Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY The task force charged with recommending reforms in Oklahomas tax system has completed its work. Copies of the report were given to Gov. Mary Fallin, President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Speaker Kris Steele on Friday.

Senator Mike Mazzei served as Co-chair of the task force. He told the governor and legislative leaders that as they and members of the Legislature consider the panels proposals, it was his hope that the taxpayers of Oklahoma would be the main priority throughout the process.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Thursday, following the Contingency Review Board (CRB) vote to approve the settlement agreement in the case of D.G., by Next Friend, G. Gail Stricklin, et al., v. Brad Yarbrough, Chairman of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, et al.:

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Tuesday in response to the certification of revenue figures by the Oklahoma Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization’s certified revenue figures indicate approximately $6.5 billion in revenue available for the state budget in fiscal year 2013.

Sen. Dan Newberry recently hosted a Christmas reception for spouses of deployed military members at the state Capitol. The reception followed an October luncheon where military spouses were able to meet, share their personal stories and strengthen their bond with members of the local military community.

Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, spoke to the group about the importance of a support network for military families and provided an update on the progress of construction at the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber.
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State Sen. Charlie Laster announced this week that he has decided not to seek another term in the Oklahoma State Senate. Although the Shawnee Democrat would not have been term limited until 2016, Laster said it was time to refocus his attention on his family and his legal career.
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Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Friday after the Oklahoma State and Education Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) pharmacy plan vote:

Fridays vote to adopt a new prescription drug plan for state employees was the result of thoughtful cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure members will have the option of supporting home town pharmacies while enjoying significant savings.

As a result of radio talk show host Michael Savage's offer of $1 million to Newt Gingrich to drop out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, two south Oklahoma City lawmakers are expressing concern over when the Oklahoma County District Attorney might suddenly choose to file charges against Savage for offering a bribe.
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Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage has chosen Sen. Jerry Ellis to serve as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. That position was vacant after Burrage was chosen to succeed Sen. Andrew Rice as Democratic Leader.
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State Sen. Kim David has been chosen to serve as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. David, R-Porter, previously served as vice-chair of the committee. Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, now takes over as vice-chairman. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said the appointments would guarantee a continuity of leadership for the subcommittee.
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In an effort to stimulate Oklahoma’s economy and allow the state to be more competitive with out-of-state companies, Sen. Harry Coates filed the Oklahoma Guest Worker Program Act Monday. Senate Bill 995, which is similar to Utah efforts, would allow illegal immigrants to legally work in the state providing a boost to sales and tax revenues. The bill will stop workers from continuing to flee to surrounding states such as Texas as well as attract hundreds of workers back to jobs that are chronically unfilled in the state.
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