Press Releases

(Oklahoma City) Oklahoma City will host the annual conference of one of the largest state legislative organizations in the country in 2008, according to Oklahoma legislative leaders and city officials. The meeting of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is expected to have an economic impact of at least $1.2 million.

Senator Cal Hobson has been picked to help lead a prestigious think tank that researches policy issues affecting the country, particularly the southern United States.

Hobson was named vice-chairman of the Southern Growth Policies Board at the organization's annual meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas in June. The SGPB is a bipartisan organization of state legislative leaders, governors, business officials and academic leaders that focuses on issues ranging from economic development to education.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Brad Henry says news of a proposed double-digit rate cut for workers comp insurance is good news for the entire state, and proof that legislative efforts to improve the system are working. That's after the organization that represents workers comp insurance companies recommended at least a 12.1 percent reduction effective this December 1.

The State Department of Mental Health is getting legislative support in its ongoing dispute with Parkside Hospital in Tulsa. The Tulsa mental health facility is planning to turn mental patients into the street unless the state agency agrees to give it more money for its services.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Kelly Haney said work on the 17-foot bronze statue "The Guardian" is going so well the project will likely be completed ahead of schedule. This week the clay version, which Haney has been working on in sections, was assembled for the first time. The clay version will be used to create a mold for the bronze statue, which will be placed on top of the state capitol dome upon its completion next year. The statue, which will weigh an estimated five thousand pounds, is being cast at the Crucible Foundry in Norman.