Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Carri Hicks has been given approval for two studies to be held during the 2020 interim.  One study will examine standards of care of diabetes and the needed insurance coverage to prevent negative health outcomes. A second study will look at the sale of padded crib bumpers and risks of suffocation and strangulation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – After serving three years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, will continue his service to the citizens of Lincoln, Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties in the Oklahoma Senate. Taylor was joined by his family for an intimate ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday.

Northeastern Oklahoma native Daniel Webster was selected by President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, to serve as a member of the Rural Broadband Expansion Council to represent the interests of rural business enterprises.

In light of recent social media posts documenting the care of veterans at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Lawton, Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton; Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika; Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton; Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin; Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; and Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, released the following joint statement:

OKLAHOMA CITY – The leader of the Oklahoma Senate on Friday released the list of approved studies for the 2020 interim. Senators submitted 64 requests and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat said that 39 study requests were approved.

Treat said the study requests were assigned to the standing Senate policy committee with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the request. Now that the studies have been assigned to Senate committees, committee chairs will determine when to conduct the studies, Treat said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate leaders Thursday announced more details of the process the Oklahoma Senate Select Committee on Redistricting will use as the Senate prepares for redistricting next year upon receipt of data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

The moves will ensure the general public’s role in the upcoming redistricting process in the Senate, said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – In response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court today declaring recent gaming agreements void under Oklahoma law, legislative leaders issued the following statements:

Senator Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City) released the following statement in response to Governor Stitt’s announcement on Friday that federal COVID-19 relief funds from the CARES Act will be directed to private schools:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. James Leewright, R-Bristow, and Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today announced bills backing law enforcement by making the profession more attractive to join and stay in across Oklahoma.

In recent days, eight police officers nationwide were shot over 48 hours, resulting in two officer deaths. Two weeks ago, two Tulsa police officers were shot, resulting in the death of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement Friday regarding the decision of proponents of State Question 810 to withdraw their initiative petition:

Calling him a true American hero, Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, said they were deeply gratified that University of Oklahoma gridiron star James Robert “Bob” Kalsu would be inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame this fall.  Kalsu’s widow, Jan Kalsu, is a constituent of the two legislators.  Kalsu was killed in action in South Vietnam 50 years ago this month.

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman joins all of Tulsa in mourning the loss of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson, who was killed in action on June 29. 

"Sgt. Johnson answered the call to serve with a heart for our community. He was a Tulsa Police Department Purple Heart recipient and was an exceptional member of our community who will be greatly missed.”

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman joins all of Tulsa in mourning the loss of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson, who was killed in action on June 29. 

"Sgt. Johnson answered the call to serve with a heart for our community. He was a Tulsa Police Department Purple Heart recipient and was an exceptional member of our community who will be greatly missed.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement after State Question 802 was approved by a vote of the people in Tuesday’s primary election:

State Sen. Greg McCortney, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, issued the following statement Tuesday on the resignation of Sec. of Health and Mental Health, Jerome Loughridge, who was appointed to that position by Gov. Kevin Stitt in March of 2019.

OKLAHOMA CITY – As historical statues and monuments continue to be targeted by protestors across the country, Oklahoma State Senator Casey Murdock wants to see those works of art preserved for educational and historic purposes.  He’s proposing bringing those stone and bronze pieces to Senate District 27, which includes nine counties in northwestern Oklahoma and the panhandle.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD) recently awarded more than $1.5 million in grants through the 2020 Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, announced that Muskogee and Tahlequah will be receiving funding to construct and improve recreational trails in the area.

Sen. Julie Daniels has been recognized by the Research Institute for Economic Development (REID) for her support of Oklahoma businesses, economic growth and job creation.  The Bartlesville Republican had a 100% voting record on the ten economic development and business bills tracked by REID during the 2020 legislative session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Friday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery.  The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.

OKLAHOMA CITY - State legislators representing western Oklahoma are applauding a decision by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to keep their Sayre office in Beckham County open for in-person services.