COMANCHE COUNTY DEMOCRAT

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

As a parent and as someone who helps create public policy, I know that we must always remain vigilant in our efforts to protect children from things that can rob them of their potential and cut their lives short. One of the ways we can do that is by teaching them about the dangers of substance abuse.

It's important that parents talk to their children about how dangerous alcohol is to developing minds and bodies and how illegal drugs like methamphetamine or marijuana can ruin their lives. But many parents may not be aware of the dangers of ordinary products that children can easily purchase for themselves. These are simple household items that more and more kids are to get "high" and as a result, winding up in emergency rooms.

Parents can certainly monitor such products at home, or at least attempt to do so. But if their children are buying them without their knowledge, it's another situation entirely. That's why a Senate committee has approved a bill to ban the sale of cough medicine containing dextromethorphan as well as spray paint to anyone under the age of 18.

This bill was recommended by the Task Force on Adolescent Substance Abuse and Misuse of household items. The task force found that one of the ingredients in cough medicine, dextromehorphan, can act as a powerful hallucinogen. The Oklahoma Poison control Center says that DXM abuse is increasing in our state. In 2006, 14.7 percent of all reported intentional substance abuse cases were DXM, up from 11.6 percent just one year earlier.

Another growing problem is"huffing." Kids will inhale fumes from spray paint to get high. What they may not realize is that it can result in permanent brain damage, and it can be fatal. In 2003 9.9 percent of teens in the 9th through 12th grades reported they'd used inhalants. Just two years later, it was up to 12 percent.

Parents are still one of the most important components in helping keeping children safe from substance abuse, but it is also important for lawmakers to do everything possible to keep potentially dangerous products out of the hands of children. That's what Senate bill 951 would do.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office, at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

I was raised in Lawton, and grew up with the greatest respect for the men and women in our military community. Ever since I was first elected to the State Senate, doing whatever I could to help veterans and active military has been a top priority for me. That continues to be the case.

The people who serve our country do so at tremendous sacrifice to themselves and to their families. They need our support, and they need laws that are supportive of them as well. That's why when I heard about a custody case involving an Oklahoma soldier I wanted to see- if there was a way to prevent such problems through legislation.

Many of you are familiar with the case. A member of our National Guard who had been divorced for 10 years had custody of his 12-year-old daughter. When he was deployed, he appointed his parents as her guardians to care for her until his return. Unfortunately, his former wife used that deployment as an opportunity to go to court seeking to take custody away from him and from the legal care of the child's grandparents.

There's a federal law that gives soldiers the right to postpone such proceedings while they're deployed, but there may be what some consider to be a loophole because that protection isn't written into our state statutes.

That's why I introduced Senate Bill 158, which will ensure that a custody case like that won't be heard while the custodial parent is deployed. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Judiciary approved my bill, and it now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

The latest development is that the judge in the custody case that began all this has agreed to postpone things until the father returns from Iraq. I was very happy to hear that, but I know that unfortunately, this situation could occur in the future. Because of that, I think it is important to have safeguards in our state law identical to those in federal law.

Our military men and women risk their very lives defending our nation. They shouldn't have to risk their rights as parents while they're away.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

Identity theft is a crime we hear more about all the time. Victims can spend months and even years trying to clear their good name and restore their credit after criminals run up thousands and thousands of dollars in bad debt using the victim's identity. That's why last year I authored legislation to make sure seniors and victims of credit fraud could freeze their credit files without being charged the usual $10 fee.

How can a credit freeze protect you? Let's say someone has stolen personal information about you. If you have frozen your files, that criminal could not open a credit card account or Use your personal information to get a loan. Your credit would virtually be "frozen," but you would have the ability to lift the freeze if you needed to do so.

To freeze your credit files, you must write to each of the three following companies:
Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105748, Atlanta, GA 30348; Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013; and Trans Union Security Freeze, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA, 92834-6790.
You must contact them by certified mail, and if you are a victim of identity theft, you must include a copy of an investigative report or complaint to a law enforcement agency about the, identity theft.

You'll also need to give your full name including middle initial, your address, Social Security number and birth date'. You need to provide proof of your current address, like a utility or phone bill and if you've moved in the past 5 years, you'll also need to give them any addresses where you've lived during the prior 5 years. Include a photocopy of a government ID card, which can be a driver's license or military identification or other state or federal ID. If you are not a senior citizen or identity theft victim, you will need to include the $10 fee payment by check, money order or major credit card.

