President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond as Vice Chairman of Appropriations. Last week Bingman announced Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City as Chairman of Appropriations.

The decision to select an Appropriations Committee Chair and Vice Chair before other committee selections are made is a result of a focus on budget challenges ahead according to Senator Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

“Sen. Jolley will do an excellent job as Appropriations Vice Chairman. He is ready to start the difficult budget work ahead” stated Bingman.

President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced today that former Senator James Williamson will be joining his leadership staff to serve dual roles as Senior Policy Advisor and Legal Counsel.

"Jim is a true statesman. Although we are in a challenging time and we are sure to face difficult decisions this session, Jim is willing to answer the call to service. His experience and knowledge will be a great resource to us as we confront the difficult issues ahead" stated Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Sen. Steve Russell today announced an unprecedented and diverse gathering of professionals, including National Football League stars, world-class athletes and entertainers, military heroes and professional organizations that are joining forces to raise awareness and address the staggering needs of America’s veterans and their families.

Oklahoma Senate Republicans elected the remaining members of their caucus leadership team on Tuesday.
Last week, Senate Republicans named Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, to serve as the second Republican in the Senate’s top leadership post, President Pro Tempore. Also last week, Bingman named Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, to serve as Majority Floor Leader. Rules were also changed at that time to add a fourth whip to the majority caucus as well as a caucus vice chairman.

On Tuesday, Senate Republicans elected these members of the leadership team:

Pres. Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced Wednesday his selection of Sen. David Myers of Ponca City as the new Chairman of Appropriations.

"We must immediately get to work addressing another challenging budget. I know that Senator Myers is well prepared and ready to serve as Chairman of Appropriations,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Senate Republicans met today for the first time since Election Day and elected Sapulpa Republican Senator Brian Bingman as their new leader and Senate President Pro Tempore-designate. Senator Bingman also announced his selection of Senator Mike Schulz of Altus as Floor Leader. The caucus, looking forward to an unprecedented 32-16 majority in the State Senate, came out of the meeting united and looking ahead to electing the remainder of their leadership team next Tuesday, November 16.

Sen. Dan Newberry on Monday said he was very pleased with the strong support voters gave to a Constitutional amendment that will permit the state to opt-out of Obamacare. Newberry was the author of legislation that placed the amendment before Oklahoma voters.

“I’m pleased by the outcome of the vote, and consider it a victory for the state of Oklahoma,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “The voters have made their voices heard loud and clear in Washington. Oklahomans sent a clear message that this intrusive federal mandate is a step too far.”

State Sen. Kenneth Corn is urging the incoming State Legislature to address the staff shortages in Oklahoma’s prisons before the public or Department of Corrections (DOC) employees are placed at further risk.

Corrections and public safety were always top priorities for Corn, and as he prepares to leave office, he called on returning and newly elected lawmakers to make these issues priorities as well.

Hundreds of Oklahomans will join people around the world for World Diabetes Day on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Senate Concurrent Resolution 34, authored by Sen. Constance N. Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel, passed during the 2010 legislative session and designates November 14 as World Diabetes Day in Oklahoma. This is the second year Oklahoma has participated in the event.

State Sen. John Ford said he was extremely gratified by Tuesday’s passage of State Question 746. Ford was author of the legislative referendum which will protect the integrity of Oklahoma's voting system by requiring voters to show identification before casting their ballots at the polls. According to unofficial returns, about 75 percent of voters approved the measure.