Legislative Sessions’ End Within Sight
Lawmakers on pace to wrap up session early
By Michael McNutt
With three key issues passed and the state’s $7.1 billion budget bill halfway through the Legislature, lawmakers are on pace to finish up several days earlier than the May 31 deadline.
Several lawmakers hinted, perhaps hopefully, they could finish their work by Friday, but legislative leaders believe that may be too ambitious.
“Realistically anywhere from the 17th to the 24th is very reasonable to expect,” said Senate President pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “We still have some unfinished business, but all our major items have all been agreed to.”
Leaders in the Republican-controlled Legislature reached an agreement with GOP Gov. Mary Fallin in late April on three major issues: an income-tax cut, an overhaul of the workers’ compensation system and a long-range plan to repair the state Capitol and other state buildings.