It’s official: Oklahoma lawmakers are going into special session to fix the state budget.
Gov. Mary Fallin officially called the special session today. It will start Sept. 25.
"Urgent action is needed," Fallin said in a news release. "Lawmakers need to come together quickly to fill this fiscal year’s budget hole so our citizens can be assured they will receive necessary core services."
A $ 215 million hole was left after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled last month a $1.50 per pack cigarette tax increase was unconstitutional. The legislation originated in the Senate and was passed during the last five days of session without two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
Tthe fiscal year has already begun, and state agencies estimate the total loss is nearly $500 million once lost federal matching funds are factored in.
The lost cigarette tax revenue is just one matter Fallin wants lawmakers to address. She also wants them to come up with a long-term solution to budget shortfalls, see if there’s more possible consolidation of state government, clarify exemptions to the new vehicle sales tax and come up with a way to give teachers a raise.
"I encourage lawmakers to see this special session as an opportunity to change the fiscal course we are headed," Fallin said. "I hope they seize the moment to pass legislation that makes more recurring revenue available, reduces our reliance on one-time funds, and puts our state on the path to success."
