For Immediate Release: April 26, 2006

Bass Named “Will Rogers Legislator of the Year” by the
National Guard Association of Oklahoma

In only his first year in the Oklahoma Legislature, State Senator Randy Bass shouldered into law a measure that provides members of the Oklahoma National Guard a $250,000 life insurance policy and a measure that exempts $10,000 or half of military retirement pensions, whichever is greater, from state income taxes for members of Oklahoma’s military family.

Because of that dedication to Oklahoma service men and women, Bass was recently honored by the National Guard Association of Oklahoma with the “Will Rogers Legislator of the Year” award at the annual Military Ball held each year in Oklahoma City.

“Senator Bass has been a consistent champion for service members in Oklahoma by authoring legislation that is of great importance to us,” Oklahoma National Guardsmen Lt. Col. Brent Wright said. “Oklahoma service men and women know we have a friend in the Senate and that friend is Senator Bass.”
Bass said it was a great honor to be recognized for his work on behalf of Oklahoma’s military family.

“Oklahoma National Guardsmen have made personal sacrifices to bravely fight for our freedom so that all Oklahomans can raise our families in communities that are safe from those who seek to destroy democracy,” Bass said. “They are the first to respond when natural disasters have ripped apart our communities, and never hesitate to go to other parts of this great nation in times of need.”

Bass, a Democrat from Lawton, serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs. He also is a member of the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission.

“Issues concerning the military will always be among my top priorities,” the Senator said. “I am committed to sending a message to our troops that says we honor their service to our country and to the great state of Oklahoma.”

For more information, contact:
Senator Bass' Office: (405) 521-5567