Henry, GOP leaders announce OK budget deal that reduces state spending by 7.6%

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Democratic Gov. Brad Henry and Republican leaders of the House and Senate have agreed on a $6.68 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The deal announced Thursday by Henry, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee reduces overall state spending by about 7.6 percent from last year.

The budget plan cuts spending for common education by 2.9 percent, while the higher education budget will be slashed by 3.3 percent.

Lawmakers had about $1.2 billion less to spend this year than they did in 2009.

The House and Senate still must pass several revenue enhancement measures, including fee increases and a moratorium on several tax breaks to make the budget balance.

from kfor.com