Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, issued the following statement on Wednesday announcing his decision to step down from his District 11 seat, effective January 6, 2015.

Most of my professional career has been dedicated to serving the people of north Tulsa in the Oklahoma Legislature. Its been an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 11, and before that, the constituents of House District 73.

However, I was recently encouraged to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to continue to work to improve education and champion other issues I am passionate about.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today announced committee assignments for Republican members.

“Oklahomans have given Republicans a historic majority in the state Senate,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “With 40 Senators, there is a considerable diversity of leadership and talent in the Republican caucus. I am proud to work with such a fine group of public servants as we advance an agenda to further our economic momentum.”

The State Senate’s committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and membership for the 2014-15 legislative session are:

Members of the Altus High School Band will perform at the state Capitol this Tuesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the fourth floor rotunda. The free concert, “From Infamy to Gallantry,” will pay tribute to the Oklahomans who served in World War II, and those from this state and throughout the country who served on the USS Oklahoma. The ship had the second highest loss of life in the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. More than 400 members of the crew died in the attack.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today announced committee chair and vice chair assignments for all standing committees and appropriations subcommittees.

“I’m privileged to work with such an exceptional group of public servants,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “Their dedication and expertise will serve us well as we work to find solutions to the challenges faced by our state.”

The state Senate’s committee chairs and vice chairs for the 2014-2015 session are:

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today applauded the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that Senate Bill 1246 does not violate the state Constitution. Bingman was the principal author of the measure, which will reduce the state’s income tax rate as Oklahoma’s revenues grow. “The state Supreme Court got this one right,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The language and intent of State Question 640 are very clear – to prevent tax increases without a vote of the people or a supermajority.