Press Releases

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April 30, 2003 Clip
LR Rep. Tad Jones, Sen. Mike Johnson, Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson and Rep. Susan Winchester talk about education funding levels for FY 0
Public Education Funding Increasing by read more.

For years, raffles have been a tried and true fundraiser for many nonprofit organizations throughout Oklahoma. However, under current law, its illegal. But that could be changing now that the State Senate has given final approval to SB 3.
The bill, which was written by Senator Frank Shurden, DHenryetta, and coauthored by Senator Johnnie Crutchfield, DArdmore, and Representative Don Armes, RFaxon, would make charitable raffles legal in Oklahoma. read more.

A bill to protect money Oklahomans put aside for their childrens education is now law, after Governor Brad Henry approved Senate Bill 32 by Senator Mike Morgan, DStillwater and Representative Debbie Blackburn, DOKC on Tuesday.
Senator Morgan explained that without SB 32, if an individual were sued and a court handed down a judgment against them, funds set aside in an Oklahoma College Savings plan could have been seized to help pay that judgment. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April 29, 2003 Clip
Senate President Pro Tempore
Cal Hobson
Senator Hobson Comments on Investigative Audit read more.

Senator Keith Leftwich, author of Senate Bill 3, cleared the final legislative hurdle today. The Democrat from South Oklahoma City enabled final passage of the bill on the Senate floor. The bill will change the date of the Presidential Primary to the first Tuesday in February and is now on its way to the Governors desk for his approval. By making the primary election date so early in the game, SB 3 will place Oklahoma at the forefront of the Presidential Primary and will also draw candidates to campaign in our state, said Senator Leftwich. read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senator Scott Pruitt expressed disappointment that Senate Democrat leaders turned a vote on pro-life legislation into a partisan issue Monday, leading majority Democrats in the Senate to vote to send the bill to a conference committee instead of to the Governor to be signed into law.

Unfunded mandates by any other name are still unfunded mandates, and legislation proposing new unfunded mandates should stand the scrutiny of the General Conference Committee on Appropriations, Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Monday.

The Senate voted Monday afternoon to reject House Amendments on Senate Bill 492, a measure that would require doctors to provide additional information to women seeking abortions. The measure also includes additional reporting requirements.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April 2, 2003 Clip
Senate Republican Leader James A. WIlliamson, flanked by other Republican legislative leaders, answers questions about tort reform
Republicans Offer Minimum Standards read more.

State Senator Glenn Coffee has won approval from the governor on a bill aimed at unsolicited commercial Emails, also known as spam. Senate Bill 0 was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on Tuesday.
This is really a consumer protection measure. The Internet has created a new way of staying in touch and sharing important information. Unfortunately, having your inbox filled with dozens of unwanted sales ads has turned this convenience into a headache for many users, explained Senator Coffee, ROKC. read more.

The Senate has now joined the House in approving a compromise measure for displaying the Confederate flag at the new State History Center, rather than the State Capitol south flag plaza.
Senate author Angela Monson said House Bill 00 was overwhelmingly approved on Tuesday.
Its been about years since this debate began a debate that at times has been very emotional and divisive. I believe HB 00 presents a sensible and appropriate compromise, explained Senator Monson, DOKC. read more.

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson is hopeful Governor Henry will sign a measure aimed at leveling the playing field for Oklahoma businesses selling construction materials. Senate Bill 5, which is co-authored by Representative Ron Langmacher, D-Carnegie, would ensure that building materials are taxed at the point of delivery rather than the point at which the items were purchased.
read more.

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The painting, titled “Transfer of the Louisiana Purchase-1803” by nationally renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon. Senator Ford noted 2003 marks the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase, a key event in Oklahoma and American history.
read more.

State Senator Cliff Aldridge is kicking off a new program to reward the everyday efforts of classroom teachers in his district. On the third Thursday of each month, teachers from the MidDel and ChoctawNicoma Park School Districts will be able to get a 0 percent discount at a local restaurant for lunch or dinner. Educators need to present their teacher ID to receive the discount. read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Senator Stratton Taylor‘s budget scare tactics are irresponsible, Senate Republican Floor Leader James A. Williamson said. Taylor, D-Claremore, released a so-called budget “report” Thursday that wrongly claims draconian cuts to government will be necessary following last week’s bipartisan balanced budget agreement.
read more.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore, released a report today explaining the seriousness of the current budget crisis. The State Equalization Board sometime back subtracted another $77 million from funds available for appropriation. That brings the budget gap to the total amount of $677 million.

“Many of our most precious programs, such as education, services for elderly, mental health patients and veterans are at risk because of the crisis, which is possibly the worst in state history,” Taylor stressed.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip
Sen. Jim Reynolds
Senator Reynolds Says Increasing Hunting and Fishing
License Fees a Bad Idea Senator Jim Reynolds, ROKC, criticized two House bills Wednesday for the fee increases they establish for fishing and hunting licenses. read more.

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, entitled “S.W. Woodhouse at Lost City,” was created by acknowledged national painter Wayne Cooper of Depew, OK, and was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber Wednesday afternoon.
read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip
Education Funding Bill Adds 0 Million
To Public School Appropriation for FY 200 The State Senate Tuesday gave overwhelming approval to a preliminary common education appropriation measure that adds more than 0 million to the funds to be distributed to public schools in for the 2003200 school year, Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said. read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: April , 2003 Clip
Tort reform expert Leah Lorber, Sen. Scott Pruitt and Rep. Fred Morgan
National Expert on Teacher Tort Protections Visits Oklahoma read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Tuesday’s passage by the State Senate of the $1.95 billion common education budget for fiscal year 2004 is a major victory for the people of Oklahoma, Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson said.