Press Releases

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has tapped a diverse, bipartisan team of Oklahomans to help him assemble his new administration. The incoming state chief executive and his transition chairman, State Treasurer Robert Butkin, announced the transition team Friday, saying they are looking forward to working with members to construct a bipartisan administration that will serve the needs of all Oklahomans.

(Oklahoma City) When the nation's next presidential election is held in 2004, Oklahoma may be at the center of attention in the primary sweepstakes if State Senator Keith Leftwich gets his way. The South Oklahoma City legislator is drafting legislation that would move the state's presidential primary election into February closer to the beginning of the campaign season.

Sen. Leftwich believes the change would benefit both Oklahoma voters and the state economy.

When the 2003 legislative session gets underway in February, State Senator Jim Reynolds will have a new friend and ally in the House of Representatives; his older brother Mike who was elected this fall to his first term in the Oklahoma Legislature. The brothers believe it's a first for the state legislature. The two life-long South Oklahoma City residents represent districts which include parts Del City and Moore.

(Oklahoma City) The 2003 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place.

New senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn in Tuesday morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Rudolph Hargrave.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate chamber. Senator Cal Hobson is the incoming Senate President Pro Tempore.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate

With many of the state's roads and bridges in dangerous disrepair, the fact is badly needed funding to improve and upgrade the transportation system is simply not available; not unless Oklahomans are given the chance to vote on a fuel tax that would generate millions in federal matching funds. That's according to Senator Robert Milacek, who addressed a public hearing at the State Capitol Thursday.

(Oklahoma City) In an effort to protect public safety during the ongoing state budget crunch, the Oklahoma Legislature will reconvene for a brief special session on November 18th to appropriate $9.8 million in emergency funding to the Department of Corrections.

Governor Frank Keating, House Speaker Larry Adair and Senate President Pro Tempore designate Cal Hobson announced the agreement Wednesday, saying the emergency appropriation will temporarily halt DOC's plan to furlough prison guards and other corrections employees in
the weeks to come.

(Oklahoma City) When the next Oklahoma Legislature convenes, the State Senate will have a new leadership team and a streamlined committee system.

Senate President Pro Tempore elect Cal Hobson announced the changes Thursday, saying the new Senate will be ready to hit the ground running after new members are sworn in on November 19th.

"I'm fortunate to have so many talented members in the State Senate. We will be facing some very difficult issues in the months to come and their experience and skill will be invaluable," said Sen. Hobson (D-Lexington).

The newly and re-elected members of the State Senate will officially begin their terms when they take the oath of office at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19th. The ceremony will take place in the State Senate Chamber with Chief Justice Rudolf Hargrave administering the oath.

Those re-elected members being sworn in on the 19th include the following:

Saying Oklahomans shouldn't be treated like common criminals for raising gaming fowl, Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta has announced plans to file a bill for the 2003 legislative session lowering the penalties; that after the passage of State Question 687 in Tuesday's General Election.

"State Question 687 makes it a felony to even raise these birds. That means honest, hard-working Oklahomans would be lumped in with murderers, rapists and drug-dealers. They would also lose basic rights like voting and the right to own firearms to protect their families," explained Shurden.