Press Releases

State Senator Robert. M. Kerr is being remembered as a statesman and gentleman. After waging a long and difficult battle, the 3yearold lawmaker has lost his bout with cancer. Surrounded by family and friends, he passed away Wednesday morning shortly before seven at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Kerr had first been diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago, but had been in remission for years. Doctors discovered the cancer had returned in early 200. read more.

State Sen. Scott Pruitt, today introduced legislation reducing the state income tax from 6.25 percent to 4.9 percent. When fully implemented in 2007, it would be an annual, across the board cut in the state income tax cut of $481 million.

Pruitt cited double-digit growth in state spending last year alone and at least $610 million in new money in the next fiscal year as evidence the cut was necessary and affordable.
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Senate Republican Floor Leader Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, made the following statement regarding the passing of state Sen. Robert M. Kerr, D-Altus:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Kerr’s family during their time of loss. Sen. Kerr was a brave and honorable man, a model public servant, and a great friend whom I will dearly miss. The Oklahoma State Senate is brokenhearted today.”

State Sen. Kenneth Corn is calling on fellow members to help pass three measures aimed at removing patronage and politics in appointments and redistricting. Corn, D-Poteau, said he has introduced measures establishing specific qualifications for the appointments of tag agents and county election board secretaries, as well as a measure creating an independent commission for legislative redistricting.
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“We are all deeply saddened at the passing of our friend and colleague Senator Kerr. He was a dedicated public servant who loved Oklahoma. His courageous fight was an inspiration to me and all of his colleagues. Bob Kerr was truly a hero.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife and partner, Robbie, and the rest of the Kerr family in this difficult and trying time.

The chair of the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services said Wednesday that the states Rainy Day Fund should be tapped to help cover wildfire losses and expenses to rural fire departments that federal emergency funds will not cover. Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, said he would push for $40 million dollars to be made available from the emergency fund to assist fire departments, agencies and citizens impacted by the disaster.

Former State Senator Angela Monson is being honored for her distinguished service in the Oklahoma Legislature. On Thursday, January 26, the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women will present Monson with the Kate Barnard Award. The award is given annually to an outstanding woman in public service.
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One of Oklahoma’s strongest rural economies was chosen by Senate Democrats as the site to unveil their legislative agenda to “empower the middle class.”

Durant and Bryan County have enjoyed tremendous growth over the past seven years. Senate leaders said that growth proves that policies to lift up middle class families create opportunity for all.

The area’s own Senator Jay Paul Gumm said a key component of Senate Democrats’ middle class agenda is a “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday that would strengthen Oklahoma’s retail economy.
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"Senator Bob Kerr was probably one of the most courageous men I've ever served with in the Oklahoma Legislature. If there was ever a person who came to the State Senate to do the right thing and was there for the right reasons it was Bob Kerr. He stood up for southwest Oklahoma. He wanted so much for that part of the state to grow and for its people to have opportunities and for Oklahoma overall to have a brighter future. The legacy he leaves behind for every lawmaker that follows - it'll be very tough to meet. He's certainly a role model for us all. read more.