Audio Clip

Sen. Hobson comments on budget shortfall and
GOP push to fund education first.

Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson Comments
on Senator Williamson's Remarks

Statement by Senator Cal Hobson,
Senate President Pro Tempore

"I would be agreeable to a vote funding education first, if Senator Williamson and at least three-fourths of his caucus would then agree to vote and approve a measure creating a temporary one-cent sales tax to be used to offset the worse budget crisis in state history. These votes must come on the same day."

"If we do not take action to offset the more than $677 million dollar shortfall, there isn't a family in Oklahoma that won't be touched by the cuts that will impact every single area of State Government. Oklahomans will see services slashed for their elderly parents. Families with children suffering from severe developmental disabilities will lose what little help they get now. Public safety, assistance to rural firefighting programs; the list goes on and on."

"A temporary penny increase in the sales tax won't eliminate the need for all budget cuts. But it will minimize them.

"We have the power as elected officials to do something together. Why don't we accept our responsibility to solve this financial crisis now? The truth is no one else can."

For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5605