GOP Leaders Confident Budget Can Be Crafted

The state Board of Equalization certified the final amount lawmakers will have to spend for fiscal year 2009 today.

Despite a reduction from the initial certification last December, House Republican leaders are confident a budget can be crafted this year that is good for vital government services like education and public safety, while also protecting the taxpayers.

“Our position has not changed; we have said all along we would be cautious as we enter budget negotiations this year, and we plan to proceed along that same path,” said Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “It is no secret the economy has been slowing nationwide, so these decreased numbers are not a surprise.”

Oklahoma has bucked a national trend of states seeing sharp budget cuts because of a slowing economy.

Governor Henry said today, "It's just not time to panic. We've been through worse."

Henry said he doesn't think the revenue picture is bad enough to tap the state's "Rainy Day" fund that holds $571 million.

“Our state has been insulated this long from the downward trend because of recent efforts to restrain government spending and a reduction in our state’s income tax rate, which has put more money back into the taxpayers’ pockets,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “Good financial years recently also allowed us to build a robust savings in our Rainy Day Fund.”

Miller, R-Edmond, said he looks forward to getting to work on the state budget. “As we move forward, we will continue to look for ways to make government more efficient and modern at a cost savings to the taxpayers,” he said. “And, as always, we will be mindful of the state’s full financial picture as we start negotiating the budget this year.”

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