OKLAHOMA CITY - Having been selected to sculpt the statue that will top the new State Capitol Dome, Five Tribes Master Artist Enoch Kelly Haney has now met with architects and engineers to finalize the dimensions of the sculpture.

"Obviously, there are the artistic, esthetic considerations involved, as well as the engineering and architectural demands regarding height and weight," noted Senator Haney.

Haney said it has been determined that the bronze sculpture will be 17 feet high, and weigh approximately 4 to 4 ½ tons.

A Senate leader is offering some remedial education to one of Governor Keating's education appointees, reminding him that the Governor has been less than supportive of the Legislature's efforts to improve school funding and protect education revenue sources.

Senator Cal Hobson was responding to remarks made by Luke Corbett at a State Board of Education meeting Tuesday. Corbett, a board member appointed by Governor Keating, complained that Legislature had not appropriated enough money for school needs, but failed to mention the Governor's role in the process.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, is again urging Oklahoma officials to take a closer look at the second of recent agreements on hog farms and the environment reached by government and industry officials in North Carolina.

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I agree that this is a critical issue, but I'm just not sure that a special session is the best way to address it. I'm certainly willing to discuss the matter, but I think it's important to examine every possible alternative before we commit to a special session. If we can address the problems caused by the drought and the wildfires without spending tax money on a special session, I think that would be a more prudent course of action."

Health and Human Services Secretary Jerry Regier will appear before a special legislative committee on Monday to discuss ongoing efforts to close Eastern State Hospital in Vinita.

Regier is scheduled to testify at a meeting of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Eastern State Hospital Transition on Monday, October 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. The committee will also hear from a citizens' advisory panel that has raised concerns about the Eastern State shutdown.

OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to the increasing fire danger across Oklahoma, a joint interim study meeting on fire danger and hay supply is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27th at 10:00 AM, according to Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta and Representative M.C. Leist, D-Morris.

The interim study will focus on problems the recent dry weather has created and will address the wildfires, crop damage and the number of homes burned in recent weeks.

Even though he was the chief architect of the plan to close Eastern State Hospital in Vinita, Health and Human Services Secretary Jerry Regier is trying to dodge responsibility for recent problems associated with the shutdown. That according to a state lawmaker who has repeatedly cautioned Regier about moving too quickly to close the mental health facility.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Recognized for his "outstanding dedication to Oklahoma's children," Senator Mike Morgan was honored today at a ceremony in downtown Oklahoma City for his legislation aimed at fighting child abuse.

The award was presented by the Oklahoma Professional Society on the Abuse of Children in connection with the 8th Oklahoma Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect and Healthy Families Oklahoma 2000 Conference.

Oklahoma's only passenger rail service will soon be faster and better, according to a state legislator who has worked hard to expand Amtrak's presence in the state.

State Senator Dave Herbert said the Heartland Flyer will be able to increase its speed and add a lounge-dinette car, thanks to actions taken by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Kelly Haney wants to know if Oklahoma is doing everything possible to maximize its international trade potential. The Senate Leader is in the midst on an economic development and cultural exchange program that will take him through parts of Europe and Asia.