Representative Jari Askins, D-Duncan.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders and Governor Frank Keating announced today that they plan to continue discussions on the reform of Oklahoma's tax code, but the state leaders made it clear that they would not be pursuing a proposal that involved a property tax increase.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The soon to be constructed Native American Cultural Center and Museum got a big financial boost on Wednesday. That's after Phillips Petroleum presented officials with a check for $100,000. Senator Kelly Haney, who has been working since 1994 to make the center a reality, said this donation would be used for matching funds.

"This is really seed money to help us attract even more donations. We have the location for the museum, we've finalized the design concept, and now it is time to begin our fundraising for this world-class facility," said Senator Kelly Haney.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I haven't had time to read the report thoroughly so I can't comment on the specifics. I am anxious to review the recommendations and all the supporting information. In the weeks and months to come, I will be discussing the report with fellow legislators, Governor Keating and
Oklahoma citizens to help determine the best course of action for our state."

After a lengthy career in public service, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Lance Ward announced today that he is retiring from state government.

Ward, who also serves as Secretary of the State Senate, will retire from both positions on August 1st, 2001. He has served in the dual roles since 1988.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor applauded Ward's service, saying the long-time public servant will be missed.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Jeff Rabon has asked Governor Frank Keating to amend his special session call. The Hugo Democrat said the State Senate had approved legislation to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue up to $10 million in bonds to replace out-dated, unusable forestry equipment, however the House adjourned sine die before taking up the measure.

(Oklahoma City) Legislative leaders are planning to come back for a one-day special session in September to address two key issues remaining from the regular session that adjourned last month.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor and House Speaker Larry Adair want to give lawmakers ample time to research the issues - tax reform and congressional redistricting - before returning to the State Capitol to take formal legislative action.

Governor Keating has vetoed legislation that would have specifically prohibited law enforcement officers from handcuffing and incarcerating Oklahoma motorists that violate the state seatbelt law, according to Senator Frank Shurden, the author of SB 444.

OKLAHOMA CITY - With the legislative session over, Senator Kelly Haney has been able to spend more time with another type of State Capitol project; work on the 17-foot tall, 4-ton bronze statue called "The Guardian" that will be placed on top of the Capitol dome, now under construction.

Senator Haney, a master artist of the Five-Civilized Tribes, has exhibited his paintings and sculpture across the United States, Europe and Asia. Haney said this would be the largest piece he has ever created.