Members of the Oklahoma Black Caucus responded Monday afternoon to a video that depicts members of the University of Oklahoma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chanting a song laced with racial slurs.

On Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman appointed Senator Jason Smalley to serve as a member of the Education Commission of the States (ECS). The nonpartisan organization that works with policymakers, researchers and practitioners at all levels of education, from pre-K to postsecondary, tracking state policy trends, translating academic research, providing unbiased advice and creating opportunities for state leaders to learn from one another.

(For digital audio, go to www.oksenate.gov and select Media)

The full Senate on Wednesday advanced legislation that would develop a system for evaluating tax credits and economic incentives to determine their effectiveness. Authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, Senate Bills 806 and 815 would establish a process to provide lawmakers with independent evaluations of economic incentives, and a clear picture of those that encourage growth and those that do not.

President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Philip Watson. Watson, a Republican, represented District 41 in the Oklahoma Senate from 1972 to 1987.

“Philip Watson admirably served his Senate district for 15 years, before being appointed as director of the Department of Human Services. His legacy of service stretched beyond Oklahoma to Africa, where he performed mission work and touched the lives of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of loss.”