The Oklahoma State Senate is once again leading the way in utilizing the latest technology for more open government and better public service. President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson has announced the Senate is now officially Oklahoma’s newest wireless internet hot-spot.

“We’re very excited about this latest innovation. It means that visitors to the Senate will be able to have full internet access through their wireless laptop computers. They’ll be able to access legislation, streaming and digital audio, web-based email and more,” Hobson said.

Senator Nancy Riley has once again filed legislation that will increase the amount an individual serving in the Armed Forces can take as an income tax deduction.

Under current law, the $1,500 of the salary an individual receives from any component of the military may be taken as an income tax deduction. Provisions of Senate Bill 46 would increase the tax deduction amount to $3,000, if the bill passes the legislative hurdles during the upcoming session.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson

“First, I want to put an end to the spread of false information. I never agreed to a moratorium on further lawsuit reform last year and I was never asked to sign any such agreement. I have said repeatedly that in the coming session Oklahoma will become the first state in the country to address lawsuit reform for the third consecutive year

“We can still improve our system of civil justice, in particular, by focusing on the repeat offenders in both the medical and legal communities.

Statement by Senate Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan

“Governor Henry’s proposal does more than just continue the advancements we made last year when we fully funded health insurance premiums for our teachers and agreed to increase their salaries to the regional average.

A veteran State Senator has introduced legislation to reform the way Oklahoma purchases, manages and disposes of state-owned vehicles.

Citing a November 2004 report by the State Auditor and Inspector which said the state could save more than $20 million on vehicle costs over the next 10 years if authority over state-owned vehicles was centralized, State Senate Frank Shurden has introduced the “Fleet Management Reform Act.”

“The Prescription Assistance program, created as a result of legislation passed by Governor Henry during his time in the Oklahoma State Senate, serves as a wonderful model for the rest of the state.

“I believe we must build upon the success of the Norman program and find ways to expand the program to other parts of the state so that all Oklahomans have an opportunity to save on the costs of prescription drugs. That is why I authored a bill in the Senate that will build upon the success of the pilot program in Norman.

Five days after introducing their own plan to lower taxes and provide incentives for business growth, Senate Democrats Tuesday praised Governor Henry for offering his own tax proposal and vowed to work with the governor in an effort to make a better tomorrow for Oklahoma’s children.

Statement by Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson

“I’m encouraged by what I have seen of Governor Henry’s plan so far and I remain convinced we will be able to reach a workable solution in the coming weeks.
“I continue to believe that to reduce workers’ compensation rates we have to focus on the big ticket item of healthcare, which accounts for more than half of the overall cost of the system.
“Further, we must encourage increased workplace safety and do all we can to root out and punish fraud by employers as well as employees.

State Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-OKC, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha, have announced plans to form a caucus for women serving in the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives.

Sen. Leftwich, a former chair of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, said she was excited about having a legislative coalition for women to focus on issues important to Oklahoma families.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced Monday that passage of the Higher Education Bond Issue legislation will be his first priority when the First Session of the Oklahoma Legislature convenes Monday.

Hobson said he has asked Majority Floor Leader Ted Fisher to assign the bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee and has asked Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan and Education Sub-Committee Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield to hear the bill as soon as possible.

“It’s my goal to have the full Senate consider the bill in February,” Hobson said.