Press Releases

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson today received a letter of resignation from Senator Gene Stipe, D-McAlester.

Senator Stipe has had a long and productive career serving the people of southeastern Oklahoma and has been a friend of the poor, the elderly and working men and women of this state for more than five decades. His wit and wealth of historic knowledge will be missed, said Hobson, D-Lexington.

Notice of the senators resignation will be forwarded to Gov. Brad Henry.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I'm pleased that a majority of House members agree with Governor Henry, Representative Kirby and me that the people of Oklahoma should have the opportunity to vote on the education lottery.

"We look forward to working with the governor on refining the legislation and working toward passage of the best possible lottery proposal to put before the voters of this state.

State Senator Angela Monson, president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, is applauding Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridges efforts to listen to concerns of state legislators while developing national homeland security policies. Last week Ridge became the first executive branch official to ever win the NCSLs Restoring the Balance award. The honor is given to recognize efforts to restore the balance of power between states and the federal government. Secretary Ridge has developed a staff that is responsive, helpful and dependable. read more.

Two measures calling for sweeping restrictions on public smoking have cleared the State Senate. After narrowly defeating Senate Bill last week, the measure was brought up for reconsideration Monday morning and passed by a vote of 32 to . Senator Ben Robinson is principal author of SB , which would extend a smoking ban to all indoor workplaces, including restaurants. The measure does include some exemptions including standalone bars, retail tobacco products and medical facilities conducting smoking research. read more.

A piece of legislation designed to curb bullying in the state's elementary and secondary schools is making an impact not only in Oklahoma, but also in schools across the nation, according to Senator Herb Rozell, D-Tahlequah.

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The painting, titled "Elk Herd in the Wichita Mountains" by regionally known artist Barbara Vaupel of Henryetta, was unveiled during a ceremony in the House Chamber this afternoon.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City The decision by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, DLexington, and other Democrat leaders to obstruct education funding in the Legislature is now leading to teacher layoffs. Republicans warned early on that if the Legislature failed to pass education funding before March st, school boards would be forced to assume the worst and start issuing pink slips to teachers. read more.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson read more.

Legislation that would facilitate the construction of an international trade center has passed the Oklahoma State Senate with unanimous support and now heads to the House. According to Senator Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, Senate Bill 439 will help small and medium size businesses engage in international trade.

State Senator Daisy Lawler says a bill aimed at teaching inmates to read is headed for the House of Representatives. Thats after Senate Bill cleared the full Senate last week. Senator Lawler said the program could give inmates the skills they need to stay out of prison once their time is served. Study after study shows us the same thing theres a link between crime and illiteracy. Here in Oklahoma, 0 percent of all inmates read at or below the th grade level. The research says if a person cant read, theyre much more likely to wind up either on welfare or in prison, explained Lawler. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: March 3, 2003 Clip Senators Say Incentive Legislation Pays Off read more.