For Immediate
Release: May 27, 2004
Audio
Clip
President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson
Senate Leader Calls 2004 Session Most Successful
In His 26-year Career in the Legislature
As lawmakers entered the next to last day
of the Second Session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature,
the leader of the State Senate Thursday morning proclaimed
this session as the most successful in his 26 years of legislative
service.
“We have addressed in a positive way more significant
issues in this session than in any other since I first came
here in February 1979,” Senate President Pro Tempore
Cal
Hobson said. “We’ve given the people of
Oklahoma the chance to rescue our state’s ailing horse
racing industry and regulate tribal gaming for the first
time in history.
“We’ve sent to the voters a tobacco tax and
health care proposal that will dramatically improve the
health of Oklahomans by increasing the availability of medical
treatment for the working poor; by creating and sustaining
a statewide trauma care network; and by establishing a long-overdue
cancer research and treatment center.
“We’ve fully funded the individual health insurance
premiums for our public school teachers and agreed to a
plan to bring their salaries up to the regional average
over the next four years.
“State employees are going to get a much-needed raise
over the next two years and our highway patrol troopers
and other state law enforcement officers are going to see
increases in their paychecks, as well.
“And last night an unprecedented 23-member Senate-House
Conference Committee concluded six weeks of open public
meetings by passing out a landmark tort reform proposal
that will ensure the availability of health care to all
Oklahomans.
“It’s been a great year, the most successful
session in my 26 years here at the Capitol.”
Hobson praised Governor Brad Henry and Speaker Larry Adair
for providing the leadership that made the success of the
session possible.
“When the leaders of the state, the Governor, the
Speaker and President Pro Tem of the Senate, are on the
same page and are working together, you can do dramatic
things for the people of our state – anything is possible,”
Hobson said.
Hobson also offered praise for the members of his leadership
team in the Senate, specifically Majority Floor Leader Ted
Fisher, D-Sapulpa; Appropriations Chairman Mike
Morgan, D-Stillwater; and Appropriations Vice-Chairman
Ben Robinson, D-Muskogee.
“Without the work of these three men, we wouldn’t
have accomplished all of the successes we enjoyed this year.
A leader is only as good as his members and I remain convinced
that the Oklahoma Senate is the finest institution in our
state. I am proud of each and every one of the 48 men and
women who make up this body. I am both humbled and proud
to be their leader,” Hobson said.
The Senate leader also extended plaudits to Senate Majority
Leader James A. Williamson and his leadership team.
“We don’t always agree about what’s best
for our state, but Senator Williamson is extremely knowledgeable
and is, without question, a man of his word. I have always
said that the two most important things you have out here
are how much you know and your word,” Hobson said.
The final days of the session are different this year, Hobson
said, because 14 members of the Senate are being forced
from office by term limits.
“We’re going to lose 273 years of combined legislative
experience when the gavel falls on Friday. These men and
women will be missed. They have each served their districts
with honor and conviction and I have been proud to serve
along side all of them,” Hobson said.
For
more information contact:
President
Pro Tempore's Office - (405) 521-5605
