Budget remains biggest challenge for Oklahoma lawmakers

When members of the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives return Monday to the state Capitol to begin this year's regular legislative session, there's little debate about which issue will confound them the most.

Problems with the state budget have persisted through four regular sessions (and two specials) as legislators have struggled to fill consecutive budget shortfalls. They haven't yet found the right formula to avoid one-time spending. Options include tax hikes, budget cuts or a combination of both.

Gov. Mary Fallin is likely to address the budget crisis Monday in her State of the State speech.

Lawmakers are planning to consider a tax and government reform package offered by business and civic leaders who organized an advocacy group called Step Up Oklahoma. Among other recommendations, the Step Up plan calls for raising the tax rates on oil and gas production, wind power generation, gasoline sales and cigarettes. The plan also recommends creating an independent budget office to find waste, fraud and abuse in state government.

Read more: http://newsok.com/budget-remains-primary-issue-as-lawmakers-return/article/5581967