Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY Citing conflict of interest, Sen. Ralph Shortey said Friday the chairman of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board should resign. Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, points to a clear conflict of interest involving John Harrington of Edmond, who currently serves as the chairman of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, while at the same time serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Funds for Learning, LLC, a company that he owns that performs e-rate consulting services for Oklahoma public schools.

Oklahoma’s incarceration rates, especially for nonviolent offenders, have grown significantly in recent years filling prisons to capacity and costing the state millions of dollars. To address this growing problem, Sen. Josh Brecheen and House Speaker Jeff Hickman authored Senate Bill 1720, which was recently signed into law. The act will strengthen community supervision requirements of offenders to ensure proven behavior modification methods are used to lower the state’s high recidivism/incarceration rates and help these individuals become productive, self-sufficient citizens.
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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) approved two local lake access projects in Pottawatomie County this week.  ODOT will be upgrading roadways to recreational areas at both Twin Lakes and the Wes Watkins Reservoir. 

“Oklahoma is known for its beautiful lakes, which attract tourists from all over the world and provides significant revenue to local communities,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “It’s important that the state maintain these natural gems, and providing better access to our lake recreational areas is an important part of that effort.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kim David was recognized this week for her support of pro-business legislation this session by the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization that grades Oklahoma’s legislators on their votes on key economic development issues. 

            This year’s RIED Report considered votes for 19 bills including House Bills 1416, 2480, 2509, 2562, 2580, 2630, 2711, 2903, 2956, 2974 and 3365 as well as Senate Bills 1023, 1218, 1246, 1799, 1905, 1948, 2029 and 2128.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Ron Sharp was recognized this week for his support of pro-business legislation this session by the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization that grades Oklahoma’s legislators on their votes on key economic development issues. 

The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art today packed 55 pieces from the Oklahoma State Senate art collection for transportation to the University’s new Postal Plaza Gallery in downtown Stillwater. The paintings will be featured in the University’s upcoming exhibition entitled Framing History: Highlights from the Oklahoma State Capitol Senate Collection.

The 15,000 square foot gallery is Oklahoma State University’s first dedicated museum facility. The public exhibition will run from July 7, 2014, to Oct. 25, 2014. read more.

President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman comments on the death this week of former state Sen. William “Bill” Schuelein, 86, of Miami. A Democrat, Schuelein represented District 1 in the Oklahoma Senate from 1972 to 1992. He passed away on Wednesday at his home.

Law-abiding noncustodial parents will no longer have to deal with having their visitation rights ignored or violated thanks to legislation signed into law Tuesday. Senate Bill 1612, by Sen. Ron Sharp and Rep. Jon Echols, will ensure that custodial parents honor court-ordered visitation schedules for noncustodial parents or face punishment.
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