Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I'm pleased that Governor Keating signed the supplemental appropriations, but it is disappointing that it took him so long to recognize the importance of the emergencies. If he had just exercised some leadership in this process, the supplemental measures would have been approved two weeks ago. There would have been no need to send out cut-off letters to
thousands of health care recipients across the state or delay other emergency funding actions."

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I had hoped that Governor Keating would take a more open-minded approach to the Texas Plan instead of injecting partisan politics into the debate. That's one of the main problems with this building. Elected officials tend to criticize ideas, not because they don't like them, but because they were generated by someone from a different political party. I think we should ignore party labels and have an open and honest debate about the Texas Plan."

OKLAHOMA CITY - When Oklahomans and visitors from other states come to the State Capitol, not only will they be able to enjoy numerous original works of art, they'll also be able learn something of the history of Oklahoma through those paintings and sculptures. That's according to Senator Charles Ford, President of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The organization will dedicate another such work of art during a ceremony Monday, March 26, 1:45 p.m. in the State Senate Chamber.

OKLAHOMA CITY - In the wake of more school shootings across the nation, the State Senate has approved legislation aimed at children who make violent threats against classmates and school employees, including kids who create so-called "hit-lists."

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Vice-chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee

"Governor Keating can't be a super legislature until he shows he can actually do the job of governor, and he hasn't done that yet. We've tried to meet with him for weeks and weeks to discuss budget needs and priorities, but for the most part, he's been absent without leave, just as he is almost every week of every legislative session."

A consultant to Governor Keating's state marriage initiative is billing the taxpayers for reading books, watching videos and performing other questionable tasks, according to the invoices she has submitted to the Department of Human Services.

Senator Kevin Easley, a state lawmaker who has criticized the contract and called for its suspension, said the bills submitted by Mary Myrick's firm are outrageous.

"It's crazy to make taxpayers pay someone to sit down on the couch and read a book or watch a video. I'm surprised they didn't bill us for popcorn," said Sen. Easley.

The State Senate has taken action to address a variety of emergency needs in Oklahoma, passing a general appropriations bill Tuesday that contains funding for heating assistance for the elderly, nursing home inspections, public education and health care, among other things.

Republican lawmakers blocked the emergency funding last week, but the latest action ensures that the money will be appropriated if and when Governor Keating signs the legislation.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at protecting students from inappropriate relationships with teachers or other school employees is awaiting House consideration after being approved by the full Senate.

Senate Bill 716, written by Senator Jonathan Nichols would raise the age of consent specifically for situations dealing with students and their teachers or other school personnel.

Legislative Republicans should end their hypocrisy and support a supplemental appropriations bill that would deliver emergency funding to heating assistance, nursing home inspectors, health care for the elderly and a variety of other pressing needs, according to the leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"Unfortunately, what Governor Keating has done today will do nothing to stop program cuts at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Simply advancing next month's appropriation does not give the OHCA the legal authority to overspend its budget. The OHCA has confirmed that fact. It will still have to make cuts and those children and vulnerable Oklahomans that Governor Keating says he wants to defend will still suffer.