For Immediate Release: May 8, 2009

Senate Review by Senator Bill Brown

The final two weeks of the 2009 legislative session promise to be busy.  In addition to nearly 200 measures that must be voted upon in the Senate, we must also get down the business of crafting a balanced budget for the state.

While few legislators are ever excited by the prospect of writing a budget in the midst of a shortfall, I believe Senate leadership relishes the challenge.  After nearly a century of Democrat control in the state Legislature, Republicans now have the opportunity to exert more influence in the budgeting process.  Responsible budgeting for Oklahoma requires that we reduce waste and inefficiency while providing for our fundamental needs.  This year, we’ll take a big first step in a long-term effort toward creating a more efficient and modern state government.  Budget numbers are still unclear, but I’ll be keeping you updated as negotiations advance.

An important part of these initial steps to make state government more efficient are proposals that would streamline certain agency services.  The Legislature has approved a measure that would transfer the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC), reassigning its functions and staff to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).  This will reduce overhead costs and increase accountability and oversight within the agency.  Similar legislation that would streamline technology services for state agencies has also been approved.  Oklahomans deserve a better, more efficient and more modern state government.  It’s my hope that the Governor acknowledges this, and signs these reforms into law rather than obstructing progress with his veto pen.

Having been approved by both houses of the Legislature, my proposal to prohibit children under 12 from operating personal watercraft and lower the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for boating under the influence has been referred to a conference committee.  Ensuring safety on our lakes and waterways has been a central priority for me in my first term in the state Senate.  This proposal is an important step in that effort, and I’m working hard to reach an agreement with my fellow legislators to advance the proposal and send it to the Governor.

As always, I welcome your comments on state government.  Please feel free to contact me by writing to Senator Bill Brown at the State Capitol, Room 413A, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105; call me at (405) 521-5602.