State Sen. Hank Sanders has decided to retire from his position as co-chair of the Black Belt Commission, according to information released Thursday.

In his letter of retirement addressed to the commission, Sanders said his decision came after much “consideration” and “prayer.”

Sanders, who called the decision, “the right thing at the right time,” said he needed to “cut back” on his involvements and spend more time with family.

“I still got a whole lot to do,” said Sanders, who will turn 70 this year. “I’m still in the Senate … but I’m retiring so I can put more time in writing a series of books to my grandchildren … I don’t have a lot of time to do it.”

Sanders also said he wants to spend more time with the “Saving Ourselves Summit,” or S.O.S., which is a group of 25 organizations across the state to help move Alabama forward, he said.

Sanders, who came on board with the commission created by former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley seven years ago, said he wishes the commission all the best in its future endeavors.

“I am proud of what the Black Belt Commission accomplished during our time of service,” Sanders said in his letter. “I know the Black Belt is better off because of the Black Belt Commission. I know that … the Black Belt Commission will continue to serve.”

For Sanders, this is not the end.

“I’m retiring … the Black Belt Commission is too much a part of me to resign,” Sanders said. “I’ve been in it from the beginning. I put in long hours … I want to spend more time with my grandchildren.”

Also known as the Black Belt Action Commission, the commission is responsible for identifying needs or solving problems for the Black Belt of Alabama and engaging in the implementation of those solutions. The commission is divided into sub-committees targeted to key areas and headed by a chairperson.