Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage announced today that he has decided not to seek another term in the Oklahoma State Senate. Although the Claremore Democrat would not have been term limited until 2018, Burrage said it was time to refocus his attention on his family and his legal career.

The State Senate and staff raised $10,073.92 this fall as part of the annual State Charitable Campaign, more than ever raised in the previous decade of participation.

Since starting the campaign on October 1, the state Senate raised almost $7,000 through payroll deductions, checks and cash donations. Those funds will be donated proportionately to the 161 local charities included in the campaign, covering a variety of needs across Oklahoma including hunger, abuse, the arts and literacy, to name a few. More than 100 Senate employees donated, averaging almost $100 each in giving.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Clark Jolley and Senate Education Chairman Sen. John Ford released the following statement today in response to concerns regarding third grade retention legislation.

Sending individuals to track and record a political opponent’s comments and actions has become a routine part of many campaigns. But State Sen. Brian Crain said Friday when that kind of surveillance moves into a candidate’s neighborhood and causes anxiety and fear for others living there, it’s gone too far. Crain said he was drafting legislation in an attempt to stop such harassment.

Sen. Connie Johnson and Rep. Randy McDaniel will be joining agency and community advocates in celebrating the 5th Annual World Diabetes Day on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The public is invited to attend the free event, taking place on the first floor of the State Capitol from 5:30-7:45pm, to help raise awareness of a devastating disease that affects more than 350 million people worldwide.

Sen. Patrick Anderson is urging state leaders to think outside the box when considering ways to lower the income tax. Hes advocating passage of Senate Bill 240 which would replace the current state income tax with a 2.95 percent flat tax. Anderson originally introduced the bill in the 2013 legislative session. The bill can still be considered in the 2014 session when it begins in February.

Sen. Josh Brecheen released the following statement Thursday in response to the Commissioners of the Land Office voting to sue Oklahoma City-based private developer Pointe Vista Development LLC, which was tasked with building a hotel on Lake Texoma.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman released the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that House Bill 2032 violates the single subject rule in the Oklahoma Constitution.

“We are disappointed in the ruling and stand ready to act legislatively as needed in the upcoming session.”

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement after the State Supreme Court ruled Monday on the challenge of the workers compensation reform bill approved during the 2013 legislative session.

On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 1062 “is not unconstitutional as a multiple-subject bill” and further stated “the Legislature has exercised proper authority in a matter over which it has power to act by adopting a code for future execution of workers’ compensation law.”