If state leaders are serious about eliminating the sales tax on groceries, they must do it in a responsible manner that does not hurt education or other essential programs that rely on the revenue, according to the chair of the Senate Education Committee.

With that goal in mind, Senator Penny Williams is authoring legislation that would repeal the state sales tax on food while replacing most of the lost state revenue with adjustments to other fees and levies. The measure would put the question on a statewide ballot for voter approval.

If a state lawmaker gets his way, an additional $ 9.5 million in surplus welfare funds will be transferred to a program that helps Oklahomans pay their home heating costs.

Senator Kevin Easley is calling on the Oklahoma Human Services Commission to transfer the balance of its surplus welfare money to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

OKLAHOMA CITY - Saying it's time to give Oklahoma shoppers a greater incentive to spend their dollars at home, Senator Jonathon Nichols announced today that he has authored legislation calling for an annual ten day sales tax holiday.

"I think its widely known that many Oklahoman's head to Texas each August to take advantage of their tax free weekend. The ten-day tax holiday proposal I've authored would include that weekend so we can encourage Oklahomans to support their local businesses," explained Senator Nichols.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation aimed at protecting farmer's rights in the midst of big business mergers and alliances is set to be introduced when session starts in a few weeks, according to Senator Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa and Representative Kenneth Corn, D-Howe.

Oklahoma is joining several other states, including Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming in its endorsement of the model legislation assembled in August of 2000 by Attorneys General Thomas Miller of Iowa and Heidi Heikamp of North Dakota.

A Senate interim study will examine the use of impact statements in determining the effect of proposed legislation on particular communities and minorities. State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, requested the study, which will be held on Monday, October 7 at 10 a.m. in room 535 of the Capitol.

State Senator and Legislative Black Caucus Chair George E. Young, Sr. released the following statement regarding a video that surfaced this week on social media of a University of Oklahoma student in blackface.

“As members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, we stand firm with the members of OU Black Student Association in stating our disappointment in the recent news of the blatant display of racism.

The following is a statement from Dr. George E. Young, Sr., Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.

State Sen. Darrell Weaver has been selected to participate in a national program on opioid policy. Weaver, R-Moore, is one of only 25 legislators from across the country chosen to participate in the National Conference of State Legislators’ (NCSL) Opioid Policy Fellows Program.

A Senate interim study on workplace violence and medical professionals will meet on Monday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. in room 419C of the state Capitol. The study was requested by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.

The governor has signed legislation into law to protect the confidentiality of undercover law officers. Senate Bill 679 was authored by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, and Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City.