(OKLAHOMA CITY) Although the beginning of the next session of the Oklahoma Legislature is still more than three months away, Senate Appropriations sub-committees have already begun preliminary work on the Fiscal Year 2005 budget, the Senate’s chief budget framer said Tuesday.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan said the meetings, which began last week and will continue over the next six weeks, are part of the Legislature’s new zero-based budgeting initiative.

(OKLAHOMA CITY) An energy company executive and an Oklahoma City businessman have been selected to lead a new state task force that will examine the potential financial savings related to reorganizing or consolidating the administrative functions of Oklahoma’s public schools.

“After two years of almost dreading the next report on the state’s revenue picture, the first quarter numbers are certainly welcome news.

“But we can’t lose sight of the fact that we have a long ways to go and a couple of sizeable hurdles still in our way. We utilized more than $200 million in one-time money to bridge last year’s budget gap – money we won’t have next session.

“And while our first quarter numbers are good, the growth in state revenues is based largely on increases in gross production taxes resulting from higher than anticipated energy prices.

State Senator Mike Morgan was in Guthrie Friday afternoon, October 3, to present three-time national champion fiddler Byron Berline with a Citation of Appreciation on behalf of the State Senate honoring the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival.

“Bluegrass is truly American music and our state has many, many talented bluegrass musicians. This festival brings them together along with musicians from around the world for thousands of fans to enjoy—and it helps provide college scholarships for young musicians,” said Morgan, D-Stillwater.

An interim committee looking at ways to encourage oil and gas exploration while protecting the environment held its first meeting at the State Capitol today. Senator Kevin Easley, D-Broken Arrow, requested the study and is hopeful it will help the state develop a more comprehensive energy plan.

(Oklahoma City) Senate Majority Whip Sam Helton, D-Lawton, has been appointed to the state commission dedicated to protecting Oklahoma’s military installations from being downsized or closed.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, announced Helton’s appointment to the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission Tuesday. He replaces the late Senator Keith Leftwich on the commission.

Fort Sill in Lawton is in Helton’s Senate district.

(Oklahoma City) Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced today the appointment of two veteran senators to fill key committee chairmanships that had been held by the late Senator Keith Leftwich.

Senate President Pro Tempore Emeritus Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore, will assume chairmanship of the Senate Transportation Committee. Senator Gilmer Capps, D-Snyder, will chair the Senate Appropriations Sub-committee on General Government and Transportation.

Hobson also announced that second-term Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, will assume responsibilities as Majority Whip.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Friday that Majority Whip Keith Leftwich leaves a “lasting legacy of courage and public service.”

Leftwich died peacefully Friday morning at his home in south Oklahoma City after a long fight with cancer

“Keith Leftwich was the bravest man I have ever known. He maintained his grace and dignity throughout his courageous battle. Everyone in the Senate is grieved by his passing and his family will be in our prayers,” said Hobson, D-Lexington.

Although Senator Keith Leftwich lost his battle with cancer on Friday, the South Oklahoma City Democrat left the state an important legacy of public service and legislation that made Oklahoma a better place to live, work and raise a family. The 49-year-old lawmaker died at approximately 10:30 this morning. He was initially diagnosed with cancer in January 2002. He is survived by his wife Debbe and their sons, Kurt and Kevin.

(Oklahoma City) - Senators across the state will once again be traveling to schools in their districts to personally meet with students, answer questions and share ideas from the students in the public school system.

The Senators will also provide the students with a greater understanding of the legislative process through explaining how a bill is drafted and the steps a bill goes through to become law.