For Immediate Release: May 18, 2006

Senator Schulz joins GOP Rural Caucus

State Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, has joined the Senate Republican Rural Caucus. The group was formed in 2005 by GOP senators who represent rural districts so they could provide a united voice for rural issues in the Oklahoma State Legislature.

“The Senate Republican Rural Caucus is leading the effort in the State Senate to restore hope, prosperity and opportunity in rural Oklahoma. I look forward to working with my rural colleagues to promote and support policies that can help attract the new businesses and jobs we need in rural Oklahoma so our children and grandchildren don’t have to move to the big city to provide for their families there,” Schulz said.

“As a lifelong farmer and a good, moral, family man, Mike Schulz understands the needs of rural Oklahoma. He is an excellent addition to the Senate Republican Rural Caucus, and we're very proud to have him working with us in support of rural issues in the State Senate," stated Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, chairman of the Senate Republican Rural Caucus.

During the 2006 legislative session the Senate Rural Republican Caucus has fought to eliminate the state's death tax, to provide additional funding for rural fire departments, to increase money going to roads and bridges, and to protect private property rights. The Rural Caucus also strongly opposes efforts to consolidate rural schools.

Schulz is the newest member of the Oklahoma State Senate. He won the May 9 special election to represent District 38 in the Senate, and was sworn in on May 16.

Members of the Senate Republican Rural Caucus are:
- Sen. Owen Laughlin, Woodward, Chairman
- Sen. Patrick Anderson, Enid
- Sen. Don Barrington, Lawton
- Sen. Harry Coates, Seminole
- Sen. John Ford, Bartlesville
- Sen. Mike Johnson, Kingfisher
- Sen. Ron Justice, Chickasha
- Sen. David Myers, Ponca City

- Sen. Mike Schulz, Altus

For more information, contact:
Senator Schulz's Office: (405) 521-5612