Rainy Day Fund money and some bond issuing will likely be sought in the effort to set a 2017 fiscal year budget. Healthcare & other priorities agencies will be spared cuts, but other agencies are likely to get at least a 'haircut'. House Speaker Jeff Hickman said any consideration of a $1.50-per-pack cigarette tax, which had been considered to bolster Medicaid provider rates, will not occur this legislative session. Also not to be considered in the one week remaining in this session will be a broadening of the sales tax to include more goods and services, which was considered as a way to fund teacher raises. |
Oklahoma House leaders say much of budget hole filled
Oklahoma House leaders say most of the $1.3 billion hole in the new fiscal year budget will be closed without the need for any tax increases. Rep. Earl Sears said the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 still will lack about $200 million in revenue that was available last year.
Read more at the Oklahoman.