Created in 2007, the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is in its fourth year and Senators Don Barrington and Jay Paul Gumm hope that Oklahomans will take advantage of the cost-savings and make this year the most successful one so far.

“The legal challenge by Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland jeopardizes the health of thousands of Oklahomans and the financial condition of dozens of hospitals and nursing homes. I am deeply disappointed. Given her advocacy this past session in support of a dedicated insurance fee and her efforts these past two years to expand coverage for the uninsured, I am also surprised by her apparent policy reversals.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee has approved requests for twenty-four interim studies to be conducted in the coming months.

A variety of issues will be examined, including the areas of public safety, health, education, taxation and others. Studies were requested by twelve senators, and they will be heard in nine committees.

For a list of Senate interim studies, visit www.oksenate.gov and click on

Publications/Senate & Other Studies/Interim Studies.

Citizens will soon know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent in their local school districts thanks to a bill signed into law earlier this week. Sen. Randy Brogdon is author of Senate Bill 1633, which creates the School District Transparency Act. The bill is an expansion of Brogdon’s 2007 Taxpayer Transparency Act, which created a website to show taxpayers how the state spends their tax dollars.

The State Senate gave final passage Wednesday to legislation addressing the state’s transportation funding needs. Senate Bill 1941, by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, will create the Innovative Funding for Oklahoma Roads Task Force.

A new law will go on the books this year to give Oklahomans the option of listing their post office box number or other mailing address on their driver license instead of their physical address. Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, introduced the measure at the request of a citizen from his district.

The Senate on Thursday honored one of its own, Assistant Secretary of the Senate Currie Ballard for his many accomplishments and life of public service.

Gov. Brad Henry has signed a bill into law that will ensure Oklahoma taxidermists are not stuck with the expense of preparing trophies should hunters not pick up the mount.

The measure, Senate Bill 1275, was written by Senator Jay Paul Gumm after a local Bryan County taxidermist contacted him about the problem. Rep. John Carey, who also represents Bryan County, was the House sponsor of the measure.

State Sen. Jim Reynolds said the clock is ticking on Senate Joint Resolution 5, a measure to cut the growth of annual property tax valuations. The legislation would let Oklahomans vote to lower the current property value cap from a maximum of five percent to three percent.

“Republicans have championed the sanctity of life for decades, and today we once again saw our efforts come to fruition with bipartisan support behind these critical measures. My fellow colleagues in the Senate and House chose to uphold Oklahoma values and overwhelming override the Governor’s veto.

“As a former Secret Service agent, I had a calling to protect people and their rights. Our pro-life legislation protects not only the unborn child, but the mother as well, allowing her to have informed consent prior to an abortion.