OKLAHOMA CITY – The State Chamber of Oklahoma announced today Sen. Clark Jolley is the recipient of its annual Guardians of Free Enterprise award for his dedicated work to grow Oklahoma’s economy and create more jobs in the state.

The award, which was announced today at The State Chamber’s annual Public Affairs Forum, recognizes Sen. Jolley’s efforts to ensure Oklahoma’s students are prepared to compete in the 21st Century economy. This year, Sen. Jolley authored key education reform bills such as ending social promotion and revising the school evaluation method to an easy-to-understand A-F system.

Additionally, Sen. Jolley also authored and played an instrumental role in the update of the Oklahoma Employment Discrimination Act.

Sen. Jolley was first elected to serve Edmond in Senate District 41 in 2004 and serves as Majority Assistant Floor leader. He was also recently named chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Sen. Clark Jolley recognizes the need to grow Oklahoma’s economy and create more jobs in his district and statewide. He is always willing to go the extra mile when it comes to authoring bills that have a profoundly positive impact on our state,” said Fred Morgan, President and CEO of The State Chamber. “We are proud to recognize his efforts and show our sincere appreciation of his hard work with this distinguished award.”

Reps. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, and Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, in the House and Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Oklahoma City, were also recipients of the State Chamber’s 2011 Guardians of Free Enterprise award.

The State Chamber of Oklahoma represents more than 2,100 Oklahoma businesses and 400,000 employees and has served as the state’s leading advocate for business since 1926.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, today announced the appointment of Senator Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, as the next Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Jolley, who currently serves as the committee’s Vice Chairman, will assume the Chairmanship previously held by the late Senator David Myers, effective immediately.

“As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, David Myers led with a steady hand during challenging times,” Bingman said. “Senator Jolley was an exceptional Vice Chairman, and his expertise on the committee is an invaluable asset in this time of transition. I am confident he will lead an Appropriations Committee that reflects our core belief in smaller, simpler, and smarter government.”

“Senator Jolley is a principled conservative voice who has earned the respect of our Senate members as someone who isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and get to work. I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve in this critical post under difficult circumstances.”

In 2011, the Senate Appropriations Committee oversaw appropriations to seventy-eight state agencies totaling more than $6.5 billion. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jolley will serve as the Senate’s lead negotiator in budget discussions with the Governor and the House of Representatives.

“I couldn’t have had a better mentor in the appropriations process than my friend Senator Myers,” Jolley said. “While no one can replace David, I am firmly committed to leading the Appropriations Committee with the kind integrity and honesty he displayed day in and day out. The business of the Appropriations Committee is essential to the operation of state government, and there is simply no trust more sacred than ensuring our tax-payer dollars are spent judiciously and wisely. I look forward to the next legislative session, and I am honored by the trust President Pro Tempore Bingman has placed in me.”

It isn’t common that I get emails like this one I got earlier today.  I decided it was worth sharing.  As a courtesy, I asked the writer if I could share the information about their name being listed.  Thankfully, the person agreed.

Ever since I was convicted of my second DUI in Oklahoma I have been lobbying for this very law to be passed. The reason I have wanted this law passed is that by being forced to have the interlock device in my vehicle, I actually learned alot about my personal drinking habits. And let me assure you…this device is a real punishment and deterrent to people who drink…especially in the cold winter months when you have to sit in your cold car and wait for the device to warm up BEFORE you can start your car and warm it up…and when you are making lots of short trips…like when christmas shopping…it can really feel like you are being punished a dozen times a day for your DUI conviction…the interlock really is a deterrent and punishment…There were even some mornings when I could not start my car to go to work because I had drank too much the night before while in my home.

I would like to see less people in prison for DUI in the State of Oklahoma and I think this new law will go a long way to help with that problem by using a real and effective punishment and deterrent. Locking people away from their family and careers seems like a cruel and unusual punishment for DUI when there is no accident involved. I mean the statement “you could have killed somebody” could apply to each and every person convicted of driving 85 MPH on I-35…

I am 47 years old…and my Conviction was in 2006…I finally quit drinking the day after Thanksgiving in 2010.

Thanks again for your work to make this new law. I truly feel it will make Oklahoma a better place to live.