Press Releases

“We Americans have a history of being compassionate and caring people. We have always opened our hearts and extended a helping hand to those who sought a better life.  But times have changed.  No longer can we assume that everyone who chooses to come here is looking for a better life.  Unfortunately some come, not to find a better life, but to destroy our way of life. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The State Regents honored Sen. Jason Smalley with the Distinguished Service Award Monday at Seminole State College for his continued support of higher education in Oklahoma. 

“Recent events across the nation should serve as a wake-up call. The student backlash at the University of Missouri over equality and inclusion and the Yale University incident concerning the “white girls only” invitation to the SAE function are unfortunate reminders that racism is still very much alive in our nation and on many college campuses. read more.

A new study shows Oklahoma is part of a national trend that shows fewer youthful offenders being incarcerated. According to new numbers from the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), between 1997 and 2013 Oklahoma’s juvenile incarceration rate decreased between 40 and 49 percent.
“That’s a significant improvement for our state, but that same study shows despite that change, we need to do a better job of getting youthful offenders on the right track, staying crime free, doing well in school and ultimately getting jobs,” said Sen. AJ Griffin, R-Guthrie. read more.

One in three Americans will develop diabetes during their lifetime. One in three Oklahomans already has diabetes or pre-diabetes.The state is ranked third in the nation for the highest death rate from diabetes.

Oklahomans are losing their vision, losing limbs and dying from diabetes in shockingly high numbers, but in many cases, the disease can be controlled and even prevented with proper diet and exercise, said Senator Susan Paddack, D-Ada. It is an epidemic, but it is within our power to do something about it.

Every year during the month of October, staff and members of the Oklahoma State Senate plan and participate in a series of competitions and events with the goal of raising money for charities throughout the state of Oklahoma. Its part of the United Ways annual State Charitable Campaign (SCC). Last year, the Senate raised $10,500. This year, senators and staff raised $13,477.