The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant provides annual $2,000 stipends for Oklahoma students attending certain qualified private and independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities. The governor signed Senate Bill 600, by Sen. Jason Smalley and Rep. Katie Henke, this week to clarify that eligible institutions must have been granted not-for-profit status by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Education before July 1, 2012. Smalley said the change closes a loophole that was allowing certain institutions not intended for the grant to qualify for it.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, released the following statement after accepting the resignation of Senator Kyle Loveless, R-Oklahoma City:

"Today, I received and accepted the resignation of Senator Kyle Loveless, effective immediately. I wish Senator Loveless and his family best wishes moving forward."

Click here for a copy of the resignation letter.

The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday in a bipartisan vote approved a bill creating an independent commission to conduct comprehensive performance audits of state agencies. House Bill 2311 is authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz released the following statement after the Senate approved HB 2298, which moves up the sunset date of the zero-emissions tax credit to July 1, 2017.