Press Releases

State Sen. Dan Newberry said he was opposed to federal proposals in healthcare reform that could increase the number of abortions in this country funded for by taxpayers.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The state’s third annual sales tax holiday will begin August 7, giving families an opportunity to save money on children’s back-to-school clothing while encouraging people to support Oklahoma businesses. State Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton, was the principal author of the measure creating Oklahoma’s sales tax holiday and encourages residents to take advantage of the event.

State Senator Randy Brogdon, Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations sub-committee, said it was time to look at reforming the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). After the OTA approved toll hikes of 16 percent, Brogdon called for restricting the ability of the OTA to raise tolls--especially at a time when the economy and Oklahoma’s citizens are already suffering.
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After President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced his support for a $1.5 trillion Congressional proposal that would make health care a right for all Americans, Sen. Dan Newberry said the plan would compromise the quality of health care, limit consumer choices and lead the country further down a dangerous path toward socialized medicine.

Newberry said it was not the government’s job to compete with small businesses and that health care choices must be left up to the consumer.

Senate Minority leader Charlie Laster joined with a minority of Oklahomans and in opposition to a vast majority of small business owners today when he sided with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy and President Barack Obama in promoting nationalized health care for the United States, according to Senate Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb.

The Democratic Leader of the State Senate said he isn’t surprised by the hollow words being spouted by members of the Senate Republican caucus today in regards to health care reform.

“The revenue figures announced today by the Treasurer's office are disappointing but probably not surprising, based on the national economic downturn in which we are operating.

“Raising the Lifetime Maximum from $500,000 to $1 million will prevent Oklahomans from losing critical insurance coverage. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation as it affords some of our most vulnerable citizens the critical care they need. This is an excellent example of a public-private enterprise finding solutions for a problem. The High Risk Pool prevents the necessity of heavy handed government insurance regulation and instead offers real answers to Oklahomans in need of help.”

Following the State Board of Education’s approval of stronger test standards for grades three through eight, Senator Clark Jolley - principal author of the Education Accountability Reform Act - made the following statement: