Fallin cuts top tax rate, says state revenue growth is enough.

[AquaMan]

Ever once in a while, you're downright lucid. Off by a few years, but then that's the Oklahoma effect! Reliance on sales taxes, oil/gas, and dinosaur river development has limited our choices and blunted our potential. Throw in casinos and that red glow the city has and bingo....bedroom community.

[patric]

Oklahoma made a stab at taking part in alternative energy.

...and promptly buried it by legislating new taxes on wind and solar energy.
Doesnt seem like a very sincere effort, does it?

[Conan71]

Ever once in a while, you're downright lucid. Off by a few years, but then that's the Oklahoma effect! Reliance on sales taxes, oil/gas, and dinosaur river development has limited our choices and blunted our potential. Throw in casinos and that red glow the city has and bingo....bedroom community.

Good to see you Aqua!

Please don't be a stranger!

[AquaMan]

When something is worth replying to and the conversation is both reality based and respectfully approached, I am game. I don't know where you guys find the time!

[heironymouspasparagus]

When something is worth replying to and the conversation is both reality based and respectfully approached, I am game. I don't know where you guys find the time!

I guess most of us are just riding on the backs of the people doing the work....



Welcome!  Not much has changed has it...?

[AquaMan]

All the usual suspects.

[heironymouspasparagus]

All the usual suspects.

Pretty much.  Angie seems to be participating a little more....I think she is developing a tougher 'hide' to jump into the fray a little more often, which is good.  She has been "piled on" a little, but seemed to shake it off well.

Newbies get the same kind of reception I did at the beginning, from whichever side is opposite their view, so don't get a lot of new blood the political areas. 

Same ole', same ole'....

[Townsend]

Oklahoma Budget Hole: $611.3 Million

http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/oklahoma-budget-hole-6113-million

Oklahoma's budget shortfall is deeper than what officials expected. The state Equalization Board today said state lawmakers will have $611.3-million dollars less to spend this year than last.

The  state says the decrease is brought on by declining oil prices. It was originally been estimated to be $298-million short and then $600-million.This will mean cuts it state agency expenditures and pretty much voids Governor Fallin's proposed budget. The Oklahoma Policy Institute Issued the following statement in a news release

"This news that Oklahoma's revenue picture has gone from bad to worse cannot be blamed only on the slowdown in the energy industry. Choices by the Legislature and Governor have helped dig this budget hole. State leaders need to make better choices to avoid calamitous cuts to our children's schools, our health care safety net, and public safety."

[Hoss]

Oklahoma Budget Hole: $611.3 Million

http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/oklahoma-budget-hole-6113-million

Yep, how's that tax cut gonna fit in there?

[Townsend]

Yep, how's that tax cut gonna fit in there?

Slow at first and then like a jack hammer

[heironymouspasparagus]

Yep, how's that tax cut gonna fit in there?

Fit like a glove... After all, it was Mary who told us that state revenue growth was enough.  That's why we re-elected her, isn't it??  'Cause she is such a good governor....

[cannon_fodder]

Nope. Our benevolent leaders in OKC said there is plenty of money to cut taxes. No way it is proven they were wrong just a few weeks later...

[Townsend]

State Arts, Libraries Agencies Prepare for Further Cuts



http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/state-arts-libraries-agencies-prepare-further-cuts

A state House budget subcommittee asked cultural agencies Monday how they're preparing for another year of cuts.

Oklahoma Arts Council Director Amber Sharples said their first cuts would be to community arts programs.

"These go very heavily to our rural communities — the festivals that take place everywhere from Claremore, Idabel, across the state," Sharples said. "So, obviously, that would have ramifications."

Oklahoma Department of Libraries Director Susan McVey told the subcommittee she has to spend money on certain things in order to get more than $2 million in federal dollars.

"And that's what we use for some of the projects that we talked to you about, like the statewide licenses for databases and the public library summer reading program and interlibrary loan," McVey said.

The subcommittee asked to hear from the arts council and the libraries department on how budget cuts of 2.5 percent, 5 and 7.5 would impact them next fiscal year.

With a $611 million budget hole looming, the subcommittee asked if their revolving funds would help ease another round of cuts.

Sharples said theirs would go toward educational programs.

"Being able to expend those funds and get them out to more districts and communities across the state is more likely than us keeping the revolving fund," she said.

McVey warned the subcommittee it's not a long-term solution, however.

"It's one time," she said. "We can only do it one time."

The two agencies' budgets are down nearly 30 percent from 2008. Both directors said they've done everything they can to save, from eliminating travel budgets to carrying a 44 percent vacancy rate.

[Conan71]

State Arts, Libraries Agencies Prepare for Further Cuts



http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/state-arts-libraries-agencies-prepare-further-cuts

Before too long Oklahoma will resemble Afghanistan!

[Townsend]

Before too long Oklahoma will resemble Afghanistan!

Which one would be a preferable place for a US President to visit?