Governor Henry makes appointments to state boards, commissions
Governor Brad Henry today announced the following appointments to a number of state boards and commissions:
Dale E. Nye, Lindsay, to the State Board of Career and Technology Education for a term expiring April 1, 2013. He replaces Toney Stricklin, who resigned. Senate...
06/07/2007
Gov. Henry Takes Action on Remaining Bills
With one signature and one veto today, Gov. Brad Henry completed work on legislation passed during the 2007 legislative session.
In all, the Legislature sent Gov. Henry 381 bills. The governor signed 366 bills into law, signed two bills containing 136 line-item vetoes,...
06/06/2007
Gov. Henry Appoints Natalie Shirley Director of Commerce Department
Gov. Brad Henry today announced that state Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley will succeed Amy Polonchek as executive director of the state Department of Commerce.
Gov. Henry?s appointment comes as Polonchek leaves the job for a post with the Meridian...
06/05/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Bills Regarding Biofuels, OHLAP, Child Abuse
Gov. Brad Henry today signed measures that will bolster renewable energy, increase the numbers of college graduates and help protect children against child abuse and neglect.
Among those signed by the Governor is legislation to help position Oklahoma as a global leader in...
06/04/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Bill Creating State Anti-Gang Task Force
Gov. Brad Henry today signed a measure aimed at determining effective ways to reduce gang violence in Oklahoma.
Authored by state Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City) and Sen. Roger Ballenger (D-Okmulgee), House Bill 1895 creates the Oklahoma Youth and Gang Violence...
06/04/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Health Insurance Measures
Declaring it a great day for healthcare in Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry this afternoon signed into law two measures that were key components of his legislative agenda this year.
Both laws are aimed at increasing health insurance coverage in Oklahoma.
?One of every five...
05/31/2007
Gov. Henry, Miss America Lauren Nelson Unveil New Highway Signs
Gov. Brad Henry today presented Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson with a replica of new highway signs honoring Nelson and recognizing Lawton as her hometown.
"Lauren's accomplishment meant bringing the Miss America crown to Oklahoma for the second consecutive year, and that...
05/31/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Bill to Keep Sex Predators off MySpace, Internet Chat Groups
Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill today aimed at keeping registered sex offenders from prowling MySpace and other online web sites where they might come into contact with children.
House Bill 1714 allows a judge to prohibit a registered sex offender from accessing a social...
05/31/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Financial Literary Act
In an effort to strengthen young people's understanding of financial basics, Gov. Brad Henry today signed the Passport to Financial Literacy Act.
Authored by state Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton) and Sen. Clark Jolley (R-Edmond), House Bill 1476 requires the teaching of financial...
05/31/2007
Gov. Henry Signs Bill Cracking Down on False Amber Alerts
Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation today aimed at strengthening the integrity of Amber Alerts. Senate Bill 371 makes it a felony to file a bogus missing-child report that results in such statewide alerts.
"The Amber Alert is an important tool in the recovery of abducted...
05/25/2007
Gov. Henry Commends Legislature on Successes of 2007 Session
Gov. Brad Henry lauded the 2007 session of the Oklahoma State Legislature for approving measures that will strengthen education, healthcare, public safety and economic development.
"The noise of democracy sometimes means a lot of sound and fury, and this legislative session...
05/25/2007
Gov. Henry Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration for Flooding, Tornado Damage
Gov. Brad Henry today asked President Bush for a federal disaster declaration for 25 Oklahoma counties hit hard by severe spring storms. If approved, public entities impacted by tornadoes, flooding and other severe storms that occurred May 4-11 will receive assistance for...
Gov. Henry Applauds Senate Passage of All Kids Bill
State legislators today gave final approval to a key component of Gov. Brad Henry's efforts to improve the healthcare of Oklahoma children.
Passed in the Senate on a 41-7 vote, Senate Bill 424 augments Medicaid funding to increase health coverage for poor children in...
Governor, Legislative Leaders Announce State Budget Agreement
One day after the enactment of a bipartisan tax relief package, legislative leaders and the governor on Tuesday announced the outlines of a $7.1 billion state budget agreement that speeds up tax cuts for working Oklahomans, boosts teacher pay and includes important funds for...
05/14/2007
Gov. Henry Appoints Jim Roth to Corporation Commission
Gov. Brad Henry today appointed two-term Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to the state Corporation Commission. Roth succeeds Denise Bode, who is resigning the seat for a job in the private sector.
Gov. Henry called the 38-year-old Roth an ideal choice to serve on the...
05/11/2007
Gov. Henry approves teachers retirement fix
Gov. Brad Henry today signed a bill that will put the Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System (OTRS) on the road to fiscal stability. Providing a permanent fix for OTRS was one of the top priorities outlined by the governor in his 2007 State of the State address in February.
05/08/2007
Gov. Henry Names Lt. Gov. Askins Small Business Advocate in Oklahoma
Gov. Brad Henry has appointed Lt. Gov. Jari Askins as Oklahoma?s Small Business Advocate, a role tasked with providing assistance to small business owners throughout the state.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of Oklahoma?s economy, and it is vital that we provide the...
05/08/2007
Gov. Henry Issues Statewide Emergency Declaration in Wake of Storms
Gov. Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties in the wake of tornadoes, torrential rains and flooding that have impacted much of Oklahoma since Friday, May 4.
The declaration provides a formal mechanism for local governments to seek...