Five business days from receiving your certified letter, the credit reporting agencies you contacted will place a freeze providing credit reports to potential creditors. (However, before May 1, 2007, it can be extended to 10 business days if the agency is swamped with applicants. Ten business days after receiving your letter requesting a freeze, the reporting agencies will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN or password.

You can have a security freeze lifted for a temporary period of time, again at no charge for victims or those who are at least 65 years old, otherwise there is a $10 charge. To temporarily, lift Jhe freeze, you must again contact the Reporting agencies above, providing proper identification and your PIN or password. You must include the time period you want your credit report to be accessible. Credit bureaus must lift the freeze as requested no later than three business days after receiving your request.

Creditors cannot get your credit score While your file is frozen, but you can order your own report during that time.

Always remember to protect your personal information. Do not give out your social security, bank account numbers or credit card information to anyone calling over the phone or contacting you by email, and always keep your purse or wallet in safe place. And if you receive credit card offers by mail that you do not want, be sure to destroy the offer, or opt out of pre-approved offers by calling 888 5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass @ oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

Thursday, January 18th was the deadline day for members of the Senate to file any legislation they want to be considered during the upcoming legislative session. While over a thousand bills are generally filed by members each year, roughly one third of them make it through the process.

After a bill is filed, the next step is for that bill to be formally "introduced" in the Senate. That's known as the first reading of the bill. The next step is known as the second reading. It is during this phase that the bill is assigned to a committee. Bills dealing with changing an existing law or creating a new one that impacts public policy are known as substantive bills, and these are assigned to standing committees.

An example of a substantive bill would be the "Stand Your Ground1" bill we voted on last year that enabled law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Bills dealing with the budget of a state agency or other state entity are assigned to Appropriations subcommittees. These bills must be approved by both the subcommittee, and then the full committee before they can move on to the next step.

The third reading of a bill occurs when a measure that has been approved by committee moves on to the full chamber. If that bill is approved, then it moves to the opposite chamber, for example, from the Senate to the House, where the process begins again.

If the House approves the bill as is, or if there are changes that the Senate author agrees with, then the next hurdle will be winning the Governor's signature. If not, the main author may request a conference committee, which is a joint committee made up of members from both chambers, who will work out a compromise version of the bill. When that is done, the bill must be voted on a final time, which is called the fourth reading, and following passage, then it moves on to the Governor for final consideration.

For us, this whole process will begin on Monday, February 5. Throughout the session, remember that you can watch and listen to the Senate with live streaming audio and video, as well as track any legislation you might be interested in and see the final votes by going to www.oksenate.gov.
As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

This is an exciting year for Oklahoma. We all have an opportunity not only see history being made, but to be a part of it. Of course I am talking about Oklahoma's Centennial, and the many events that will be taking place to celebrate Oklahoma's first hundred years.

I had the opportunity to participate in one of those events this past week. On Thursday, a very special stamp in honor of Oklahoma's Centennial was unveiled. For the first time ever, the Postal service had all of Oklahoma's 567 involved in this coordinated effort, which included special cancellations that read "Centennial Celebration, First Day of Sale January 11,2007."

The ceremony I attended took place in Lawton, along with Postmaster Steve Carroll,Representative Ann Coody and Mayor John Purcell. Former educator and children's advocate Albert Johnson was also on hand, along with lots of other folks from the area, anxious to see this little piece of history in the making.

The stamp itself was designed by Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen. Mike's design is called "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," and depicts a beautiful Oklahoma sunrise.

Mike, who is Chickasaw, has also created other works of art that are on display at the State Capitol, including the stunning "Flight of Spirit" mural depicting Oklahoma's five Native American Ballerinas, all of whom are officially state cultural treasures.

I think most Oklahomans take tremendous pride in this state.This is home to more federally recognized tribes than any other state in the nation. And we also have communities that were built by people from across the country and immigrants from around the world. Our backgrounds are varied, but we are all Oklahomans. We value our rich heritage, and in times of trouble, pull together in a way that literally inspires the whole world. For all this and much more, 2007 is a year we should all celebrate together.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

By now, I think most people are familiar with the big news story out of the Capitol. For the first time in the history of Oklahoma, the Senate is now tied, 24-24, between the Democrats and the Republicans. With no decisive majority on the floor, the leaders of both parties worked together beginning shortly after the November election to develop an agreement to share power in the Senate.

Technically, because the newly elected Lt. Governor is a Democrat, the Democrats will have the additional vote needed to break ties in the chamber. For that reason, both parties agreed that our current President Pro Tempore, Mike Morgan, will retain that title. Yet in recognition of the tie of actual members, Republican Leader Glenn Coffee will have the titleof Co-President Pro Tempore.

