Budget Bills Advance As Legislature Begins Final Week

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State lawmakers began passing bills Monday related to a more than $7 billion budget agreement.<br/><br/>Most of the funding approved today was included in an earlier budget bill drafted

Monday, May 21st 2007, 2:18 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State lawmakers began passing bills Monday related to a more than $7 billion budget agreement.

Most of the funding approved today was included in an earlier budget bill drafted by House and Senate Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. That bill was vetoed by Governor Henry who said his priorities and those of House Democrats were not included in the bill.

The compromise bill includes pay raises for teachers that average $1,000. Also as part of the agreement the governor signed a tax-cut package that includes speeding up a state income tax cut and a back-to-school sales tax holiday.

The legislative session is required to end by Friday afternoon.