OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Republican legislative leaders say they've reached a budget deal with the governor's office that protects core state services and includes no further cuts to public schools.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Clark Jolley says the deal includes enough new revenue sources to close about $1 billion of the $1.3 billion hole in next year's budget. As a result, state agencies will have to absorb about $300 million in cuts from last year's appropriations.
The deal includes taking a total of $144 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund, leaving the state's emergency fund with a balance of about $241 million.
Jolley declined to discuss further details ahead of a joint news conference scheduled for later Tuesday with the governor and House leaders.
Both chambers must approve the budget before Friday's adjournment.
A statement was sent from Shawn Hime, Executive Director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, on the state budget agreement saying, "We appreciate the challenge Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders have before them in drafting the budget and are grateful they have agreed to shield public schools from additional cuts. The reality is even with this agreement, schools will continue struggling with a severe teacher shortage, growing class sizes and shrinking educational opportunities for students. The significant cut to Oklahoma’s world-class career technology centers will affect thousands of students. While we are thankful to state leaders for prioritizing public education, this year is evidence Oklahoma desperately needs a long-term funding plan to improve teacher pay and ensure schools have the resources to offer rich educational opportunities for every student. Education is the greatest investment the state can make. Every community, every business and every Oklahoman must be part of a long-term solution for properly funding education.”
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