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GOP Initiatives a Key Part of State Budget Agreement

Senate Republican Leader James A. Williamson discusses reforms included in budget agreement.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City The adoption of Republican budget reform initiatives are a key part of the bipartisan budget agreement between House and Senate leaders and the governors office, the Senate Republican Floor Leader said Tuesday. Republicans were instrumental in obtaining an agreement on common sense, longterm budget reforms that will improve the efficiency of state government and ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The importance of these reforms to the future of the budget process in Oklahoma should not be understated, said Sen. James A. Williamson, RTulsa, Senate Republican Floor Leader. It is a tough budget year, but the bipartisan budget agreement proves that even with revenue shortfalls our states top priorities can be adequately funded without increasing the tax burden on Oklahoma taxpayers. A general tax increase during this economic downturn would be devastating to our economy, and would only make the longterm budget picture worse, Williamson said. Republican budget reforms adopted in the budget include: Funding education first: The FY0 common education appropriations bill will be passed by the Legislature early next week, and a statute will be enacted requiring the Legislature to pass common education funding in March of each year. Zerobased budgeting: A statute will be enacted requiring the state agencies to justify each dollar requested every year, and requiring legislative reauthorization for each agency every four years. Rainy Day Fund: A vote of the people will be scheduled in 200 for new protections for the Rainy Day Fund, making it more difficult to withdraw funds except during revenue shortfalls. Ad valorem reimbursement fund: A . million public education shortfall in the ad valorem reimbursement fund will be restored. Voluntary School Consolidation: Financial incentives to encourage school districts to voluntarily consolidate will be enacted. These incentives were originally adopted with House Bill 0, but have since expired.

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Senator James A. Williamson Senate Republican Leader 0 22