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.”

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. 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.

State Sen. Anthony Sykes said he was extremely pleased by the overwhelming support voters gave for a Constitutional amendment to make English the state’s official language and a second Constitutional amendment to ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Sharia law when making decisions. Sykes, R-Moore, was the Senate author of legislation placing the two questions before voters.

“Yesterday was truly an extraordinary day in the history of our state in many ways. Republicans fielded an outstanding slate of Senate candidates in all corners of the state, and they worked hard to convey their pro-growth message that resonated with Oklahomans across party lines. It was truly phenomenal to pick up six seats, and we’re gratified by the response of the voters in the districts. We had great candidates and they campaigned hard.

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.

State Senators John Ford and Clark Jolley are calling for a member of the State School Board to resign from that post.

Jolley, a member of the Senate Education Committee said he was appalled by reports that former State Senator and current board member Herb Rozell had referred to State Superintendent Janet Barresi's legislative liaison as "useless" because she was pregnant and her baby is expected to be born during the legislative session.

With consumers struggling to pay ever increasing insurance rates, Sen. Earl Garrison wants insurance companies to be accountable to citizens and justify any rate increases. Senate Bill 354 would ensure that premium rate information relating to the individual accident and health insurance market be readily available to the public