OKLAHOMA CITY - Many Oklahomans were shocked when evidence pointed to a connection between an Oklahoma flight school and at least one of the suspected terrorists linked to the September 11th attack on America.

In an effort to derail any similar terrorist training in Oklahoma in the future, Senator Kevin Easley, D- Broken Arrow, has drafted a bill that would make it unlawful for anyone to instruct someone who is not a United States citizen in learning flight skills or procedures, or participating in ground school courses.

New safeguards designed to keep tobacco products out of the hands of Oklahoma youngsters will be on the agenda when the Legislature convenes in February.

State Senator Mike Morgan has filed SB 1310 - legislation that would strengthen state laws that address tobacco sales to minors and related issues.

Senator Keith Leftwich and Representative Al Lindley today announced a sweeping program to fight the scourge of organized prostitution that has plagued parts of Oklahoma City for several years.

Far from being a victimless crime, Senator Leftwich and Representative Lindley said part of South Oklahoma City is literally under assault due to the high numbers of prostitutes, pimps and customers who frequent the area.

State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield will be pushing for the creation of an Oklahoma sales tax holiday again this year, saying the proposal will save consumers money and boost the state economy at the same time. "I know it's been said about a lot of things, but this truly is a win-win proposition. If we can help families make ends meet and boost economic development all at once, I think we ought to give it a try. We know it works for Texas. Let's make it work for Oklahoma too," said the Ardmore legislator.

With the entire state facing a major budget crunch, Senator Carol Martin says the time is right for the legislature to adopt her proposal allowing school districts to share administrative costs.

"Once again, I am proposing a strictly voluntary method of allowing school districts to retain their identities while cutting costs dramatically by sharing administrative costs," explained Senator Martin.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Charting the course to a more prosperous future for Oklahoma families, the Senate Republican caucus released their legislative priorities for the 2002 legislative session. Refuting the notion that the current budget shortfall makes it difficult to initiate change, the Republicans believe that times like this are the exact reason the legislature needs to adopt a new way of doing business at the state capitol.

Committing an act of terrorism or instigating a hoax related to terrorist activities would soon become a felony under Oklahoma law if State Senator Frank Shurden gets his way. The Henryetta legislator has authored Senate Bill 822 - legislation that would update Oklahoma statutes to include penalties for crimes related to terrorism. While the state already has laws addressing such offenses as murder and assault, Sen. Shurden noted that Oklahoma statutes are largely silent on the issue of terrorism.

If State Senator Jeff Rabon gets his way, Oklahoma public school students will soon be observing a moment of silence in their classroom each day.

The Hugo legislator has filed a bill that would require public school administrators to set aside a minute of silence each day for prayer, meditation or reflection. He is currently working with Attorney General Drew Edmondson to review the bill's language to make sure it passes legal muster.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"Just like all Oklahomans, I'm very concerned about the jobs our state is losing because of the Phillips-Conoco merger. If there is anything that we can do to prevent those job losses or lessen the economic impact of them, I am certainly interested in pursuing it."

-- Says reform more critical than ever in light of Phillips Petroleum's relocation

OKLAHOMA CITY-State Senator Glenn Coffee today urged the Democrat legislative leaders to reconvene the current special session to address the repeal of Oklahoma's income tax. The Oklahoma City legislator likened the announced relocation of Phillips Petroleum to that of Fleming Foods when they moved their headquarters from Oklahoma City in 1999.