The life and work of evangelist Oral Roberts was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate on Thursday, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 25. Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, was principle author of the measure, and said 91-year-old Robert’s impact in both religion and education has been world-wide.

“As Oklahomans, I think most of us are familiar with Oral Roberts, his ministry, and the university he founded in Tulsa, but I don’t know if most people realize how much influence he’s had around the world,” said Newberry.

Members of the Oklahoma Legislature joined with citizens around the state and nation in recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Sen. Earl Garrison introduced SCR 20 endorsing the special event.

"Now more than ever with our country facing the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, we need to look to the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and discernment on how to address this crisis," said Garrison, D-Muskogee.

The State Senate honored two of Oklahoma's outstanding teachers Tuesday. Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, by Sen. Earl Garrison and Rep. Jerry McPeak, congratulated the 2008 Milken Educator Award winner Ronia Davison and the 2009 Oklahoma Medal of Excellence winner Georgie Chapuis - both of which teach at the Sadler Arts Academy in Muskogee.

The full Senate has paid tribute to the first Boy Scout Troop founded in the United States. Lawmakers gave unanimous approval Monday to Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, recognizing the 1909 Pawhuska troop as the first to be founded in America. Sen. Joe Sweeden is principal author of SCR 24. The measure was co-authored by Rep. Eddie Fields, R-Wynona.

Relief is on the way for Oklahoma families dealing with autism after the Governor signed Senate Bill 135, by Sen. Ron Justice, into law Monday. The measure will increase the number of trained specialists to treat autism spectrum disorders while allowing the open market to adjust coverage based on the demand of services.

The State Legislature honored the life and work of Oklahoma artist Willard Stone last week. Sen. Mary Easley and Rep. Ben Sherrer authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 recognizing Stone's artistic ability and many accomplishments.

"Willard Stone was a gifted man whose pride in his Native American heritage can be seen in his wonderful works of art," said Easley, D-Wagoner. "I applaud the Gilcrease Museum for their fitting tribute to his extraordinary artwork; and I hope that citizens will take the time to go see the works of one of our state's most gifted artists."

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee named the 23 members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to the General Conference Committee on Appropriations today.

“I’m very proud of the conferees on this panel,” Coffee said. “We’ve streamlined the process this year, naming members who bring direct experience in this year’s appropriations process, and we anticipate a productive path toward moving the budget forward in the coming days.

Senators named to the GCCA include:

Senator Mike Johnson - Chair

“We knew in January when Senate Republicans changed the rules to include special protection for one specific industry—the powerful insurance industry—we would be faced with a barrage of bills that would make it harder to make health care more affordable for Oklahoma families.

Beginning November 1, trucking companies will finally be able to purchase oversize and/or overweight annual vehicle permits to replace the current permits which have to be requested with each delivery. The new annual permit was created by House Bill 2054, which was recently approved by the Governor. Sen. Bryce Marlatt is the Senate principal author of the measure.

Noting that Republicans have held the majority in the State Senate for fifty legislative days of the 101-year history of the state of Oklahoma, Senate Republicans marked the occasion with a news conference to shine light on their many accomplishments in a very short time.