Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that House Bill 2032 violates the single subject rule in the Oklahoma Constitution.

“We are disappointed in the ruling and stand ready to act legislatively as needed in the upcoming session.”

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement after the State Supreme Court ruled Monday on the challenge of the workers compensation reform bill approved during the 2013 legislative session.

On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 1062 “is not unconstitutional as a multiple-subject bill” and further stated “the Legislature has exercised proper authority in a matter over which it has power to act by adopting a code for future execution of workers’ compensation law.”

Sunday, Dec. 15, will mark the 222nd anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. In recognition of that anniversary, numerous Oklahoma lawmakers have joined as co-authors of a non-partisan effort to recognize the significance of the Bill of Rights through the filing of Senate Bill 1159.
SB 1159 would allow a monument recognizing the importance of the Bill of Rights to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol. Costs associated with the project would be paid for with private donations.

As a mark of respect for the memory and legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Sen. Connie Johnson asked Gov. Mary Fallin on Wednesday to order all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff from 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, until 8:30 a.m. on the morning of his state funeral and interment, Sunday, December 15.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement in response to Senate Minority Leader Sean Burrage announcing he will not be seeking re-election next year.

I consider Sean not only a colleague but a personal friend and have enjoyed working with him in our leadership roles in the Senate in recent years. Sean is the utmost professional and has represented his district and his caucus with dignity and strength and will be missed in the Senate.

Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage announced today that he has decided not to seek another term in the Oklahoma State Senate. Although the Claremore Democrat would not have been term limited until 2018, Burrage said it was time to refocus his attention on his family and his legal career.

The State Senate and staff raised $10,073.92 this fall as part of the annual State Charitable Campaign, more than ever raised in the previous decade of participation.

Since starting the campaign on October 1, the state Senate raised almost $7,000 through payroll deductions, checks and cash donations. Those funds will be donated proportionately to the 161 local charities included in the campaign, covering a variety of needs across Oklahoma including hunger, abuse, the arts and literacy, to name a few. More than 100 Senate employees donated, averaging almost $100 each in giving.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Clark Jolley and Senate Education Chairman Sen. John Ford released the following statement today in response to concerns regarding third grade retention legislation.

Sending individuals to track and record a political opponent’s comments and actions has become a routine part of many campaigns. But State Sen. Brian Crain said Friday when that kind of surveillance moves into a candidate’s neighborhood and causes anxiety and fear for others living there, it’s gone too far. Crain said he was drafting legislation in an attempt to stop such harassment.