Oklahoma has been under smoke for a few months now, with no relief to the widespread wildfires in sight. State Senator Jeff Rabon (D-Hugo) was part of an initiative to release $1.5 million to rural fire departments to help aid in fighting the wildfires that are plaguing Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY- Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and two members of his leadership team said Wednesday they agree with Assistant Majority Leader Jeff Rabon that something needs to be done immediately to address the needs of rural fire departments that have depleted resources fighting a record number of wildfires in recent weeks.

Senator Jeff Rabon, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Regulatory Services, is urging legislative leaders and Governor Henry to immediately convene a special session to provide immediate funding to rural fire fighters.

“We need to recognize the budget numbers presented this morning for what they are – estimates based on an economy that is growing, in great part, due to the latest energy boom in Oklahoma. To forget the lessons of the past would be reckless and irresponsible.

“We must take a responsible approach and proceed carefully, choosing first to keep the commitments we have already made and then to invest in our priorities of education, health care, public safety and our state’s crumbling roads and bridges.

“Oklahomans have a deep belief in personal responsibility and accountability and that includes a Legislature that governs and budgets in a responsible manner. As we carefully consider how best to make substantial new investments in the priority areas of education, public safety, health care and our state’s crumbling roads and bridges, Senate Democrats will proceed with the knowledge that the Legislature is accountable to the people of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s population grew at a paltry 0.7% during the past year – far more slowly than most of its neighboring states and below the national average, according to new data released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Oklahoma’s slow-growing population is just the latest indication that we’re falling behind our neighboring states in the competition for people, jobs and businesses,” stated Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

A pair of Oklahoma City lawmakers is calling on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to halt plans to create a group home for five unwed teen mothers and their children in a Southside neighborhood.

Senator Debbe Leftwich and Representative Al Lindley met with residents of the area Tuesday night and vowed to do everything they can to keep DHS from going forward with the proposed group home at 1329 S.W. 71st Circle.

“It is amazing to me the lengths to which Senator Coffee and members of the Senate Republican Caucus will go to sling mud at policies proposed by Democrats – proposals that could clearly be seen as a bi-partisan effort to move Oklahoma forward.

“If the Minority Leader would spend more time trying to conduct the business of this state and less time grandstanding for political gain perhaps then we could all come together and do what’s right for Oklahoma.

State Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee expressed skepticism Friday that a Democrat state senator is serious about two proposals he purports would implement reforms to make state government more fiscally responsible.

“Senate Democrats practically invented fiscal irresponsibility, so I am highly skeptical that Sen. Corn is serious about his proposals,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

A Democratic Senator will file a pair of bills that will bring greater financial responsibility to state government. State Senator Kenneth Corn said the measures will be considered when session begins on February 6, 2006.