Press Releases

Sen. Patrick Anderson is urging state leaders to think outside the box when considering ways to lower the income tax. Hes advocating passage of Senate Bill 240 which would replace the current state income tax with a 2.95 percent flat tax. Anderson originally introduced the bill in the 2013 legislative session. The bill can still be considered in the 2014 session when it begins in February.

Sen. Josh Brecheen released the following statement Thursday in response to the Commissioners of the Land Office voting to sue Oklahoma City-based private developer Pointe Vista Development LLC, which was tasked with building a hotel on Lake Texoma.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that House Bill 2032 violates the single subject rule in the Oklahoma Constitution.

“We are disappointed in the ruling and stand ready to act legislatively as needed in the upcoming session.”

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement after the State Supreme Court ruled Monday on the challenge of the workers compensation reform bill approved during the 2013 legislative session.

On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 1062 “is not unconstitutional as a multiple-subject bill” and further stated “the Legislature has exercised proper authority in a matter over which it has power to act by adopting a code for future execution of workers’ compensation law.”

Sunday, Dec. 15, will mark the 222nd anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. In recognition of that anniversary, numerous Oklahoma lawmakers have joined as co-authors of a non-partisan effort to recognize the significance of the Bill of Rights through the filing of Senate Bill 1159.
SB 1159 would allow a monument recognizing the importance of the Bill of Rights to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol. Costs associated with the project would be paid for with private donations.
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As a mark of respect for the memory and legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Sen. Connie Johnson asked Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday to order all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff from 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, until 8:30 a.m. on the morning of his state funeral and interment, Sunday, December 15.
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State Sen. Frank Simpson will be filing legislation this coming session to prevent youth access to e-cigarettes. Rep. Pat Ownbey will be the House author for the bill, which will expand the definition of tobacco products in the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act to include all nicotine delivery products other than FDA-approved cessation aids.
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