Press Releases

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: June 2, 2003 Clip
Senator Keith Leftwich
Sen. Leftwich praises federal nocall law but says
it has more exemptions than Oklahoma law The federal donotcall legislation that went into effect Friday is important but contains more exemptions than those included in Oklahomas donotcall law, according to Sen. Keith Leftwich, DOKC. read more.

State Senator Angela Monson said she was honored to be chosen for a profile in a national publication. The Oklahoma lawmaker is featured in the July issue of Ebony magazine.
It really is an honor. Ive taken on issues and projects I care deeply about on behalf of the people I represent. To have that work acknowledged in a national magazine like Ebony is really the icing on the cake, said Senator Monson. read more.

(Oklahoma City) -- Senate Majority Whip Keith Leftwich has been appointed to a new commission dedicated to protecting Oklahoma’s military installations from being downsized or closed.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, announced Leftwich’s appointment to the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission Thursday.

“All of Oklahoma’s bases are absolutely essential to our state’s economy. We want to do all we can to make sure we keep them,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City.

A special ceremony is being planned just before Independence Day to honor Americans who served at Pearl Harbor during the infamous December th, 9 attack. Senator Jim Reynolds announced the event will be held July 3rd to celebrate the dedication of the Pearl Harbor/U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial Highway. read more.

(OKLAHOMA CITY) The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has been given a reprieve in its management of the state fund created to pay for the cleanup of leaking underground petroleum storage tanks, a key State Senator said today.

But that doesn’t mean it should be business as usual within OCC’s Petroleum Storage Tank Division, Senate Energy Environment and Communications Committee Chairman Kevin Easley said.

Easley told Commissioners in a letter today that he intends to make sure the Petroleum Storage Tank Division follows state statutes.
read more.

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: June , 2003 Clip
Senator Richard Lerblance takes the oath of office, administered by
Judge Steven Taylor of Pittsburg County
Lerblance Sworn in as State Senator Friends, family and wellwishers gathered in the State Senate Chamber Monday morning to watch Democrat Richard Lerblance sworn in as senator for District . The former state representative won the seat in a special election last week. read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Governor Brad Henry’s veto of House Bill 1269 on Sunday makes it more likely that Oklahoma heart attack victims might lose their lives and puts Oklahoma-based health insurers at a competitive disadvantage, Senator Scott Pruitt said.

HB 1269 would have limited medical liability associated with Automatic External Defibrillator Systems (AED), allowing the placement of hundreds of defibrillators into public and private institutions.

Governor Henry signed a measure last Thursday that clears the way for inpatient hospice care throughout the state, according to the bill’s author, Senator Daisy Lawler, D-Comanche.

Senate Bill 591 authorizes the Department of Health to create a licensing process and establishes set standards. The legislation also allows for regular inspections of inpatient hospice facilities.
read more.

Governor Brad Henry signed a bill last Friday that requires crime victims and witnesses to be notified that an offenders sentence could be commuted to a lesser sentence.
SB , which is authored by Senator Jerry L. Smith, RTulsa, adds to the information that district attorneys offices are already responsible for providing to victims and witnesses. read more.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Republicans in the state Senate announced a proposal for the use of $216 million in federal aid coming to Oklahoma as a result of President Bush’s historic tax relief and job growth package.

“The Senate Republican plan ensures these funds will be used wisely instead of being wasted on government pork or on the pet projects of Democrat legislators,” stated Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa.