Press Releases

Citing falling oil prices and their adverse impact on the Oklahoma economy, Governor Frank Keating and legislative leaders have appointed a special task force to explore alternatives for saving jobs in the beleaguered energy industry.

The 1999 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place today.

New Senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn-in this morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Yvonne Kauger.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate Chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor, who also took the oath for another four-year term, presided over the occasion.

County officials who handed themselves a major pay hike recently may have to give the money back if State Senator Kevin Easley gets his way. The Wagoner County legislator is preparing legislation which would rescind the pay raise authority granted to county officials this year, in addition to rolling back any salary increases.

The first bill filed for consideration in the 1999 legislative session will slash car tag fees and excise taxes, delivering significant savings to Oklahoma motorists, according to the measure's author, Senator Lewis Long.

"Oklahomans deserve a break on their car tags and that's what I plan to give them. There's no question that they're paying too much now, but if I get my way, the state will put a lot of money back in their pockets," said Senator Long.

Senate Bill 1 is already drafted and will be formally introduced when the filing period opens Monday morning.