The State Senate filed an appeal with the Oklahoma Supreme Court today, attempting to overturn a recent workers compensation rate hike on Oklahoma businesses. The action seeks a new hearing on a 5 percent rate increase ordered by the State Board for Property and Casualty Rates in September.

Three Senators who have argued for a rate cut in recent months -- Bruce Price, Brad Henry and Penny Williams -- explained the Senate lawsuit.

If Southwestern Bell and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission reach an agreement on a new rate review process, the pact should include funding for technology needs in the Oklahoma public schools, according to the lawmaker who helps write the budget for common education.

On the heels of the first increase in workers compensation rates since 1992, a state lawmaker is considering legislation that would overhaul the rate review process in an effort to make it more fair to consumers, namely Oklahoma businesses.

"In this latest rate hearing, it seemed like all the cards were stacked against Oklahoma businesses and in favor of the insurance industry. The Senate was the only entity that spoke up on behalf of the consumers and it was barred from participating in the process. There has to be a better way," said Senator Brad Henry.

Citing the report of an independent actuary, three state senators are pressing their call for another reduction in workers compensation rates.

Senators Brad Henry, Bruce Price and Penny Williams are directing their request to the State Board for Property and Casualty Rates, which is scheduled to meet September 28th to consider a rate action.

If state regulators follow the advice of the actuarial study, it will result in the fifth reduction in workers comp rates in as many years.

A positive report about Oklahoma's workers compensation environment should bolster the case for another reduction in rates, according to three state lawmakers who have been pushing for a comp rate cut.

Senator Brad Henry, Senator Bruce Price and Senator Penny Williams cited a new report by a member of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Workers Compensation, documenting several positive trends in the comp arena.

Governor Keating has launched yet another assault on education, this time with the endorsement of a massive tax cut initiative that would gut the state budget resources of public schools and other programs, according to a State Senate budget leader.

"When Governor Keating says he wants to cut taxes, what he's really saying is he wants to cut education because it's the biggest beneficiary of state revenue," said Senator Cal Hobson, vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Governor Keating's latest push to privatize another function of state government should be approached with caution, according to two state legislators who say there is no evidence that such an "experiment" will save any money.

One of Governor Keating's cabinet secretaries is violating both the spirit and the letter of a new state law in his zeal to hasten the downsizing of Eastern State Hospital in Vinita, according to a state legislator who is currently exploring options to stop the action.

Governor Frank Keating should apply the same compassionate conservatism he reserves for presidential hopeful George Bush Jr. in the state of Oklahoma, according to a veteran state legislator.

Senator Frank Shurden noted that the Governor's recent comments regarding Bush and whether he had used cocaine are "quite liberal" when compared to the policies he has pursued in Oklahoma.

As schools across the state resume classes this month, many parents are feeling their budgets buckle under the need for new clothes and shoes for their children, but they may get a break on such expenses next fall if a bill authored by Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo is passed in the next legislative session.