Press Releases

A trio of bills being pushed by Senate Democrats aimed at providing relief to Oklahoma’s veterans passed out of Senate committees today. Senate Bill 59 by Senator Andrew Rice is aimed at providing health care to veterans who do not qualify for medical coverage through their employer or through VA benefits and Senate Bill 255 by Senator Tom Ivester and Senate Bill 467 by Senator Kenneth Corn both seek to waive tuition expenses for Oklahoma veterans attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. read more.

The Senate Finance Committee has approved legislation to remove the statutory trigger required to reduce the state’s income tax from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent, clearing the way for that reduction to take place in tax year 2010. Finance chairman Senator Mike Mazzei is the author of Senate Bill 315 which was approved on Tuesday.
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Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee formally announced his decision today to place Currie Ballard in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Senate.

Ballard is a noted and respected historian and community leader who brings a diverse background in politics and journalism to his new position. Ballard has served on a variety of commissions working on national, historical projects, and most recently served as historian-in-residence at Langston University for 12 years.

“As always, the governor’s speech was positive and forward looking, and we appreciate his willingness to work with the legislature to see our state through our current challenges.

“Governor Henry laid out a bold vision for Oklahoma today in his “State of the State” address and the Senate Democratic caucus stands ready to work with the Governor to continue moving Oklahoma forward.

“Health care is an issue our caucus is extremely passionate about and we have been at the forefront of this discussion of making access to affordable health care a greater reality for more Oklahoma families.
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