Press Releases

“There has been some misunderstanding about the purpose behind the Social Justice Advocacy Forums taking place in Stillwater. Rev. Jesse Jackson and those of us who attended Thursday prayed for Darrell Williams, who we believe was wrongly accused and convicted, and for the other victims - the women who wrongfully accused him, his family members and those who may be harmed because the actual perpetrator is still running free. read more.

Long-time immigration advocate state Senator Harry Coates praised the GOP this week for endorsing a national Guest Worker Program in the Republican National Platform. The Seminole Republican has been encouraging his state colleagues for years to recognize the importance to Oklahoma businesses of allowing illegal immigrants to work in the state.
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Sen. Patrick Anderson has filed a court action seeking a judicial determination that the issuance of $25 million of state bonds is unconstitutional.
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Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Chair, State Senator Constance N. Johnson (D - Oklahoma County) and member, Representative-Elect Kevin L. Matthews (D-Tulsa), issued a statement today welcoming Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow Push Coalition to Stillwater, Oklahoma.
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Oklahomans interested in following the work of Senate interim studies underway this fall now have easier access to materials provided during hearings. Lists of speakers, power-point presentations and other materials can be found on the State Senate website. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said placing these additional materials on the Internet makes it easier for more citizens to follow interim studies.
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Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs on Tuesday heard from the key players in the debate about problems surrounding the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). Those presenting included the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs, retired Major General Rita Aragon; Oklahoma War Veterans Commission Chairman Rich Putman; Oklahoma War Veterans Commission Vice Chair Jerry Riley, ODVA Acting Deputy Director Roy Griffith, and ODVA Interim Executive Director John McReynolds.
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Sen. Tom Ivester said he will work with officials at Oklahomas Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to author legislation aimed at regulating questionable practices of a drug treatment program with close ties to the Church of Scientology.

Each year, the Oklahoma Veteran’s Council recognize one Senator and one Representative for their outstanding dedication and hard work in authoring or promoting legislation that supports veterans and their families. This year, Sen. Frank Simpson, a 26-year Navy veteran and the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, was chosen to receive the ‘Senator of the Year’ Award.
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Of the more than 93,000 acres destroyed in Oklahoma wildfires, nearly 60,000 acres were in Creek County. According to the Department of Agriculture Forestry Services it is one of the largest fires in the history of the state. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman represents Creek County in the State Senate, while Rep. Skye McNiel represents the area in the House.
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State Sen. Patrick Anderson has received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Oklahoma Association of Career Tech Educators (ACTE). Anderson, R-Enid, was honored by the organization at a luncheon in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
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