Oklahoma Legislature working to fill widening budget gap

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – One year ago, depressed energy prices contributed to a $611 million hole in the state budget that forced Oklahoma lawmakers to tap dozens of non-recurring revenue sources to prevent draconian cuts to public services like schools, roads and public safety.

With energy prices even lower, lawmakers face a projected shortfall of at least $900 million in the budget for the upcoming year and are again looking for ways to piece together a balanced budget that will avoid double-digit budget cuts and adequately pay for vital public services.

But this time, lawmakers say, things will be different.

Legislative leaders are studying proposals outlined by Gov. Mary Fallin in her State of the State address to enhance the recurring revenue sources and avoid one-time funding sources to fill the state’s budget hole.