CapitolBeatOK: Spending Up In 2014 Budget
Driven by education and health care, OK government spending to jump at least $250 million
by Patrick B. McGuigan
OKLAHOMA CITY – A government completely dominated by conservative Republicans will increase spending by at least $250 million next fiscal year, if the plans of the governor and legislative leaders are sustained in the budget process.
At the state Capitol Blue Room, the widely anticipated spending increases were outlined May 2 (Thursday).
As notable as the spending figures in the Capitol press briefing was the apparent sharpening of knives concerning the future employment of Corrections Department Director Justin Jones.
Gov. Mary Fallin, Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton, and Senate President Pro Temp Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, joined with appropriations chairmen and other Republicans from both chambers to give the budget information to members of the state Capitol press corps.