Senator Dan Newberry along with a majority of the Senate voted in favor of Senate Resolution 5 strongly opposing the federal “Freedom of Choice Act.”

President Barack Obama recently promised that one of the top priorities of his new Administration would be to sign into law the “Freedom of Choice Act,” which classifies abortion as a fundamental right. If signed into law, this fundamental right would be equal to the right to free speech and the right to vote, rights that, unlike abortion, are specifically detailed in the United States Constitution.

Sen. Cliff Branan has filed legislation that would direct an increased portion of motor vehicle tax revenue to the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Fund. The Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Branan said the measure would redirect revenue currently going to the General Revenue Fund.

A trio of bills being pushed by Senate Democrats aimed at providing relief to Oklahoma’s veterans passed out of Senate committees today. Senate Bill 59 by Senator Andrew Rice is aimed at providing health care to veterans who do not qualify for medical coverage through their employer or through VA benefits and Senate Bill 255 by Senator Tom Ivester and Senate Bill 467 by Senator Kenneth Corn both seek to waive tuition expenses for Oklahoma veterans attending Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee formally announced his decision today to place Currie Ballard in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Senate.

Ballard is a noted and respected historian and community leader who brings a diverse background in politics and journalism to his new position. Ballard has served on a variety of commissions working on national, historical projects, and most recently served as historian-in-residence at Langston University for 12 years.

The Senate Finance Committee has approved legislation to remove the statutory trigger required to reduce the state’s income tax from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent, clearing the way for that reduction to take place in tax year 2010. Finance chairman Senator Mike Mazzei is the author of Senate Bill 315 which was approved on Tuesday.

“Governor Henry laid out a bold vision for Oklahoma today in his “State of the State” address and the Senate Democratic caucus stands ready to work with the Governor to continue moving Oklahoma forward.

“Health care is an issue our caucus is extremely passionate about and we have been at the forefront of this discussion of making access to affordable health care a greater reality for more Oklahoma families.

Sen. Jay Paul Gumm on Friday announced that another analysis of Nick’s Law shows that the proposal will have a minimal impact on insurance costs.

The Oklahoma State Education Employees Group Insurance Board this week released the findings of their study, which showed an impact to claims of 1 percent or less. Gumm said these findings are in line with those in a comprehensive study by Jim Bouder, which was presented to the Legislature in May.

The Republican majority looks forward to working with Senator Laster and his leadership team to move Oklahoma forward, even in this challenging fiscal environment in which will operate this session.

As I experienced in the minority, good ideas are not the sole domain of the majority. As I pledged on Senate organizational day, we will give a fair hearing to those ideas and proposals that will help grow our state, keep it safe and educated, build a stronger business climate, protect our families, and empower Oklahomans to prosper.

Sen. Randy Brogdon has authored a measure to block any efforts to relocate prisoners from the terrorist prison at Guantanamo Bay to Oklahoma. Thats after President Barack Obama signed an executive order to close the prison within a year. Brogdon said previous locations considered for inmates have included Fort Sill in southwestern Oklahoma. He said it is critical for the State Legislature to back efforts by Oklahomas Congressional delegation to stop that from happening.

Senator Don Barrington, R-Lawton, announced he is authoring Senate Bill 723 that will expand his successful Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to include school supplies and reference materials.