Both sides will have floor leaders who will manage the day-to-day operations on the floor of the Senate, including determining the order in which bills will be considered. Both parties will also get to preside over the Senate. On the days a Democrat presides, the Republican's will have a floor leader and vice-versa. All committees will have co-chairs from each party with equal numbers of committee assignments.

Will there be disagreements on some issues? Of course there will. But I also know that we have the ability to work together. It's really pretty simple—if we want to get the job done, including funding our schools, improving roads, and protecting the public, then politics must take a back seat to everything else.

                 
I know that in this district there are registered Democrats as well as registered Republicans. That's true for every single Senate district in this state. I also know that when I am here at the Senate, I am here to serve ALL the citizens of my district. That's always been my approach, and that will continue to be the way I do business this year and in the years to come. Ultimately, we are all Oklahomans, and if we truly want our communities and our state to be the best they can be, then that's how we*nmst approach our work at the State Capitol.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@.oksenate. gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

If any of you are like me and my wife Kelley, you're always trying hard to come up with creative ideas for the friends and family members you exchange gifts with at Christmas. For those of you who enjoy shopping and ordering gifts on the Internet, I would like to suggest a website that can help fill the need for creative gifts while helping support Oklahoma businesses, including businesses right here in Comanche County.

The website is "Made in Oklahoma" at www.madeinoklahoma.net. sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. All of the products available through this website are items that are made and sold right here in Oklahoma, by Oklahomans.

The variety of foods and products available is really amazing. Through the Made in Oklahoma website, you can do searches any number of ways. There are literally hundreds of delicious foods you can order as gifts, including everything from chocolate covered potato chips, to mouth-watering pecan pies. There are several different companies selling Oklahoma-made cheeses, jerky, steaks, nuts, sauces and salsa and so -much more. If you are looking for something a little more exotic, you can even order hot pepper jams or gourmet Emu meat.

You can order products ranging equine first aid kits and trail bags to soaps, candles, pottery and more. There are individual products for sale as well as gift baskets, including samplers with a variety of Made in Oklahoma products.

In addition, you can search for Made in Oklahoma products by city or county. There are several of these companies in our area and I would invite you to go online and see what kind of products they have to help with your gift list—it is a great way to help support local businesses and to promote Oklahoma. Just go to the homepage at www.madeinoklahoma.net and select the link on the right side of the page for the "Online Shopping Mall." There are also links to help you shop by product or other categories.

When we support our own businesses and products, we're helping grow Oklahoma's economy—and that's a gift that will keep on giving for years to come.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

Nationwide, for every 100 ninth graders who enter high school, only 18 finish college within six years. That's according to a recently-released study by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The study, created by their bi-partisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education stated that there is a higher education crisis in the country, and that the U.S. no longer has the best system in the world. That same study also found mat it would be up to state legislators to turn this problem around.

The statistics are daunting— two out of three American college students about with an average debt of $17,250. Compared to ten years ago, the report says when you adjust for inflation, the average debt was only $8,000. Clearly more needs to be done to ensure American students are not forced to mortgage their future in order to pay for a college education.

One huge difference;, in Oklahoma is OHLAB—the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program. Created by the State Legislature, this program is helping thousands of young people, including students right here in Comanche County, with scholarships to help them achieve their dream of earning a college degree.

Currently students of families earning a maximum of $50,000 a year are eligible for these scholarships, which also require teens to maintain good grades, stay out of trouble, and complete a rigorous curriculum as mandated by the OHLAP program.

Last year, the Senate approved legislation that would have made OHLAP available to even more Oklahoma families by raising the income limits. Unfortunately, that bill was not approved by the House of Representatives. I hope they will reconsider their stance on this issue in the upcoming session.

The NCSL report agreed with a .position I have long
asserted—that there is a direct correlation between cities and states with the highest per capita incomes and those with the highest per capita number of college graduates. Clearly, this is an investment that will ultimately benefit our entire state. It requires careful consideration and prioritization of our dollars that we dedicate to this end, but it is one of the single best economic development efforts we can promote—for Comanche County, for Oklahoma and-for our entire country.

If you would like to learn more about our legislative calendar, or read bills that will be filed in the coming weeks, go to www.oksenate.gov and follow the links for schedules, legislation, or any other area that may interest you.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

                                First, I want to wish everyone in our district a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you were able to spend time with friends and loved ones, that the past year held blessings for you, and that the coming year wiH be even better.

