Taylor Comments on State of the State Address

Statement by Senator Stratton Taylor,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I applaud Governor Keating for his upbeat tone and I look forward to working with him this year. I think we all agree on the common goals for Oklahoma - better jobs, stronger schools and more affordable health care - but we certainly may have some disagreements on how we accomplish those goals.

"We haven't been able to review the specifics of Gov. Keating's budget yet, but we will be interested to see how all of his numbers add up. With the state facing a significant revenue shortfall this year, we have to reassess state priorities and cut programs in order to balance the budget. That won't be an easy or pleasant task.

"I applaud the Governor for pledging to protect education, veterans, law enforcement and mental health from budget cuts. We also want to do everything we can to protect those areas and others, such as health care programs for the disabled, elderly and children. I will be interested to see how Governor Keating plans to shield all of those areas and balance the budget, given the severity of our revenue situation.

"I hope that the hallmark of this legislative session in bipartisan cooperation. In an election year, people are sometimes tempted to seek a political outcome rather than one that benefits the state and its people. I would challenge members of both parties to work together and put the state ahead of political interests. In past years, we have accomplished more through cooperation rather than confrontation."