OKLAHOMA CITY - Just two days after Senator Kelly Haney initiated an inquiry into skyrocketing propane prices, Governor Frank Keating has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for action to protect Oklahoma consumers.

"I'm glad to have the Governor on board," said Senator Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "If we present a united front, I think we'll stand a much better chance of getting Oklahoma consumers the relief they deserve."

A host of familiar faces will lead the Oklahoma Senate when the Legislature convenes for its 1997 session in February. Senator Stratton Taylor, who will return for his second term as President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, formally announced leadership and committee assignments for the 46th session of the Oklahoma Legislature today.

"There will be a few changes, but for the most part, the Senate leadership structure will remain as is," said Senator Taylor. "We've got a team that's been working hard and doing well so there's really no need to change the line-up.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma has one of the lowest tax and fee burdens in the country, according to a new study by a conservative taxpayer's watchdog group in California. The findings of the California Taxpayer's Association were released in an analysis by the Oklahoma Senate staff today.

The latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance is further evidence that Oklahoma's economy is growing and state economic policies are working, according to a Senate budget leader.

"The numbers tell the story, and in this case, it's a very encouraging story," said Senator Cal Hobson, vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In a move that should cut government red tape for hundreds of Oklahoma communities and businesses, the State Department of Environmental Quality has taken over wastewater discharge responsibilities from the federal government, according to a state legislator.

When he returns to the State Capitol for the coming legislative session, State Senator Darryl Roberts will serve as one of the top budget leaders in the Oklahoma Legislature.

The Ardmore legislator was named chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education today, the committee that controls almost 60 percent of the state's $3.8 billion budget.

"This is a great opportunity, not just for me, but for all the people in southern Oklahoma. I'm going to make sure our area schools aren't neglected in the big budget picture," said Senator Roberts.

Saying Governor Keating took his best shot at taking over the Legislature and failed, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate is urging the State Chief Executive to drop his confrontational attack style and adopt a more non-partisan approach to governing.

The latest revenue report from the Office of State Finance is further evidence that Oklahoma's economy is growing and state economic policies are working, according to a Senate budget leader.

"Just when it seems like we've peaked, our economic numbers get better," said Senator Kelly Haney, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "The latest numbers indicate that we're doing a lot of things right on the economic development front."

Senator Haney was referring to the September revenue collection report issued by the Office of State Finance today.

Because the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is currently running a large surplus, Governor Keating should direct his appointees to lower tolls on Oklahoma turnpikes, according to a state legislator.

"Apparently the tolls are too high. Otherwise the turnpike authority wouldn't be pulling in so much surplus money," said Senator Bruce Price, who has been a vocal critic of recent plans for turnpike expansions and toll increases.

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

The statement issued by Governor Keating is nothing more than a campaign press release. I don't know how the Governor can justify spending taxpayers dollars on something so blatantly partisan less than two months before the election.