The State Senate approved a concurrent resolution Tuesday commending local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for their efforts in the wake of a series of shootings this past weekend in north Tulsa that left three people dead and two injured. Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 was authored by Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Seneca Scott, D-Tulsa.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today released the following statement on proposed reforms for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Tuesday in response to the passage of House Bill 3052, a statewide public safety reform effort, in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Sean Burrage, Democratic Leader of the State Senate, issued the following statement after the governor and legislative leaders unveiled planned reforms for DHS.

“The plan to hire 200 new child welfare workers, recruit more foster parents and phase out shelters is extremely encouraging. I’m hopeful these initiatives will mark a real turning point in how Oklahoma deals with at-risk children and families.

Sen. Constance N. Johnson says Wednesday’s ruling by Oklahoma County District Judge Bryan Dixon is a victory for women’s rights. The judge ruled that a 2010 law requiring women to have ultrasounds before having abortions is unconstitutional.

March 27, 2012 was officially recognized as Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the State Capitol. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage co-authored Senate Resolution 45 honoring the tribe, which is the second largest federally recognized tribe in the nation, and the largest in the State of Oklahoma.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement after Tuesday’s passage of SCR 33, a measure calling on Congress and the President to begin work on a balanced budget amendment and to reduce spending:

In an effort to stem the nation’s ever-increasing debt, the State Senate has given approval to a measure calling on Congress and the president to reduce spending and initiate a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget.

Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, is principal author of Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, co-authored by Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa. Newberry said the federal government’s inability to stop adding to the national debt is one of the greatest threats facing the country today.

Sen. David Holt (R - Oklahoma City) and Rep. Mike Sanders (R - Kingfisher) this morning dedicated the "President George W. Bush Bridge" with the former President himself in his office in Dallas, Texas. The legislators presented President Bush with a replica of the sign that was placed this past weekend at the southbound Interstate 44 Bridge over the Red River. The Oklahoma Legislature approved the naming in 2011.

"Oklahomans remain grateful for President Bush's courage, and we are glad that we had this opportunity to communicate that personally," said Sen. Holt.

Currently, an active member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) who is a war veteran is eligible for up to five years of service credit for overseas deployments. An unintentional loophole in Oklahoma statutes, however, did not extend this benefit to certain veterans of the Vietnam or Gulf Wars.

Senate Bill 616, by Sen. John Sparks, addresses the problem ensuring these veterans get the benefits they deserve.