State Capitol Update: Not Much Progress To Report As Special Session Continues
Little progress as special session clock ticks
by Dale Denwalt, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma’s 2017 legislative special session has lumbered along in fits and starts, with most of the work going on behind the scenes.
Legislative leaders and the governor’s office rattle off ideas behind closed doors. Republicans and Democrats gather at the Capitol every few days for closed-door meetings to decide what, if any, plan has enough votes to pass.
One thing is clear: On paper, the Oklahoma Legislature is no closer to a resolution now than when Gov. Mary Fallin ordered them back to the Capitol on Sept. 25.
They’ve had at least two months to hammer out a deal. While there were concerns that a $1.50 cigarette fee adopted in May was unconstitutional, the Oklahoma Supreme Court settled the debate Aug. 9 with a strongly worded ruling that said lawmakers violated the constitution by enacting it.