Press Releases

A bill that will allow local education foundations to better serve the needs of public schools in Oklahoma is on its way to Governor Henry for his signature. Senate Bill 326, authored by two freshman legislators, Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Wes Hilliard, received final approval in the House today.

“This bill allows local foundations to compete for grants that will enhance the curriculum in our public schools,” said Paddack, who served as a statewide leader for local education foundations before her service in the Senate.

A measure to allow check-off donations from individual and corporate tax refunds to support the Oklahoma National Guard Relief Program received Senate approval today, announced author of the legislation, Senator Mary Easley. House Bill 1780 will create the National Guard Relief Program that will further aid Oklahoma’s men and women serving to protect our nation and our state. Representative Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner, is the House author of HB 1780.

A block of senators opposed Gov. Brad Henry’s nomination of Dr. Virginia Ann Dell of Oklahoma City to the state Textbook Committee when her nomination was considered by the Senate Wednesday.

The Senate narrowly voted to advise and consent to Henry’s nomination of Dell on a 25 to 22 vote.

The State Senate honored another outstanding Oklahoman today. Last week, the legislative body honored American Idol finalist Carrie Underwood and today they recognized the accomplishments and talents of America's Next Top Model finalist, Kahlen Rondot. The Broken Arrow resident just competed in Season Four of the nationally televised series on UPN produced and hosted by Super Model Tyra Banks.
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Senator Mary Easley announced today that a bill to further enhance safety in the classroom received final Senate approval. Senate Bill 618 creates the “Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed CPR Training Act,” which will require two employees at every Oklahoma school to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction.

The Democrat from South Tulsa authored the legislation following the tragic death of Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed. The students both choked during school and while teachers and staff tried to help, they were unsuccessful.

When Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin and Senate Republicans attempted to force an up-or-down vote on a meaningful $125 million workers’ compensation reform package four weeks ago, they warned that if the issue went to a conference committee Gov. Brad Henry and Senate Democrats would attempt to water down the proposed reforms to protect workers’ comp trial lawyers.

It turns out that Fallin and the Senate GOP were right to be concerned.

“We’re very pleased that Speaker Hiett has agreed to this additional investment in healthcare in Oklahoma. It’s proof that democracy works, that the deliberative process has succeeded. We have been advoacting for weeks, along with members of the healthcare community, that Oklahoma needs to leverage additional federal dollars to fund indigent healthcare. We have been encouraging the Speaker to join us in this fight and this afternoon he has done that.”

Statement from Senator Tom Adelson
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Members of Oklahoma State Senate voted unanimously today to keep a measure alive that will help save rural hospitals across the state. A similar House measure died last week, after Republican Speaker Todd Hiett refused to allow an up-or-down vote on the House floor.

Senator Judy Eason McIntyre said she was pleased when Governor Brad Henry signed a measure that honors African American soldiers that served in the Civil War, also known as Buffalo Soldiers. Senate Bill 659 was signed on Wednesday, May 18, 2005.
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The full Senate has honored a member who is concluding her last legislative session. Sen. Angela Monson was recognized by her colleagues for her 15 years of service in the Oklahoma Legislature. The Oklahoma City Democrat is leaving office this year due to term limits.
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The Senate Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee praised final passage of Senate Bill 821 on Monday. Senator Randy Bass, a Democrat from Lawton and Senate author of the measure, said the legislation will provide a $250,000 life insurance policy for members of the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Passage of this bill means Oklahoma guardsmen will be able to provide greater financial security for their families when they are called upon to put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and freedom around the globe,” Bass said.

The State Senate has given final approval to a measure designed to stop a dangerous new fad in its tracks—Senate Bill 663 would make it illegal for anyone to sell, buy, furnish, manufacture or possess an alcohol inhalation device.

Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman is author of SB 663. He said he wrote the bill after members of law enforcement spoke with him about the machines being used in bars and clubs in other parts of the country. Nichols said wanted to make sure the trend didn’t make its way into Oklahoma.
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OKLAHOMA CITY -Governor Keating's vetoes of separate appropriations for the State Auditor and Inspector's Office and the Oklahoma Tax Commission have wiped out a mandated pay raise for those agencies' employees, even though the Governor had already approved the pay hikes in separate legislation less than two months ago.

The full Senate has given final approval to a bill to encourage more parents to buckle up their children. Currently, the fine for failing to use proper child restraints is $10 and up to $15 in court costs. SB 799 would boost the fine.

“Under Senate Bill 799, the fine would be waived for a first offense and the court costs capped at $15 if the person shows proof that they’ve obtained the appropriate child safety seats. Subsequent offenses would carry a $50 fine and court costs,” explained Jolley, author of the measure.
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Lawmakers have raised new concerns about the effects of proposed tax cuts being considered in the Oklahoma Legislature following statements from the Speaker of the House. Sen. Jim Wilson, Rep. Debbie Blackburn and Rep. Joe Eddins disagree with recent comments from the Speaker who claimed that only a minority of the state is in opposition to the tax cuts and that the permanent tax cuts are the best way to meet pro-growth policy goals.
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Senator Tom Adelson called again today for Speaker Todd Hiett to allow an up or down vote on House Bill1617, the Hospital Quality and Access Fee, a $300 million investment in Oklahoma’s critically under-funded healthcare system.

Late Thursday evening, Federal Judge Claire Egan issued her final judgment and permanent injunction in the lawsuit against the state’s Medicaid program in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Judge Egan ordered that physicians providing services to children be reimbursed at a rate equal to the Medicare fee schedule.

The Senate has paid tribute to State Treasurer Robert Butkin. The man praised for restoring trust and integrity to that office is stepping down to become Dean of the University of Tulsa School of Law next month. Senate Resolution 21, commending Butkin, was approved unanimously on Thursday.
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The State Senate will hear a resolution Friday recognizing the accomplishments and talent of Checotah-native Carrie Underwood who was named a finalist on the popular TV show, "American Idol" Wednesday night. She may be new to a lot of Americans, but she is not new to Senator Frank Shurden.
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Senator Tom Adelson, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Social Services, called on GOP Speaker Todd Hiett and his Republican leadership team to allow an up-or-down vote on House Bill 1617.

“As lawmakers, we have a duty to help those that need it the most,” Adelson, (D-Tulsa) said. “It is quite evident House leaders are simply turning their backs on the thousands of uninsured in Oklahoma who depend on us to be their voice in the legislature.”

“This legislation is an investment in Oklahoma’s future. Education is the key to unlocking the door of opportunity for our young people and we must do all we can to make achieving a college education affordable for all families. Senate Bill 448 will allow parents and grandparents to open that door and make a better tomorrow for our children.”