The Oklahoma Legislature created a task force this week to explore ways to increase the number of citizens saving for college educations. House Concurrent Resolution 1075, authored by Senator Daisy Lawler and Rep. Randy Terrill, creates the Oklahoma College Savings Task Force.

A bill creating an online insurance verification pilot program is just one step away from becoming law. That’s according to Senate author James A. Williamson who said House Bill 3115 was approved by the full Senate on Thursday and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.

“We believe about 25 to 35 percent of driver’s are actually on the road without insurance,” said Williamson, R-Tulsa. “When they get involved in an accident, the other motorist is left holding the bag for thousands of dollars. It isn’t right and it’s high time we take some steps to address this costly problem.”

Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City said the 2006 legislative session saw some successes, but overall was average at best.

“The 2006 legislative session shows that a change in leadership is needed in the Oklahoma State Senate. We had a chance for an A+ session, but we ended up with an average session, at best,” Coffee said.

“On the one hand, the strong Republican minority in the Senate helped push through meaningful pro-life legislation, Medicaid reform, and more funding for roads and bridges in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Sen. Daisy Lawler said she was pleased that the full Senate had approved her measure creating a task force on Oklahoma illegal immigration issues. Senate Resolution 125 was approved by the Senate on Friday.

The Leader of the Senate today said while there is still unfinished business to attend to during a special session, he believes the Senate Democrats accomplished great things for the people of Oklahoma during the Second Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature.

“Every year at this time, leaders of the Legislature are asked to assign a grade to the session. Unfortunately, there is only one grade I can give to this session – an Incomplete.

“The most important job we have every year is to write the budget and fund government. This year, we haven’t managed to get that done yet. I am confident we will get the job done. There will not be a government shutdown. But I wouldn’t be telling you the truth if I didn’t say I was disappointed.

Legislation clearing the way for the creation of a world-class diabetes research and treatment center in Oklahoma is now on its way to Governor Brad Henry for his signature.

Senate Bill 1056, authored by Senators Cal Hobson and Glenn Coffee and Representative Thad Balkman, authorizes the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents to build the center, which would have locations at the OU Health Sciences Center campuses in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The measure was approved by both chambers on Friday.

State Sen. Mike Mazzei wants the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to reject an application that could increase utility costs for AEP-PSO residential and business customers. On Tuesday, Mazzei authored and won approval for Senate Resolution 115, which calls for the Commission to reject a long-term power sales agreement that would force the utility company to buy electricity from a planned cogeneration plant near Lawton.

The State Senate has passed a resolution honoring the outstanding career of professional football player, Troy Aikman. Senate Resolution 53, authored by Senator Frank Shurden, praises Aikman's athletic prowess throughout his high school, college and professional football career and congratulates him for being selected as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan issued the following statement in response to Governor Brad Henry’s issuance of a call for a special session to address the state budget.

“While it is unfortunate that we won’t be able to complete our budget work by Friday’s deadline, I believe the most important thing is that we do the job right. This year that will require some additional time.