Senate Republicans Announce Policy Agenda for 2009 Legislative Session

Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate released their policy agenda for the 2009 legislative session today, calling for a fairer and more business friendly tax policy, reform of the archaic and business-unfriendly legal system in Oklahoma, and to continue to improve our state’s infrastructure.

In concurrent news conferences in the State Capitol and Tulsa, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and Republican Caucus Chairman John Ford said Senate Republicans also desire to reform Oklahoma’s election system, assuring clean and fair elections while imposing term limits on statewide elected officials, as well as provide health care access to more Oklahomans and to continue to promote national energy independence through a vibrant Oklahoma energy industry.

“Republicans have sat in the background in forming public policy for too many years now,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, “but with thanks to the voters of our state, we will now have a seat at the head of the table.

“We will not squander this opportunity,” he continued. “We believe the voters responded to the better ideas we offered in campaigns across the state, and we will do all we can in cooperation with the Governor and the House to deliver a new brand of government in Oklahoma.”

“Oklahomans have given Senate Republicans a great responsibility,” said Republican Caucus Chairman John Ford. “We recognize the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead of us, and we are committed to working together in bringing positive reforms to Oklahoma.”

Major policy initiatives proposed by Senate Republicans include:

Establishing a more fair and equitable tax system and responsible budgeting practices in Oklahoma government;

Ensuring sufficient funding for our state’s infrastructure, particularly the roads and bridges which will allow our business climate to grow and prosper, and protect the safety of commuters across the state;

Protecting Oklahoma families through more affordable healthcare options and providing access to top quality healthcare to all Oklahomans;

Shoring up the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement system for all present and future educators in the system, allowing us to attract and keep better teachers for generations to come, and providing more local control and greater choice for school boards and parents;

Improving our legal system and business climate by reforming our Workers Compensation system and continuing the charge to reform our tort process, thereby lowering costs, creating jobs, attracting more physicians and protecting the rights of all Oklahomans.

The 2009 legislative session begins Monday, February 2, and runs through the last Friday in May.

The November elections gave Republicans a majority in the State Senate for the first time in State history with a total of 26 members.