Press Releases

State Sen. Roger Thompson and State Rep. Weldon Watson were joined this week by ten other members of the House and Senate in signing a letter urging members of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to approve Public Service Company of Oklahomas application for preapproval for the Wind Catcher Energy Connection Project.

State Sen. Greg McCortney has been chosen to co-chair a bipartisan, bicameral working group examining the best way to implement medical marijuana in Oklahoma.  The first meeting will be this Wednesday, June 25, at 2:00 in room 535 of the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall on Thursday announced the lawmakers who will serve on the bipartisan, bicameral working group on medical marijuana implementation.

The legislative leaders announced the formation of the group last week. The first meeting will be July 25. Meetings will be open to the public. The working group will meet with various stakeholders and will make recommendations on a permanent regulatory framework for the implementation of State Question 788.
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The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has approved a state grant for the Guymon Municipal Airport that will fund significant improvements.  State Sen. Casey Murdock said the project will include installing new LED medium intensity runway lights, new electrical vault and home run wiring, upgrade signage to LED, and install an omnidirectional approach lighting system (ODALS) and a flight inspection on the ODALS. 

Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks (D-Norman) released the following statement on behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus:

“The Senate Democratic Caucus urges Governor Fallin to call the legislature into special session to address issues related to medical marijuana. Today’s letter from Attorney General Mike Hunter to Health Department Interim Director Tom Bates clearly concludes the Board of Health approved medical marijuana rules exceeding its statutory authority.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat, R-Edmond, released the list of approved 2018 interim studies. A total of 43 requests were approved.

Treat requested an interim study on the development of a legislative budget office that would provide additional data and resources to state lawmakers. read more.

The State Supreme Court ruled in June that the petition to repeal increases in cigarette, fuel and energy taxes was deeply flawed and said the ballot title was misleading. The court also said required information about legislation the petition was seeking to repeal left out required material. Under the ruling the group, which was led by former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, had until July 18 to circulate a new petition. read more.

State Senator Adam Pugh has been selected to receive the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association Legislative Award at the 2018 OSA Awards Banquet this summer.

Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat today announced the creation of a bi-partisan working group of House and Senate members to begin working with all medical marijuana stakeholders to determine a path forward for implementation that conforms to the will of the voters who recently approved State Question 788.
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OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attended the Oklahoma Educators & Industry Partnership (OEIP) Educator Camp and roundtable discussion on June 25th at the Rogers State University facility located at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor. 

            This year’s camp focused on four critical industry sectors for the state of Oklahoma, with leading area businesses participating in the event, including manufacturing (Baker Hughes), energy (GRDA), aerospace (Nordam), and port logistics (Tulsa Port of Catoosa). 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at cutting costs for those who use groundwater in Oklahoma was celebrated at a ceremonial signing in the governor’s blue room at the state Capitol last month.  Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Enid, authored Senate Bill 1294 this year and says the measure offers significant savings for many across the state.

OKLAHOMA CITY - State Senator Casey Murdock applauded Governor Mary Fallin’s announcement this week of Britt Hilton’s appointment to the State Board of Agriculture.  Hilton owns and manages a cow-calf and stocker operation in Gate. He will serve the remaining term of Joe Mayer, who passed away in May.