2014 Legislative Session Begins Monday

2014 Oklahoma Legislature: Budget challenges, leadership matters await as session begins

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau  

OKLAHOMA CITY —- Lawmakers return to the state Capitol on Monday to begin what is expected to be a turbulent session. With $170 million less to spend, they will grapple with employee compensation, tax cuts, judicial reform, prison funding and a balanced state budget that is expected to include cuts.

Gov. Mary Fallin will deliver her fourth state-of-the-state address about 12:45 p.m. Monday to a joint legislative session assembled in the House chamber.

With upcoming elections, the rhetoric and finger-pointing likely will be elevated.

“We call it the silly season for a reason,” said Keith Gaddie, a University of Oklahoma political science professor.

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