One of the first Senate votes for the 2008 Legislative Session honored President Ronald Reagan and declared February 6, 2008 “Ronald Reagan Day,” in Oklahoma.

Co-Chair Mazzei Discusses Legislation to ‘Sunset’ Most Tax Incentives, Proposes Criteria for Future Tax Breaks

The State Senate Finance Committee began a review of Oklahoma’s tax incentives on Tuesday, hearing testimony from Dr. James Wilbanks, chairman of the state Incentive Review Committee.

Wilbanks discussed his committee’s work, and their proposed criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of tax incentives.

Finance Committee Co-Chairman Mike Mazzei said he wants the tax incentive review to be a bipartisan effort.

“Governor Henry provided an inspirational state of the state address today calling on the Legislature to invest in the future of our state and continue the progress we have made over the course of the last 100 years.

“His agenda to keep Oklahoma growing during its second century of statehood provides all Oklahomans an opportunity to have a brighter future and demands responsibility from each of us.

“I look forward to working with the Governor and members of the entire Oklahoma Legislature to find common ground on issues important to the great people of our state.”

State Senator Andrew Rice (D-OKC) today praised the life and work of former Democratic State Representative Opio Toure, who died this morning after a long battle with a chronic lung condition.

“We are all saddened today by the loss of our good friend, Representative Toure, who was a consummate champion for social rights in Oklahoma,” Rice said. “He will be remembered as someone who fiercely represented the needs of the people he represented in Oklahoma City. Today, we will honor and commend his service to the people of Oklahoma.”

A recent ranking by a gun control group gives a timely boost to an effort to attract firearms manufacturers to Oklahoma, according to the lawmaker who initiated the endeavor.

Last Thursday, the Brady Campaign – a group that advocates gun control measures – said Oklahoma was tied with Kentucky having the fewest gun control “points” in a national study. Out of a possible 100 points, the two states scored a two.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A proposal by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant to end the state’s grocery tax made the list of “100 Ideas” made by Oklahomans to improve the state.

Over the course of the past year, more than 3,500 ideas were submitted through a website and thousands more were collected at “Idea Raisers” held by communities across Oklahoma. The proposal to end the grocery tax was the “Number 25” idea.

With President Bush and the U.S. Congress working to pass a bipartisan economic stimulus package, State Sen. Don Barrington wants to ensure that the federal tax rebates included in the package are exempt from state income taxes.

“If the State of Oklahoma taxes these federal rebates, it will diminish the impact of the stimulus package on our state’s economy,” Barrington said. “It is imperative that the Legislature takes action this session to make sure Oklahomans don’t have to fork over part of their federal rebate to the state government.”

Common-sense measures to strengthen families and better utilize existing nutrition programs are among strategies to address hunger in Oklahoma identified by the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger in its final report delivered today to the Governor and leaders from the Senate and the House.

The report includes recommendations for increased coordination among services organizations and ways to extend existing outreach to serve more people. The report also includes strategies to involve schools and improve students' access to sufficient and nutritious food.

2008 Legislative Agenda Focuses on Opportunity and Responsibility

“It has become apparent in recent weeks the Speaker has come under scrutiny for certain personal matters.

“If Rep. Cargill believes issues in his personal life are interfering with his ability to serve the people of this state, I believe he has made the best decision to step down from his duties as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“He has always treated me with respect and it has been a pleasure working with him on issues important to our state. I wish him well during this trying time, and will keep Lance and his family in my prayers.”