State Senate Democrat leaders have refused a request to help bring compromise language for a referendum on term limits for statewide officials to a vote in the State Senate. So, the Senate will have to vote on the existing proposal, the bill’s authors said Monday.

The State Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 38 on Monday by a vote of 46-0, sending to a vote of the people Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee's proposal to provide constitutional protections for the right of Oklahomans to hunt and fish.

SJR 38 adds a new section to the State Constitution giving all Oklahomans the right to hunt, trap, fish, and take game and fish. Under this legislation, state laws to prohibit anyone from engaging in such activities are not allowed.

“It’s so sad Republicans seem to be so focused on political issues that do nothing to make health care more affordable for our citizens. If they would have done their homework they would know what Oklahomans want more than anything is access to affordable health care.

State Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson’s efforts to promote education reform and innovation will long be remembered as her legacy in the Oklahoma Legislature. Wilcoxson was honored by the State Senate on Monday. She is completing her twelfth and final session in the Legislature due to term limits.

Following is a statement by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, following the announcement by Speaker Benge that the House of Representatives will not hear “Nick’s Law,” a measure that would require health insurance to cover autism diagnosis and treatment:

“It is regrettable the Speaker has closed his door on ‘Nick’s Law’ for this legislative session – without so much as a hearing in what is supposed to be ‘The People’s House.’ For the fourth time this year, House Republican leadership has turned its back on Oklahoma’s children with autism and their families.

A bill to get communities more involved in the fight against youth obesity was approved Thursday by the Senate. Senate Bill 1612, by Chickasha Republicans Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Susan Winchester, now goes to the Governor for his approval.

A proposal to add more licensed Anesthesiologist Assistants in Oklahoma that passed the State Senate with bipartisan support on Wednesday will help relieve the state’s labor shortage among medical providers, it’s co-author, State Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City), said today.

“This is a responsible and prudent policy for Oklahoma,” Rice said. “We have an opportunity to address a problem with our medical labor pool and provide more healthcare services to the people of Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma State Legislature on Wednesday honored an Oklahoma family-owned and -operated company that has been putting smiles on Oklahomans’ and others’ faces for the past 40 years. Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Susan Winchester introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 85 congratulating Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores on their 40th anniversary and designating April 30, 2008 as "Braum's Day" at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Members of the Oklahoma State Senate paid tribute Wednesday to Sen. Owen Laughlin for his 12 years of service in the Oklahoma Legislature. Laughlin, R-Woodward, is one of five members elected in 1997 who are serving their final session due to term limits.

Members of both parties from all parts of the state rose to say their farewells to Laughlin, and praised his work as Republican Co-Floor Leader in the Senate, including Republican Co-President Pro Tempore, Senator Glenn Coffee.

Republican state senators unanimously voted to designate Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, to be the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate. The President Pro Tem is the Senate’s top leader.

“I am honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have shown by entrusting me with the leadership of our caucus,” stated Coffee.