Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2003

Audio Clip

Gov. Henry, Legislative Leaders Announce Final Budget Agreement

(Oklahoma City) Governor Brad Henry and legislative leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement that clears the way for approval of a $5.09 billion state budget for next fiscal year. The pact, which includes a number of revenue enhancements to help fill a multi-million dollar revenue shortfall, also calls for public education to be funded early this year and in future legislative sessions.

The governor, House Speaker Larry E. Adair (D-Stilwell), Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson (D-Lexington), House Republican Leader Todd Hiett (R-Kellyville) and Senate Republican Leader James Williamson (R-Tulsa) announced the agreement Tuesday after completing several weeks of budget negotiations. This is the first time in recent history that a final, bipartisan budget agreement has been forged this early in the legislative session.

“Because of the major revenue shortfall we face, this budget isn’t free of pain or sacrifice, but it is the best possible plan that could be drafted with the resources at hand. It prioritizes public education and funds it early in the process, in addition to protecting health care programs and other priority areas. This bipartisan agreement makes the best of a difficult situation and shows that we can address major challenges if we put aside our differences and work together,” said Gov. Henry.

“The House of Representatives is committed to a thorough review of the needs of education as well as those of all of state government through our committee process. I plan to draw on each member’s expertise and ability to successfully address this challenging budget year,” Speaker Adair said.

“This historic budget agreement paints a positive picture of the bipartisan cooperation that has emerged this session, but the picture it paints for state government in the coming fiscal year is not a pretty one. Within the framework of this budget compromise, there will be cuts in state services that will be felt by every family in Oklahoma. I'm pleased that we've been able to agree on the need to make more money available for appropriation this session, but, without additional revenue enhancements, no Oklahoman is going to be pleased by the reduction in services to our citizens that will ultimately result,” added Senate Pres. Pro Tem Hobson.

Under the agreement, the $5.09 billion budget would be divided among the following legislative appropriations subcommittees for dispersal to state programs and services.

• Education (K-12, Higher Ed, Career Tech, etc.)* $2.87 billion
• General Government & Transportation $ 327 million
• Health & Social Services $ 701 million
• Human Services $ 503 million
• Natural Resources & Regulatory Services $ 110.4 million
• Public Safety & Judiciary $ 566 million
• Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) $ 6 million
• TOTAL BUDGET $5.09 BILLION


For more information, contact:

Governor’s office: 405-523-4219
State Senate: 405-524-0126
State House: 405-521-2711