Oklahoma Legislature enters final day of session

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Legislature is meeting for its final day of the regular session with one big-ticket item left on the agenda – passage of a $6.8 billion budget bill to fund state government for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Senate approved the general appropriations bill Wednesday, but the House has yet to pass it.

Because the Legislature is constitutionally mandated to adjourn by 5 p.m. Friday, if they are unable to get the 51 votes needed to pass it, a special session will be required.

The 30 Democrats in the 101-member House are unlikely to support the budget plan, which includes deep cuts to the state’s colleges and universities and other state agencies. Many Republicans also oppose the budget because of its reliance on a $200 million bond issue.