Press Releases

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd (D-Oklahoma City) released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to delay a cost of living adjustment for retirees:

OKLAHOMA CITY In a bipartisan, unanimous vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday advanced a House teacher pay raise bill as the Senates leader said budget negotiations are progressing well.

House Bill 1780 by Speaker Charles McCall would implement a $1,200 teacher pay raise bill at a cost of $70 million annually. President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the Senate author of the bill.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Legislation that would change the way missing person cases in Oklahoma are handled is now heading to the governor’s desk after the measure passed unanimously on the Senate floor Monday.

Legislation allowing Oklahoma companies to register as “benefit corporations” is now headed to the governor’s desk. The designation would give greater legal protection for companies pursuing business models that are for profit, while placing a high priority on having a positive impact on society.

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 2423. It was the freshman member’s first bill to pass out of the Senate, and was approved unanimously on Monday. The House authors are Rep. Lewis Moore, R-Arcadia, and Rep Ben Loring, D-Miami.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat announced on Monday his appointment of Don Freymiller of Edmond to serve as a commissioner on the state transportation commission.

Freymiller is the second of two appointments Pro Tem Treat has made to the transportation commission under a new law that gives the governor the ability to hire the head of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and gives the governor, House speaker, and Senate president pro tempore appointments to the transportation commission.
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The Oklahoma Senate on Monday in a bipartisan, overwhelming vote approved the nomination of Eric Stevenson to serve on the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma.

Governor Kevin Stitt’s nomination was carried through the Senate confirmation process by President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
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The full Senate has approved a bill aimed at helping law enforcement and families find answers in missing and unidentified persons cases. House Bill 2640, Francine’s Law, was approved unanimously by the full Senate on Monday. Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is principal Senate author of Francine’s Law, which was co-authored by Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, with House principal author, Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Stitt recently signed legislation to help better address the state’s teacher shortage by extending the number of days substitute teachers can work each year.  Sen. Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1050. 

Many of Oklahoma’s disabled veterans do not have anyone to help them make critical decisions concerning their finances, health and other personal affairs. Now these heroes will have court-appointed, trained volunteers available to assist them thanks to legislation signed into law Thursday.

Sen. Paul Rosino is the author of Senate Bill 931 creating the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act, which went into effect upon being signed.
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State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, issued the following statement in the wake of racist graffiti discovered Wednesday at three locations in Norman, including the Cleveland County Democratic Headquarters, McKinley Elementary School and the Firehouse Art Center.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat announced Wednesday that he has appointed Bob Coburn of Muskogee to serve as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Wednesday announced his appointment of Timothy Tardibono of Oklahoma City to serve on the board for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.
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OKLAHOMA CITY- A measure that would provide reciprocal licensing for military personnel and their spouses is making its way through the legislature.  Senate Bill 670 cleared the Senate and is now in the House awaiting consideration.

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd (D-Oklahoma City) released the following statement regarding the Legislature missing the April 1st statutory deadline to fund public education:

“It is very disappointing that the Legislature has missed the April 1st deadline to fund public education in Oklahoma. Over the last two months we should have been working together in a bipartisan manner to invest in our schools. Last year, we demonstrated the Legislature is capable of passing education appropriations by April 1st if it chooses to make this a priority.