The Oklahoma Public Employees Association calls Governor Fallin’s decision not to call a special session the right move. Fallin considered using a special session to use more than $140 million left over from revenue failure cuts for a teacher pay raise. Instead it will be returned to state agencies.
The OPEA issued a statement tepidly applauding the Governor’s decision. However, it also called for additional funding for agencies during the next legislative session.
”When lawmakers return to the capitol in February, they must address the anticipated budget shortfall by providing state agencies with a supplemental appropriation. Failure to do, early in the session will likely result in additional cuts to crucial state services that millions of Oklahomans rely on. Our highways will be less safe because there will be fewer troopers on the roads. Help for troubled youth will be harder to access as the Office of Juvenile Affairs and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services curtails services. All state services will be further damaged, in some capacity, unless lawmakers prioritize a supplemental appropriation.”
