Oklahoma's new fiscal year is off to a good start, posting $55 million in growth during the first quarter, according to the latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance. That's a good sign for the Oklahoma economy and state policy makers, according to a Senate budget leader.

"It's just one more sign that the economic policies we enacted in the wake of the oil bust are working. In fact, they're not only working, they're doing better than anyone ever expected," said Senator Kelly Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Citing recent advice from economic experts, a Senate leader is urging continued investment in education to boost Oklahoma's economic fortunes, particularly its personal income.

"Every time an economic expert analyzes our state, the advice is the same: Invest in education if you want your economic growth to continue and your personal income to rise. I for one am going to make sure we heed that advice, and put education at the top of the legislative agenda again," said Senator Darryl Roberts, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

Saying it could needlessly squander millions of taxpayers' dollars that would be better spent on new roads, a state lawmaker is calling for a massive highway bond issue to be recalled and declared invalid.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that this is a very bad deal for the people of Oklahoma. The way it's set up bond underwriters are going to make a lot of money at the expense of Oklahoma taxpayers," said Senator Dave Herbert.

Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor announced three appointments to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women today.

"This is a very important panel and it needs our best and brightest citizens to serve on it. I think our appointees will do an excellent job," said Senator Taylor.

The commission, created in 1994, addresses gender issues.

The Senate appointees include:

Oklahoma's new fiscal year is off to a good start, according to the latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance. That's a good sign for the Oklahoma economy, according to a Senate budget leader.

The latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance indicates continued growth in the Oklahoma economy, a sign that the state's economic policies are on the right track, according to a Senate budget leader.

"It continues to be the same old song, but I'm certainly not tired of hearing it. Whenever revenue collections increase, it means our economy is growing and that's good news for everyone in Oklahoma," said Senator Kelly Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

A sweeping crime bill, a historic road construction program and a $56 million tax cut for business highlighted a busy legislative session that adjourned Friday. After approving the state budget and passing hundreds of bills, legislators officially shut down their 1997 meeting at 5 P.M. Friday as mandated by the Oklahoma Constitution.

A joint legislative committee charged with examining the purchase and use of state aircraft will continue to work after the Legislature adjourns on May 30th. Legislative leaders announced today the panel will use the legislative interim to draft legislation and address any remaining issues in the inquiry.

With the Joint Committee on State Aircraft apparently entering the final leg of its inquiry, legislative leaders are congratulating panel members for the fact-finding work they've done to date.

"Before this committee began its work, the people of Oklahoma had legitimate questions about whether their $3 million was spent properly or improperly. Had it not been for the hard work and diligence of committee members, there are some things we probably never would have found out," said House Speaker Loyd Benson.

Senator Bruce Price is offering a helping hand to a new hog industry study commission created by Governor Keating, saying legislators have been working on the issue for a number of months.

"This has been a pressing issue in rural Oklahoma for some time. That's why we decided to get an early jump on it in the Legislature," said Senator Price.

"I think it would only be appropriate to offer our resources to Governor Keating since his study panel is just getting started."