Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate

"I haven't had an opportunity to review the specifics of their budget proposal, but I do look forward to discussing it with them in the days to come.

"I appreciate their willingness to work together in a bipartisan manner to address the many revenue challenges that confront our state. It is important for state policy makers to explore creative solutions to help Oklahoma weather the latest budget crisis.

People all over the world can now see the original artwork that's been commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. That's according to State Senator and Historical Fund President Charles Ford who announced the works, descriptions of the paintings and information about the artists can now be viewed on the Oklahoma State Senate website.

(Oklahoma City) Incoming State Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson announced Senate committee assignments Monday.

"The committee assignments are based on each member's individual expertise and ability to contribute, not political affiliation or ideology. Oklahoma will face many challenges in the months to come and it's important that we address those issues in a bipartisan manner," said Sen. Hobson (D-Lexington).

Senator Frank Shurden announced plans to introduce legislation making cockfighting legal in the counties that voted against a state question banning the sport. The measure would also give every county the option of making cockfighting legal or illegal.

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has selected two longtime public servants and a financial officer from the private sector to help lead his gubernatorial administration.

Gerald Adams, a veteran staffer for three Oklahoma attorneys general, will serve as the new governor's chief of staff. Tom Spencer, the chief of staff for the state treasurer's office and a former assistant state attorney general, will act as general counsel in the new administration. Scott Meacham, an Elk City banker, will serve as director of the Office of State Finance.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Jeff Rabon is urging the head of the Department of Human Services and commission members not to cut a program that provides hot meals to tens of thousands of elderly Oklahomans.

Senator Rabon said the commission could vote to eliminate all funding to the Community Expansion for Nutritional Assistance Program during tomorrow's Human Services Commission meeting.

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has tapped a diverse, bipartisan team of Oklahomans to help him assemble his new administration. The incoming state chief executive and his transition chairman, State Treasurer Robert Butkin, announced the transition team Friday, saying they are looking forward to working with members to construct a bipartisan administration that will serve the needs of all Oklahomans.

(Oklahoma City) When the nation's next presidential election is held in 2004, Oklahoma may be at the center of attention in the primary sweepstakes if State Senator Keith Leftwich gets his way. The South Oklahoma City legislator is drafting legislation that would move the state's presidential primary election into February closer to the beginning of the campaign season.

Sen. Leftwich believes the change would benefit both Oklahoma voters and the state economy.

When the 2003 legislative session gets underway in February, State Senator Jim Reynolds will have a new friend and ally in the House of Representatives; his older brother Mike who was elected this fall to his first term in the Oklahoma Legislature. The brothers believe it's a first for the state legislature. The two life-long South Oklahoma City residents represent districts which include parts Del City and Moore.

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore Designate