Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom indicated he was pleased and encouraged after the state Board of Equalization certified an estimate indicating lawmakers will have an extra $612 million to spend in the 2020 fiscal year, which begins July 1.  The Adair Republican noted the actions taken at the Capitol the last two years have put the state in a much more stable positional financially going forward. 

OKLAHOMA CITY Senate leadership on Wednesday were cautiously optimistic about next years budget after a state board certified an estimated $612 million in new funding for the upcoming budget year.

However, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat and Senate Appropriations Chairman Roger Thompson both said lawmakers and the public should not set unattainable expectations for next year.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Designate Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, announced committee assignments today for members of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 57th Legislature.

Appointed Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jason Smalley was tapped by his colleagues for one of the Senate’s highest leadership roles recently when he was elected Majority Caucus Chairman.  The Stroud Republican began serving his second term last month and previously served two years in the House. 

Following public outcry about school funding and concern over high administrative salaries, Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation Friday to make superintendent salaries a completely local decision. Senate Bill 60 would require superintendent salaries and fringe benefits to be paid with only district (ad valorem dollars) and dedicated local funds. The bill would stop any state appropriated dollars from being used for the salaries in order for them to be diverted to the classroom.
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On Thursday, Sen. Ron Sharp filed legislation to modify several Virtual Charter School laws in Oklahoma. The 40-year retired educator said his bills are an effort to increase virtual charter school accountability and oversight.
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Legislation was filed Wednesday to eliminate a controversial program that provides free pregnancy-related care for undocumented non-citizens. Sen. Paul Scott filed Senate Bill 40 hoping to stop state funds from providing healthcare to pregnant illegal immigrants under the Soon-to-be-Sooners Program (STBS). read more.

State Sen. Gary Stanislawski has been chosen to chair two committees during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions—his final two years in the Senate due to term limits.  Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, will continue his role as chair of the Senate Education Committee and will also chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation.  He’ll also have a seat on the Senate Rules Committee as well as the Committee on Business, Commerce and Tourism, the Retirement and Insurance Committee, and the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom joined a crowd of 400 aviation and aerospace professionals and students for the second annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day on December 6 in Tulsa.  The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association, the Tulsa Airport Authority Trust, and BizJet International hosted the event at the BizJet hangar at the Tulsa International Airport.

State Senator Adam Pugh was presented with the Visionary Award at the State Chamber of Oklahoma’s Public Affairs Forum on December 4 in Oklahoma City.

The Visionary Award, which was given for the first time this year, recognizes strong leadership in advancing the OK2030 plan for Oklahoma’s future.  Pugh was chosen by the State Chamber as this year’s recipient for his 100% supportive voting record on OK2030 issues and for authoring legislation to align state and county election dates. 

Oklahoma has a ban on tobacco products for public and private school buildings and vehicles. After conducting an interim study this fall, state Sen. J.J. Dossett has filed legislation for the 2019 session that would extend that ban to vaping.
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State Sen. Roger Thompson has been given the Guardian of Free Enterprise Award from the State Chamber of Commerce for his legislative initiatives and leadership in the Oklahoma State Senate. The awards ceremony was held December 4 in Oklahoma City. Chamber President and CEO Fred Morgan applauded Thompson’s service and achievements in the Legislature.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Frank Simpson was tapped by his colleagues for one of the Senate highest leadership roles Wednesday when he was appointed Assistant Majority Floor Leader.  The Springer Republican was elected last month to serve his last term in the Senate. 

State Sen. Rob Standridge has been elected to a top leadership position for the 57th Legislature.  During the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions, Standridge, R-Norman, will serve as Majority Whip for the Senate Republican Caucus.

Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat on Thursday announced the full committee assignments of Senate Republicans for the 57th Legislature. read more.

Senate Republicans on Wednesday announced their full leadership team for the 57th Legislature.

Senate Republicans previously designated Senator Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, as their pick to serve as the next President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Treat earlier this year announced his selection of Senator Kim David, R-Porter, to serve as Majority Floor Leader and of Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, to serve as Senate Appropriations chair.
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