      I am profoundly grateful for my beautiful family, my wonderful friends, and that I have the opportunity to do work on your behalf - it is a blessing to be able to give back to the place and people I've known all my life.

      All the members of the Senate who had just been newly elected or reelected for another four years gathered in the chamber last week to take the Oath of Office. One of the things that makes the day so special is that members bring their young children and grandchildren on the floor with them. I had my daughter, Remi, with me along with several young friends. One new Senator, Brian Bingman of Sapulpa, held a sleeping grandbaby in his arms while he introduced his family in the gallery. There were babies and children everywhere you looked.

      Another returning member, Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, of Durant, held his 11-month-old son, Jacob, in his arms. He told everyone that when he first was elected to the Senate in 2002, he thought that was the best thing that had ever happened in his life, but he said he was wrong about that, because the birth of his son was the best thing that had ever happened to him. I think any one who is a parent knows exactly how he felt achievement in life and challenging work are all important, but none of us, whatever we do for a living, must never lose sight of how important our families are to real happiness.

      We also welcomed back another member who had not been to the Capitol for several weeks. In October, Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre of Tulsa learned she had breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She came through the surgery well and is now cancer-free and has been making speeches, writing news articles and talking to people whenever she can about how mammograms can save lives. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us, and we were all very happy to see her back at the Capitol.

     Although the 48 members of the Senate come from different parts of' the state and have different backgrounds and ideas, I believe each of us shares the common desire to help make our entire state the best it can be. And even though there are some issues that can be extremely divisive and cause heated debate, the one thing I would want you to know is how much respect there is among our members for each other and how much genuine concern there is for each other's well-being and that of their families.

      I am thankful for that camaraderie and for the lifelong friendships I have made while serving in the Senate. I believe that respect and friendship is what allows us to move past our individual differences and find the common ground that will help us work together to do what's right for Oklahoma.

      As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

When I was a professional baseball player, I had the opportunity to live in many great cities throughout this country and to travel the world. Those were exciting times—but when it came time to retire from sports, there was never any question in my mind that I wanted to come back to where I was raised. This is my home, and there simply is no place I'd rather be than among the friends and family I 've known my whole life.

When I first decided to run for the State Senate a couple of years ago, I saw this as an opportunity for me to give back to all those friends and neighbors, by serving them in the Legislature. It was a hard fought race, but in the end, I was entrusted to represent District 32 at the State Senate. Now, two years later, you have placed your faith in me again.

I cannot even begin to describe how grateful and proud I am—and also how humble it makes me feel that so many of you came out to support me. This represents a wonderful opportunity for all of us to work together for the benefit of our local communities and the entire state and to build on, the successes we've already had and to continue to work together to meet the challenges still ahead.

We must continue to help our educational system become the very best in the nation, and create more opportunities for Oklahomans to fulfill their dream of a college education. We've worked hard to create new benefits for our Veterans—and I hope we can do even more for them. Oklahoma is now undergoing the largest road and bridge project in its history, which will help keep our roads safe and encourage commerce. We've also approved the largest tax cut since statehood, which included tax breaks for our working Oklahomans and families who need it most.

Although Oklahoma is entering its centennial year, we are still a relatively young state, with a bright and vast future still ahead. As we chart the course for the next 100 years, I thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of that. Together, I know we can accomplish great things.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

When you talk about making our state the best it can be, one of the most important issues for many Oklahomans is having access to quality health care. We've made tremendous strides in this area, creating programs to help small businesses offer affordable insurance to their employees. We've created programs to help Oklahomans in need obtain low-cost or free prescription medications. We've also made tremendous strides in helping Oklahomans gain greater access to screening and treatment for breast cancer.

One thing that's important to realize is that breast cancer is not just a woman's disease. Not when you take into account how many people are impacted by this illness. Just ask the father who is raising his children alone. A woman fighting breast cancer is someone's daughter. She is a sister, a wife, a mother and a friend. In that light, ultimately, breast cancer impacts all of us.

According to the AmericanSociety, one of eight women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer in American women, and the leading cause of cancer death for women 40-55 years of age. But there's been tremendous progress in the treatment of this disease, with better outcomes for patients all the time. The key is early detection and then of course access to treatment.

As of 2004, Oklahoma was the only state in the entire nation not to take advantage of a federal program to help make sure women with little or no insurance would have access to life-saving breast and cervical cancer treatment. That session, legislators worked together to help Oklahomans take advantage of that treatment program and the bill was passed and signed into law.

