Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, painted a moderate picture Thursday for the state’s budget, while warning that belt tightening was underway along with trimming back.
Hickman made his remarks during a legislative forum sponsored by the Woodward Industrial Foundation at its annual meeting.
“We’re in better shape than most other states because of the natural gas sector and changes we’ve been able to make in generating tax revenue,” Hickman said.
However, he said, “We’re a month behind in getting the budget done...; we’re waiting to hear about the stimulus money from Washington. We may finish the budget without stimulus funds in place and knowledge of what’s going to happen with the stimulus money.”
Without the stimulus funds, he said, the state is looking at a $500 million to $900 million shortfall.
“It’s part of a $7 billion-plus budget,” he said.
While Hickman pointed out that there may be some cutting back this year, he noted that next year’s budget would be more challenging.
“If we can make strategic cuts now, it will put us in better shape for next year,” he said.
Other local legislators also spoke at the annual meeting of the Woodward Industrial Foundation including Sen. Bryce Marlatt, R-Woodward; Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell; and Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher.
Marlatt, who spoke first, mentioned a bill had gained publicity in recent days requiring voters to present identification at the polls.
Under this bill, “you have to have some sort of I.D. to show you’re the person you say you are.
However, he said, the bill that has drawn the most fire -- Senate Bill 834 -- involves school districts.
Marlatt said the bill was misunderstood and that it did not reduce pay for teachers, as some people assumed.
“The bill ensures minimum pay is protected for teachers and allows (them) to have a say about what goes on in their school district,” he said. “Teachers will be allowed to have more of a say (about such topics) as what their class size should be.”
Regarding the stimulus package, Marlatt said dollars were being sent “this way.”
He noted that construction would be seen on the increase as a result.
“It’s going to be phenomenal -- the construction you will see around the state,” he said, noting that President Obama had made a stipulation that states receiving dollars from the stimulus package should be “shovel ready.”
“Shovel ready” is a term used to identify projects that are ready to begin construction immediately.
One of Marlatt’s projects involves the continuance of funding transportation, he said.
“For the first time, we’re having people bid on jobs in Oklahoma,” he said of his observations with the project, noting, the economy “is increasing competition which is helping to drive down costs.”
“Prices are dropping to 18 percent below estimation,” he said, noting they were “perking up” stimulus projects.
“The worst needed projects are being addressed first,” he said.
Blackwell, who serves on the legislature’s energy council, said that Senate Bill 828 would allow the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to make sure landowners are protected should wind farms be abandoned in the future.
However, he said, he is looking for growth in the state with wind energy.
Sanders, who also spoke, said he was passionate about several bills, but one that stood out would free up dollars for counties in the state, enabling counties to operate more efficiently.
He also mentioned a bill that would enable American Legions to hold tax exempt status when they hold fund raising drives.
Freshman Sanders said he noticed the “urban versus rural” aspect at the state capitol, and said, “It is an issue.”
However, Sanders said, “The representation Northwestern Oklahoma has is the envy of a lot of representatives and senators.”
“We work well together, and Woodward is in a very good position,” he said. “We’re honored to represent Woodward.”
