New GOP Majority Announces Ambitious Plan

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Republican leaders of the Oklahoma Senate rolled out an ambitious program on Wednesday that includes legal reform and tax restructuring.

"Our goal is also to help Oklahomans keep more of their hard-earned dollars by fighting for reduced income tax breaks and curb the growth of property tax assessments as much as fiscally responsible," said Senator Mike Johnson (R-Kingfisher).

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee says Republicans have a mandate from the people to enact changes and make the state more business friendly.

The Oklahoma City Republican says the GOP will push for a statewide vote on cutting maximum lawyer contingency fees from 50% to 25% if Republicans are unsuccessful in passing a comprehensive law to reduce lawsuit costs.

Senator Todd Lamb (R-District 47) visited the NEWS 9 studio to discuss the GOP's agenda and what the change in power will mean for Oklahoma.

Other Republican goals include beefing up highway funding, requiring voters to show identification at the polls, expanding health care coverage and shoring up the teacher pension system.