OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is calling on state lawmakers to revamp the state's budgeting process.
In her State of the State address Monday, Fallin said the primary source of discretionary spending by the Legislature — the general revenue fund — is growing smaller. It is shrinking, both in dollars and as a percentage of overall collections, because of the increasing cost of mandatory off-the-top apportionments.
Fallin says the state's budgeting system diverts billions of dollars away from the general revenue fund before the budgeting process begins to support government programs, pay for tax credits or to fill unused revolving funds maintained by some state agencies.
Fallin says she wants to work with lawmakers to take a fresh look at the budgeting process, and to rethink how taxpayer dollars are allocated.
PRISON:
Fallin said Oklahoma ranks at the top of the nation for prescription drug abuse, fourth in the nation in unintentional drug poisoning deaths, seventh-worst for obesity and the sixth-worst for smoking rates.
Fallin says there are thousands of unnecessary deaths in the state each year and billions of public and private dollars spent to treat preventable illnesses.
She says every Oklahoman can better take personal responsibility for their health. But lawmakers can pass a prescription drug monitoring bill that cracks down on the practice of "doctor shopping" and ensures that narcotics are not being prescribed to addicts.
EDUCATION:
Fallin says in five years, studies predict only 23 percent of Oklahoma jobs will be available to those who have a high school degree or less. Today, Fallin says, 46 percent of the working population fits that description.
Fallin says lawmakers should help strengthen partnerships between businesses and local schools where students can dual track their education and work skills.
Fallin highlighted a collaborative effort between the Mid-America Industrial Park in Pryor and Mayes County schools exposes students to the job and career options available to them after graduation.
HEALTH:
Fallin said Oklahoma ranks at the top of the nation for prescription drug abuse, fourth in the nation in unintentional drug poisoning deaths, seventh-worst for obesity and the sixth-worst for smoking rates.
Fallin says there are thousands of unnecessary deaths in the state each year and billions of public and private dollars spent to treat preventable illnesses.
She says every Oklahoman can better take personal responsibility for their health. But lawmakers can pass a prescription drug monitoring bill that cracks down on the practice of "doctor shopping" and ensures that narcotics are not being prescribed to addicts.