Audio

In an effort to stem the nation’s ever-increasing debt, the State Senate has given approval to a measure calling on Congress and the president to reduce spending and initiate a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget.

Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, is principal author of Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, co-authored by Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa. Newberry said the federal government’s inability to stop adding to the national debt is one of the greatest threats facing the country today.
read more.

March 27, 2012 was officially recognized as Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage co-authored Senate Resolution 45 honoring the tribe, which is the second largest federally recognized tribe in the nation, and the largest in the State of Oklahoma.
read more.

Each year, more active and retired military veterans are found to be struggling with mental health injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, anxiety, and acute stress disorder. Some individuals turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their injuries which can lead to encounters with the criminal justice system. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1222, by Sen. Frank Simpson, Tuesday to help address the special needs of veterans.
read more.

Legislation to prevent cover-ups of on-campus sexual assaults and child abuse has been approved by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1889, by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, won unanimous approval on Tuesday. Marlatt described it as the “anti-Sandusky” bill.

Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky is facing multiple counts of sexual abuse of children, including assaults that allegedly occurred on campus.
read more.

The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to target meth manufacturers while preserving citizens’ access to medicines. Sen. Rick Brinkley, author of Senate Bill 1634, said his proposal would provide law enforcement officials with powerful tools to fight meth, but would not make pseudoephedrine available by prescription only.
read more.

The full Senate has given approval to legislation preventing cities or state government from disarming citizens during a state of emergency. State Sen. Anthony Sykes is the principal author of Senate Bill 1760. Sykes said the bill would prevent what happened in New Orleans just a few years ago.
read more.

The full Senate has given approval to a measure that would lower the state’s personal income tax rate over a two year period. Senate Bill 1623, by Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, was approved Tuesday. Mazzei said the measure will enable citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money and make Oklahoma more attractive for job creation.
read more.