Press Releases

Sen. Patrick Anderson will hold an interim study on reforming the state pension systems on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 511-A of the State Capitol. The executive directors of the various state pension systems will be presenting reports on the current financial status of their respective systems.

“I applaud Governor-elect Fallin on her selection of Pyllis Hudecki as Secretary of Education. She has a proven track record in education and business. Students in our schools, universities, and career tech systems will all improve as a result of her leadership” stated Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond.

An Oklahoma law to ensure greater opportunities for special needs students is gaining national attention. Enid Republican Patrick Anderson was the Senate author of legislation approved this past session to enable public dollars to fund private educational opportunities for special needs children from single parent and lower income households.
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After receiving an invitation from President Abdoulaye Wade of the Republic of Senegal, Sen. Constance Johnson will be attending the opening week of the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Dakar next month, December 10-17. The Oklahoma City senator will be joining an official U.S, delegation which includes members of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
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President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond as Vice Chairman of Appropriations. Last week Bingman announced Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City as Chairman of Appropriations.

The decision to select an Appropriations Committee Chair and Vice Chair before other committee selections are made is a result of a focus on budget challenges ahead according to Senator Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

“Sen. Jolley will do an excellent job as Appropriations Vice Chairman. He is ready to start the difficult budget work ahead” stated Bingman.

President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced today that former Senator James Williamson will be joining his leadership staff to serve dual roles as Senior Policy Advisor and Legal Counsel.

"Jim is a true statesman. Although we are in a challenging time and we are sure to face difficult decisions this session, Jim is willing to answer the call to service. His experience and knowledge will be a great resource to us as we confront the difficult issues ahead" stated Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Sen. Ralph Shortey on Wednesday announced his intention to introduce immigration reform legislation modeled after a statute approved last year by the Arizona Legislature.

Citing the extraordinary impact of illegal immigration on state resources, Shortey said it was time for Oklahoma to once again step to the forefront on immigration reform.

Sen. Steve Russell today announced an unprecedented and diverse gathering of professionals, including National Football League stars, world-class athletes and entertainers, military heroes and professional organizations that are joining forces to raise awareness and address the staggering needs of America’s veterans and their families.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Larry Boggs was formally sworn in for his first term at the State Capitol on Wednesday.  The Republican from Red Oak was elected to serve Senate District 7. 

            "It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted to represent the people of District 7," said Boggs.  "It is a privilege and a responsibility I will never take for granted as I work with my constituents and fellow legislators to move Oklahoma forward."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ron Sharp was formally sworn in for his first term at the State Capitol on Wednesday.  The Shawnee Republican was elected to serve Senate District 17. 

"I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted to represent the people of District 17," said Sharp.  "It is a privilege and a responsibility I will never take for granted as I work with my fellow legislators and constituents to move Oklahoma forward."

Newly elected and reelected members of the Oklahoma State Senate took their Oath of Office during a ceremony Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. The Oath was administered by Oklahoma State Supreme Court Vice-Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor.
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Oklahoma Senate Republicans elected the remaining members of their caucus leadership team on Tuesday.
Last week, Senate Republicans named Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, to serve as the second Republican in the Senate’s top leadership post, President Pro Tempore. Also last week, Bingman named Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, to serve as Majority Floor Leader. Rules were also changed at that time to add a fourth whip to the majority caucus as well as a caucus vice chairman.

On Tuesday, Senate Republicans elected these members of the leadership team:
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Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced he has selected Paul Ziriax, the Secretary of the Senate and the State Election Board Secretary, for a second two-year term in the dual post.

Pres. Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced Wednesday his selection of Sen. David Myers of Ponca City as the new Chairman of Appropriations.

"We must immediately get to work addressing another challenging budget. I know that Senator Myers is well prepared and ready to serve as Chairman of Appropriations,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Senate Republicans met today for the first time since Election Day and elected Sapulpa Republican Senator Brian Bingman as their new leader and Senate President Pro Tempore-designate. Senator Bingman also announced his selection of Senator Mike Schulz of Altus as Floor Leader. The caucus, looking forward to an unprecedented 32-16 majority in the State Senate, came out of the meeting united and looking ahead to electing the remainder of their leadership team next Tuesday, November 16.

Sen. Dan Newberry on Monday said he was very pleased with the strong support voters gave to a Constitutional amendment that will permit the state to opt-out of Obamacare. Newberry was the author of legislation that placed the amendment before Oklahoma voters.

“I’m pleased by the outcome of the vote, and consider it a victory for the state of Oklahoma,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “The voters have made their voices heard loud and clear in Washington. Oklahomans sent a clear message that this intrusive federal mandate is a step too far.”

Hundreds of Oklahomans will join people around the world for World Diabetes Day on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Senate Concurrent Resolution 34, authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel, passed during the 2010 legislative session and designates November 14 as World Diabetes Day in Oklahoma. This is the second year Oklahoma has participated in the event.

State Sen. Kenneth Corn is urging the incoming State Legislature to address the staff shortages in Oklahoma’s prisons before the public or Department of Corrections (DOC) employees are placed at further risk.

Corrections and public safety were always top priorities for Corn, and as he prepares to leave office, he called on returning and newly elected lawmakers to make these issues priorities as well.
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State Sen. John Ford said he was extremely gratified by Tuesday’s passage of State Question 746. Ford was author of the legislative referendum which will protect the integrity of Oklahoma's voting system by requiring voters to show identification before casting their ballots at the polls. According to unofficial returns, about 75 percent of voters approved the measure.
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State Sen. Anthony Sykes said he was extremely pleased by the overwhelming support voters gave for a Constitutional amendment to make English the state’s official language and a second Constitutional amendment to ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Sharia law when making decisions. Sykes, R-Moore, was the Senate author of legislation placing the two questions before voters.
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