AP: A User’s Guide to the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2015 Session
A user’s guide to the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2015 session
By SEAN MURPHY – Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Legislature convenes Monday for its regular legislative session. Gov. Mary Fallin will present her executive budget proposal and deliver the State of the State address at noon to a joint meeting of the House and Senate.
A rundown on the session and how to follow the lawmakers’ activities:
WHAT’S AT STAKE? – The biggest issue facing lawmakers is how to spend roughly $6.9 billion in available revenue, which is about $300 million less than the state-appropriated budget for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Because of depressed oil prices, that $300 million budget gap is expected to grow larger by the time a final revenue certification is made next month. Gov. Mary Fallin and Republican leaders are warning state agencies to prepare for budget reductions next year.
WHO’S IN CHARGE? – Republicans control every statewide elected office in Oklahoma and have super-majorities in both chambers of the Legislature. The GOP captured four Democratic Party-held seats in the Senate and now holds a 40-7 advantage, with one seat vacant. Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, begins his third two-year term as Senate leader. Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, is the Senate minority leader. In the House, Democrats held their ground in November’s elections to hold 29 seats in the 101-member body. Speaker of the House Jeffrey Hickman, R-Fairview, begins his second session as House leader, while Rep. Scott Inman, D-Oklahoma City, heads the House Democrats.