New Senators Take Oath, Prepare for 2001 Session

The 2000 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in Tuesday morning at the State Capitol by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Hardy Summers.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor presided over the occasion.

"I'm looking forward to working with the new Senate, especially our freshman members. We will be facing a number of challenges in the coming months, and I have confidence that this body will be able to address them responsibly and effectively," said Senator Taylor.

The 2000 class includes three new Senators: Jonathan Nichols (R-Norman), Nancy Riley (R-Tulsa) and Jim Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City).

The 48-member Oklahoma Senate consists of 30 Democrats and 18 Republicans.

"Even though Republicans are outnumbered in the Senate, the majority party will be seeking their input and counsel on all issues. We've always taken a bipartisan approach to solving Oklahoma's problems and that has served us well," said Senator Taylor.

Both the House and Senate will return to the Capitol on January 2nd for a one-day organizational meeting. The first regular session of the 48th Oklahoma Legislature will convene on February 5th.