Sen. Patrick Anderson has filed Senate Bill 240 to replace Oklahoma’s current income tax structure with a flat tax of 2.95%. The Anderson flat tax plan is simple, fair, and revenue neutral. Additionally, the plan would result in Oklahoma having the lowest income tax rate in the nation, among the 43 states that do impose an income tax.

With workers compensation reform among the top priorities for Senate leaders in the coming session, Sens. Anthony Sykes and Josh Brecheen are getting a firsthand look at Arkansas’ administrative model this week.

The two Senators traveled to visit with Arkansas officials about their transition to an administrative system, and its success in lowering workers comp premium rates and getting employees back to work efficiently.

If Congress does not reach a budget agreement, the Bush tax cuts will expire and citizens’ income taxes will increase significantly. Recognizing this, the State Equalization Board went ahead and added $60 million into their revenue estimates for the legislature to reflect what the state could bring in through increased taxes and less claimed deductions. Sen. Ralph Shortey believes any increase in tax revenue caused by Congress’ lack of action should be given back to Oklahoma taxpayers, not used to grow state government.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Thursday in response to the certification of estimated revenue available for the state budget in fiscal year 2014 by the Oklahoma Board of Equalization.

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon Thursday announced the formation of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security.

“In light of recent events, the time has come for us to assess the current school security system in Oklahoma,” said Lt. Governor Todd Lamb. “The Oklahoma Commission on School Security will provide an avenue for some of Oklahoma’s finest to collaborate towards a common goal. With the right knowledge and resources, we can effectively provide a safer school climate for our most precious commodity.”

Students who are unable to meet certain requirements under the Achieving Classroom Excellence Act (ACE) would still be able to graduate under legislation filed recently by Sen. Earl Garrison. Senate Bill 11 would allow a composite score of 18 or higher (equivalent to the 34th percentile or higher) on the ACT exam to count as satisfactorily completing all of the ACE end-of-instruction testing requirements.

Sen. Harry Coates will be continuing his fight for immigration reform in Oklahoma this coming session. On Thursday, he filed Senate Bill 22 to create the Guest Worker Permit Program Act. He filed the bill last year and although it did not receive a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, he hopes the measure will be given fair consideration this year.

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma’s improved ranking by the United Health Foundation. (Ranked 46th in the nation last year, the report issued Tuesday ranks Oklahoma at 43rd).

“Just three years ago, Oklahoma was ranked 49th by the United Health Foundation in their national report. The fact that in those three years we’ve been able to move to 43rd is proof of our dedication to addressing critical public health concerns. I particularly want to point out the hard work of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The Senate Democratic Caucus announced their leadership team for the 54th Legislature Monday. Senator Sean Burrage will once again serve as Democratic Leader.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced committee assignments for Republican members on Monday. Committee chairs and vice chairs were announced last Thursday.

“There is a tremendous depth and breadth of experience and talent to draw from in the Republican Caucus,” Bingman said. “We’ve worked to structure committee memberships that will enable us to build on an agenda dedicated to job creation and economic growth benefiting our state now and in the future.”