Democratic and Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate Tuesday announced they will immediately pass a $1.5 million supplemental appropriation for the state's military department to help replace aging and dilapidated National Guard armories.

The Senate will take up the supplemental appropriation later Tuesday in House Bill 1184, and the measure could be on the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

The State Senate on Wednesday honored the public service career of former Senator Gary Gardenhire, passing a resolution wishing him well upon his retirement.

Gardenhire’s most recent role in public service concluded in February, when he retired from his position as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Health Department. Sen. Jonathan Nichols authored Senate Resolution 28, praising the distinguished veteran and lifelong public servant for his numerous contributions to the state.

The Senate passed Senate Resolution 25 Wednesday designating April 4, 2007 as "4-H Day" at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The resolution was authored by Senators Ron Justice and Charles Wyrick.

"This organization has always been a big part of my life and has a very special place in my heart," said Justice, R-Chickasha. "I really appreciate everyone who has come today to help educate others about the wonderful contributions that 4-H is making to our local communities and our state as a whole."

An extraordinary Tulsa woman was honored by the Senate Tuesday for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to her family and community. Senate Resolution 27, by Sen. Bill Brown, congratulates Chastity "Chazz" Anderson for her selection as Mrs. Oklahoma 2006 and commends her for helping raise awareness of Lupus in Oklahoma.

The Senate honored a remarkable woman Tuesday for her dedication to her family and to helping bring awareness to sexual abuse in Oklahoma. Sen. Nancy Riley authored Senate Resolution 26 commending Melissa “Missy” Soto on her selection as Mrs. Sand Springs 2007 and for her dedication to giving a voice to the silent crime of sexual abuse in the state.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Tuesday in favor of legislation aimed at protecting the jobs of U.S. citizens. The measure also contains provisions to ensure taxpayer supported benefits are made available to American citizens and legal immigrants only. Sen. James A. Williamson is the Senate author of House Bill 1804, “The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.” He said the people of Oklahoma are extremely concerned about the issue of illegal immigration.

The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security voted on Tuesday in favor of a measure intended to curb the number of traumatic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Oklahoma. House Bill 1686 would require children under the age of 18 to wear crash helmets while operating or riding on an ATV on public land.

Senate author Andrew Rice said Oklahoma currently has no safety requirements for ATV riders, other than that they are not allowed to operate ATV’s on paved roads.

The Honorable Brad Henry
Governor, State of Oklahoma
Room 212, State Capitol Bldg.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

A Senate committee approved a measure Thursday that would encourage all retailers to implement voluntary restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter medications containing dextromethorphan. The bill, House Bill 1794, is authored by Sen. Ron Justice.

Lack of prenatal care for babies and their mothers costs the State of Oklahoma millions of dollars each year and the lives of hundreds of infants. On Thursday, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, to help bring awareness to this growing problem in the state.