House Sets Budget Review Sessions

House subcommittees will meet with state agencies, boards and commissions next week to review those entities' existing budgets and spending practices, in hopes of finding ways to trim costs and increase efficiency, House Speaker Lance Cargill said Friday.

The meetings are part of an on-going effort by House budget leaders to make sure Oklahoma's government is responsive to the needs of its citizens.

"The taxpayers of this state expect to see results from the government they pay for," said Cargill (R-Harrah). "Drafting a responsible state budget is one of the Legislature's greatest responsibilities, and these meetings are the first step in that process. As we put together the state budget for the next fiscal year, we must make sure we're asking the tough questions and getting to the heart of the issue for each state entity. Just like the taxpayers hold us accountable, it's our job to hold each state entity accountable for their performance."

This round of subcommittee budget and performance reviews will have two specific goals. First, it will be an opportunity for lawmakers to fully understand the function of, and services provided by, each state agency, board and commission. Second, lawmakers will examine options for getting better results from each state entity in question.

"There is a need to look at the purpose of each state entity and make sure that taxpayer money is being used wisely," said state Rep. Chris Benge, chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. "We have to look at our methods for tracking progress for each entity. We need to be looking for ways to modernize government and make it more efficient, such as using advances in technology."

The Legislative session begins February 5th.

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