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.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said Monday that the reinstatement of Oklahomas No Child Left Behind waiver ensures the states education reform efforts will continue. "With the federal governments politics now out of the way, Oklahoma can take the next step and develop high standards that prepare our students to compete in the new global economy. Todays schools house the next generation of Oklahomas workforce. As a result, the academic standards we develop will directly impact our job market and economy for years to come.

Sen. Brian Crain is promoting legislation for the 2015 session to secure critically needed additional education funding in Oklahoma by creating separate trusts for higher and common education through two 30-year, $2.5 billion bond issues.

The innovative solution to Oklahoma's efforts to secure permanent additional education funding would raise money over 30 years to create the trusts, which would provide money for education in addition to standard appropriations.

A group of 35 state legislators released an open letter Thursday voicing concerns about the possibility that many tax relief measures passed in Oklahoma over the past decade could be overturned, should the state Supreme Court rule that tax reductions must meet the guidelines of State Question 640.

Following the swearing-in of new and returning Senators on Tuesday, Senate Republicans met in caucus to elect their leadership team for the 55th Oklahoma Legislature. Without opposition, Sen. Brian Bingman was reelected as President Pro Tempore-Nominee of the Senate. Bingman also announced that Sen. Mike Schulz will continue to serve as Majority Floor Leader for the 55th Legislature. Majority Caucus Chair Bryce Marlatt and Majority Caucus Vice Chair A.J.

Oklahoma's school districts can redirect more funding to teachers and classrooms by streamlining and consolidating administrative costs, offering parents more choices for their children and eliminating waste, said Sen. Kyle Loveless.

Starting this Saturday, two new laws go into effect that Sen. David Holt believes will promote greater government transparency for Oklahoma citizens. Holt, R-Oklahoma City, was Senate author of those measures as well another new law taking effect Saturday intended to combat Oklahoma’s domestic violence crisis.

The Senate Finance Committee held an interim study examining state tax incentives for wind power on Tuesday at the State Capitol. Finance Chair Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, and Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, who presided over the hearing, issued the following statements after the meeting was adjourned.