Fallin says no special session for teacher pay alternative

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – No special session of the Oklahoma Legislature will be held after Gov. Mary Fallin was unable to reach agreement with lawmakers on a plan for a teacher pay raise and the redistribution of $140 million in surplus revenue to targeted agencies.
Fallin met Thursday with Republican leaders in the House and Senate to discuss a possible session. She wanted lawmakers to consider an alternative to a state question in November calling for a 1 percent sales tax increase for public education that includes a $5,000 teacher pay raise. She also wanted lawmakers to consider distributing the $140 million to specific agencies.
But Fallin spokesman Michael McNutt confirmed late Thursday the governor and lawmakers couldn't reach a consensus.
As a result, the surplus revenue will be allocated proportionally to state agencies.