Still no deal in the Oklahoma legislature as the special session continues with legislative leaders and Gov. Mary Fallin in talks with hopes of reaching an agreement to resolve the $215 million budget hole.
At last word, House Floor Leader Jon Echols indicated legislators were told to prepare to return for work on Oct. 24. However, he also confirmed there was still not a deal reached on a revenue package.
“I’m hoping we’re ready to go by then,” said the Oklahoma Republican Representative. “Until a deal is announced, it’s always ‘be prepared to come back’,” he told The Oklahoman.
Echols explained the latest notification was made to legislators so they could prepare their calendars for a return to the state capitol on Oct. 24.
The fight is a focus on whether to raise gross production taxes on oil and gas as Democrats in the House want or to pass a cigarette tax. Democratic leaders have indicated they will support the cigarette tax only if the gross production tax is increased.
Republicans know they will need at least 76 votes in the House to get approval of any tax increase. And they can’t get the 76 without the support of some Democrats.
No matter how close legislative leaders are to a possible agreement, Gov. Fallin remains disappointed over the lack of progress in the budget talks.
“We must see progress in filling the $215 million budget hole with reoccurring revenue and funding a pay raise for teachers,” said the Governor on Friday, “Every day that go4ee4s by without an agreement is a lost opportunity to fill the hole and fund the raise.”