CONTACT:
Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Office of House Speaker Chris Benge
Oklahoma State Senate
Office of Senate President Pro Tem
House Speaker, Senate President Warn
Tougher Budget Times are Ahead
OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 13, 2009) – House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee respond to today’s release of the September state revenue numbers:
“These figures are alarming, and we have no reason to believe the revenue trend is going to drastically change anytime soon. Because of this, I urge state agencies to not only restrain spending, but also proactively prepare for the possibility of deeper cuts in the future to bring expenditures better in line with current collections,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.
“There are tough decisions ahead, and we are working closely with Senate leadership and the governor’s office to make fiscally prudent decisions in this time of global recession and depressed natural gas prices. Our state has made it through trying budget times in the past, and we will again,” Benge concluded.
“As challenging as the fiscal situation is for the State of Oklahoma at this time, I’m thankful for the conservative budgeting priorities we’ve instituted in the past that keep us from being in a worse situation than we currently are,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.
“As in previous months, the fiscal outlook isn’t optimistic, and the time for real and tough decisions may be imminent. The Speaker and I will meet with the governor as soon as we possibly can, and begin those discussions.
“But in light of natural gas prices that remain low and the vast amounts in storage, we have no reason for optimism in the coming months.
“It’s premature to say with certainty, but many options will be on the table, including possible deeper cuts in targeted programs as we carry out the appropriate and constitutionally mandated balanced budget.”
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