Oklahoma's breast and cervical cancer treatment program officially got underway in January of 2005. As of this date 2,600 women had received help through this program. As of the end of September of this year, nearly 8000 women had been helped. Those are individuals who may not have had access to cancer treatment otherwise.

In addition, the State Health Department began breast and cervical cancer screening. Last year, more than 6,000 women were screened—an increase of nearly 2,000 over the previous year.

There's no doubt in my mind these important programs are saving thousands of lives across our state. That's good medicine for all of Oklahoma. For more information, you can contact the "Oklahoma Cares" hotline at 1-866-550-5585 or email OKCares@health.ok.gov. As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

CHANNEL FLIPPER - Who is this person?

Saw Jari and Todd Sunday morning on Flashpoint. Jari gave Todd his now biweekly verbal spanking. She is getting better at it at every meeting. Todd looked like he is still trying to figure out who this short person is that follows him around and is constantly making him look bad.

You go girl!

CAPITOL REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

Oklahoma has produced scores of men and women who have excelled in business, science, education, journalism, entertainment, and in sports. We can now add another Oklahoman to that list—Grady Brewer from Lawton.

Brewer entered season two of ESPN's boxing reality-series "The Contender" with a modest professional record, an injured shoulder and little fanfare.

A journeyman throughout most of his career, Brewer has often been thrown into fights against hot prospects on short notice, with little training. Working 12-hour shifts at the Goodyear tire plant while caring for his four children left Brewer without the training opportunities afforded to many other fighters.

A quality Brewer has never lacked, as evidenced by his hard work and perseverance on "The Contender" shows, is heart. When given the opportunity to focus on improving his skills with world-class trainers in Los Angeles,   Brewer rapidly improved and defeated his opponents not with flashy power and lightning speed, but with the same steady, hard-working approach that embodies his life away from the ring.

Brewer methodically worked behind his jab, utilized the kind of footwork and head movement needed to survive over 30 professional fights against top competition, and out-muscled former world champion Steve Forbes, the heavy favorite.

Brewer's victory should serve as a source of pride for Lawton. His win was more than a dramatic split-decision triumph over a former world champion - it was the kind of inspiring moment that reaffirms our faith in the value of hard work and determination. It's safe to say a $500,000 winner's purse has never been so well-deserved.

In a touching moment after the fight, Brewer thanked his supervisors and employees at Goodyear for allowing him to take the time to pursue his "Contender" opportunity. The process of filming the show and the journey toward his tournament victory were surely life-changing experiences.

It's the most unlikely of scenarios when a 35 year-old boxer is given another opportunity to become a
Contender, but Brewer made the most of his opportunity.

In the process, viewers have been able to take away more than just the joy of seeing the hometown boy emergevictorious. Brewer's performance on the television show taught us a lesson about the power of self-confidence in the face of difficult odds, about the power of hard work and that we should never lose faith in our ability to accomplish our goals, however distant they may seem.

I congratulate Grady Brewer on his win, and wish him continued success both in and outside the ring.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

Editor: Me Too!

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

There are many responsibilities that come with serving you in the State Senate that I especially enjoy. Among those are being invited to participate in events throughout the district that add so much to the quality of life here in District 32. These events promote tourism, the arts, culture, food and a spirit of community.

Later this month I'll be participating in the 27th annual International Festival in Lawton. Cultures from all over the world will be represented at the festival, which begins on Friday, September 22nd and runs through Sunday, the 24th. The three-day festival kicks off at the Lawton Public Library Plaza at 4th Street and B Avenue.

This festival makes it possible for all of us to learn more about many of the cultures represented in our great state and experience their food, art, music, dances and more. One of the most special events taking place during the International Festival will be on Friday the 22nd "with a Naturalization Ceremony where area residents will officially become American citizens.

While the main events begin on the 22nd, there is an event coming up this weekend that will usher in the festival. On Saturday evening, September 16th, there will be a kite flight. There is a long tradition of kites in countries like Bali and Thailand and in the Polynesian islands. In Korea kites are flown to announce the birth of a child. In Japan, colorful windsocks are flown on Children's Day. Now these traditions will be celebrated each year as a kick-off to our own International festival. The kite flight will begin at 5 p.m. If you'd like to come, bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets blankets and of course kites. At 7 p.m., on the Percussive Arts Society and Museum's patio, the 77th Army band will perform a free concert.
There will be many more performances throughout the festival the following weekend, including music by a Celtic group from Texas called Beyond the Pale, Brave Combo, The Dallas Czech Orchestra, the Polka Kings and more. There will be dancers performing traditional dances of Mexico, the Ukraine, Hawaii, as well as demonstrations of martial arts, clowns and other entertainers.

