“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.

A measure to better protect older Oklahomans has now cleared both chambers and is on its way to Gov. Brad Henry. On Thursday the House joined the Senate in approving Senate Bill 1289. Sen. Harry Coates is principal author of the measure. He said the bill closes a loophole in current state law aimed at restricting dangerous criminals from working in nursing homes, assisted living centers or adult day care centers.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Todd Lamb applauded his colleagues as they completed the people’s business a day early in the State Senate, saving the state more than $5,000.

“We as the Senate worked tirelessly this week to approve quality legislation and save taxpayer dollars at the same time,” said Lamb. “During a challenging budget year, the Senate recognized the importance of implementing cost-saving measures and adjourning a day early allowed us to do just that.”

The state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation that would strengthen Oklahoma’s foster care system by incorporating non-profit organizations and faith-based entities into the state’s program.

The full Senate has given its approval to a bill that will name a section of a state highway in honor of an Oklahoma woman who was killed six years ago in Iraq. State Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, and Rep. Larry Glenn, D-Miami, are the authors of House Bill 2621, which names portion of State Highway 25 in northeastern Oklahoma as the “Fern Holland Memorial Highway.”

The State Senate Monday gave bipartisan approval to five sanctity of life bills, providing more safeguards for the unborn.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he was encouraged by his colleagues’ efforts and success in pushing for strong, pro-life reforms.

“Senate Republicans continue to fight for life of the unborn, and we saw members from both parties join together in supporting this great cause,” said Coffee. “Oklahomans have consistently voted and called for measures like these, and today we have held true to Oklahoma values.”

The state Senate on Tuesday congratulated the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team for a season that saw the Lady Sooners reach the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year. The team is the first in state history to appear in consecutive Final Fours, and one of just eight programs in women’s college basketball history to achieve the feat.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he is extremely pleased that a measure to strengthen Oklahomans’ Second Amendment Rights will soon be on the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 1685, the “Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act,” authored by Brogdon, R-Owasso, and Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City, was approved by the House on Tuesday.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee today named Co-Chairmen and Co-Vice Chairmen of the 2010 Redistricting Committee. Senators Clark Jolley (R-Edmond) and Mike Schulz (R-Altus) will serve as Co-Chairmen of the committee, joined by Co-Vice Chairmen Senators Andrew Rice (D-OKC) and Sean Burrage (D-Claremore).

On a bipartisan vote of 38 to 8, the full Senate on Wednesday gave its approval to a voluntary measure aimed at persuading more Oklahoma restaurants to go smoke-free. State Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, and Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, are authors of the “Clean Air in Restaurants Act.” Jolley explained the goal of House Bill 2774 is to provide restaurants with financial incentives to go completely smoke-free by 2012.