State

“It’s not just a matter of slashing budgets…this commission will look closely at agency programs and services to see which ones actually benefit taxpayers and which ones need to be eliminated."

The state's energy and environment cabinet says it's "very likely" that wastewater wells are causing the quakes, while Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association says "maybe, but we need more data".

Of the 51 state plans, only seven, including Oklahoma, scored ‘strong’ across all three metrics.

The bill would've given teachers and state workers a raise, but some were saying it didn't do enough to make a dent in Oklahoma's deficit and wasn't worth the additional tax burden it would have put on Oklahomans.

"We all owe it to our constituents to reject cash and cuts as our only options and continue to work toward a long-term budget solution which protects the most basic, core government functions and services without balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and the vulnerable."

“There are real lives at stake. There are unacceptable consequences if the Legislature fails to act. Whether as candidates or elected officials, we’ve all heard one common refrain from our constituents: fix this mess."

If passed, the budget agreement would include tax on cigarettes, tax increase on fuel and restore earned income tax credit.

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom is in Phoenix, Arizona as a delegate attending the Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) Planning Convention, which commenced on September 12 and is scheduled to complete its work on September 15. The gathering is preparing the rules and guidelines for a future Article V Convention of the States for proposing amendments. “The national…

Senator James Leewright said "These budget measures show a great deal of leadership in the Senate and we will continue to work together until we come to a reasonable solution to our budget deficit."

Plan would boost Oklahoma teacher pay to first in the region.