OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Legislature convenes Monday for its regular legislative session. Governor Mary Fallin will present her executive budget proposal and deliver the State of the State address at noon to a joint meeting of the House and Senate.
The biggest issue facing lawmakers is how to spend roughly $6.9 billion in available revenue, which is about $300 million less than the state-appropriated budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30th. Because of depressed oil prices, that $300 million budget gap is expected to grow larger by the time a final revenue certification is made next month. Governor Mary Fallin and Republican leaders are warning state agencies to prepare for budget reductions next year.