This is an educational, fun event with something for everyone to enjoy. I hope that you'll plan to attend the International Festival this year—and make plans to return next year.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov

SENATE IN REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

If you have a child who is interested in attending college, I hope you are aware of one of the most important programs available to help thousands of Oklahoma teens go to college. It's called OHLAP, which stands for Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program. It's also called "Oklahoma's Promise."

This scholarship program was created by the State Legislature in an effort to increase the number of college graduates we have in Oklahoma crucial to helping attracting the high tech business and jobs that pay the best salaries.

As of this month, Oklahoma students who will be in the 8th, 9th or 10th grade this school year can begin applying to the OHLAP scholarship program. Interested students must be Oklahoma residents, and their parents, custodians or legal guardians must earn less than $50,000 a year at the time the application is made. OHLAP students must then complete a rigorous slate of required courses in the areas of English, science, math, history and citizenship, foreign language or computer technology and fine arts.

Students must also attend school regularly, do their homework achive a GPA of at least 2.5, avoid drugs and alcohol, stay out of trouble with the law and apply for other financial aid during the senior year of highs school. Students graduating from a high school not accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education or a recognized accrediting agency must also earn a composite ACT score of 22 or higher.

Once all of those requirements are fulfilled, OHLAP will pay that student's tuition at an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university. The program will also cover at least a part of the tuition at an Oklahoma accredited private college or university or for courses offered at a career tech center that qualify for credit from a public two-year college. The program does not cover other costs, such as books, supplies, room and board or other fees that's why students need to apply for other financial aid in their senior year.

It may seem like a lot of work but in every way, it is worth it. Students who meet the OHLAP requirements be better prepared for college—and of course they'll have the resources they might not have otherwise had to earn a college degree.

The earning potential over a lifetime for someone with a college degree versus someone who simply graduated from high school is estimated to be a million dollars. As you can see, having that degree can make a huge difference in the kind of lifestyle and financial security a person may have. But more than that, it can enable an individual to fulfill their potential and make their dreams come true, whether it is to become a teacher, an engineer, an artist or a doctor.

To find out more about helping your child apply for Oklahoma's Promise the OHLAP program—call student information hotline at 1-800-585-1840, or e-mail okpromise(g),osrhe.edu or you can right to: Oklahoma's Promise OHLAP, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, PO Box 108850, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

SENATE REVIEW - by Randy Bass

August 9-12 marks the 68th annual Lawton Ranger Rodeo. If you don't know anything about this rodeo and this organization, you should. They represent the very best of Oklahoma values and ideals with their public service and their promotion of an All-American event that keeps Oklahoma's history alive.

Their story began in 1945 when ten Lawton citizens sold shares at $1,000 each to form a riding club to promote horsemanship by holding rodeos in Comanche County. They started out on a little ten acre spread, but as Lawton grew, they sold that acreage and then the Lawton Rangers bought forty acres four miles east of town and named it the Lawton LO Ranch.

By last year this rodeo was ranked 37th in the nation and brings in some exciting talent. But what's really fantastic is that the Lawton Rangers annually give two to four scholarships to Comanche County graduating high school seniors and a $500 scholarship each semester for agriculture students, as well as $1,000 to $2,500 each year to the Comanche County Spring Livestock Show.

The Lawton Rangers ride in many of our local parades, including the Christmas Parade, the Fort Sill Armed Forces Day Parade. They also ride in the largest rodeo parade in all of Oklahoma—

the Guthrie '89ers Parade.

The Rangers, have represented Lawton and our state in the Fort Worth Livestock Show Parade and have also ridden in the Grand Entries of the Wichita Falls, Fort Worth and Vernon, rodeos in Texas.

Back in 2001, the Lawton Rangers organized a cross-state Pony Express to officially deliver Lawton's Centennial Proclamation and in 2000,2001, and 2002 they were shown national television and were first riding club broadcast worldwide for our state.

This past session I had honor of authoring a concurrent resolution, along Representatives Don Armes, Abe Deutchendorf and Dorman, to bring attention to this outstanding organization and I congratulate them for their many accomplishments. Lawton Rangers do a lot to support our area and especially our young people. I hope you make the time this year to  support them by attending world-class rodeo.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 5567 or by email bass@.oksenate.go