Press Releases

State Senator Jay Paul Gumm said Oklahoma now has a stronger law on the books when it comes to protecting children from sexual predators. That’s after Gov. Brad Henry signed Senate Bill 2064 into law on Tuesday. The measure, by Gumm, a Democrat from Durant and Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, increases the “zone of safety” around schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds and parks.
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Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted new standards related to ground-level ozone just two years ago, the federal agency has already proposed revisions to those limits—revisions that could push every state in the country into non-attainment status.
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State Sen. Kenneth Corn won approval Tuesday for a measure to abolish the governor’s cabinet. Corn successfully attached the language as an amendment to House Bill 3035, which was approved unanimously by the Senate. Corn, D-Poteau, said the move would save approximately $2 million a year.

“The governor’s cabinet is an extra layer of bureaucracy with no real authority over any agencies,” Corn said. “It’s just people who provide advice to the governor, but it isn’t necessary—especially now when vital services are being cut throughout state government.”

Citing sovereignty rights protected by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the state Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution stating that insurance regulation should occur exclusively at the state level.

Oklahomans are three steps closer to seeing relief in our state’s Worker’s Compensation system with the passage of three reform bills in the State Senate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, sponsor of House Bills 1611, 2652 and 2659, said these bills would not only protect rights of Oklahoma workers, but also move towards a more business-friendly climate in our state.

Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City) said today, the anti-government rhetoric among some Republican state legislators has reached disturbing levels. Rice pointed to comments by a Republican legislator running for statewide office who said on Wednesday the federal government is "tyrannical" and said he is willing to take his challenge of the federal government "to the max."

The full Senate on Wednesday approved language to give 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans a special two-day hunting season. Senator Jay Paul Gumm included the measure as an amendment to House Bill 2701.

“This is based on a law on the books in the State of Michigan,” explained Gumm, a Democrat from Durant. “Our disabled veterans have sacrificed more than any of us can imagine. This benefit is just one more way we can honor and thank them for their service.”
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The state Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution celebrating the life and legacy of the late Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty. Daugherty was pastor of Victory Christian Center, and founder of Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute, the Tulsa Dream Center and Victory World Missions Training Center. Daugherty passed away last year, after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

“The revenue collections for the month of March are indeed encouraging, but the reality is we have farther to go on this road to recovery. Fiscal responsibility of taxpayer dollars will continue to be a priority, as well as funding for core functions of government. The Legislature will keep track of revenue numbers as we work to draft a balanced budget and complete the people’s business.”

For the second time in as many years, April 26, 2010 has been designated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol”, and breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, or anyone interested in saving lives from the disease are welcome to attend. Twenty plus organizations from throughout the state will have displays to share information on the fourth floor rotunda. Artists and survivor authors of Oklahoma will also be present. read more.

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm has won Senate approval for measures aimed at better protecting families mourning the loss of fallen soldiers. Gumm successfully amended HB 2572 on Monday.

That legislation would better define the language in Oklahoma’s Funeral Picketing Act, which is aimed at keeping protestors from coming within 500 feet of where funeral services are being held from one hour before the services until an hour after the end of the services.
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State Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield said he plans to be back on the floor of the Senate within a week or two. The Democrat from Ardmore is home recuperating after a blood clot traveled to a lung, causing respiratory difficulty. He’s continuing to receive medications to dissolve a second clot, and was not able to attend session this week. Crutchfield said the clots may be related to knee surgery he underwent about six years ago.
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“Obviously, we have struck a nerve. No telling how many millions of dollars have been flowing to Mexico out of Oklahoma; a large portion of it, due to narcotics trafficking and illegal aliens who work for cash, pay no taxes, and then send it by wire straight to Mexico. Our state’s new regulations on the wire transfers of money have obviously put a dent in this flow of cash to Mexico, and serve as a great tool for law enforcement to identify those engaged in such activity.”

"Today we have taken a giant step backwards. By filing this lawsuit, we could thwart the liberal left's push to encroach on the liberties of all Oklahomans. Attorney General Drew Edmondson has refused to make this bipartisan move to challenge the constitutionality of Obamacare. But we as a legislature will continue to fight for the state of Oklahoma and not allow the government to strip away our liberties one mandate at a time."

“Chief Wilma Mankiller brought honor to Oklahoma and the Cherokee tribe through her leadership not only within our state and among tribal leaders, but certainly her influence was felt across our nation. She leaves a legacy of service that will be sorely missed by all.”

State Sen. Bryce Marlatt praised Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s request this week that four Liberian-born sisters be removed from of the custody of their adoptive parents until a judge rules whether or not the children should stay with the convicted child abusers.
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President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R-OKC) worked across party lines Monday to achieve legislation that will help repair Oklahoma’s Medical Examiner Office in dire need of reform.

Pro Tem Coffee, author of SB 738, said the passage of this legislation was crucial because too many Oklahoma families have experienced firsthand the lack of efficiency and continuity within our state’s ME office.

“Within the past few years, we have seen a dramatic downturn in our ME’s office,” said Coffee.

The three Republicans who authored pro-life legislation were encouraged Monday when the Governor signed into law Senate Bills 1890, 1891 and 1902.

Senator Todd Lamb (R-Edmond), author of Senate Bill 1890, said he believes these provisions reflect the values of our state and applauds the Governor in his bipartisan approval.

“On behalf of the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the Milacek family. I had the tremendous privilege of serving with Senator Robert Milacek in the Oklahoma Legislature. He was a true statesman and simply a good person. He cared deeply about people, not just in his district but throughout the entire state. He always put their welfare above politics. Robert Milacek epitomized the very best of Oklahoma.”