Oklahoma State Budget, Teacher Raises Top Special Session Agenda

Lawmakers head back to the state Capitol Monday for a special legislative session to fill a $215-million shortfall in the state budget.

They will also look for long-term solutions to the state's chronic budget shortfalls.

Governor Mary Fallin scheduled Monday's special session just four months after lawmakers adjourned their regular session after adopting a new $1.50-per-pack "fee" on cigarettes in an effort to fill the state's latest budget gap. 

9/7/2017 Related Story: Fallin Announces Plan To Call For Special Legislative Session

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in August that the fee was unconstitutionally enacted and invalidated it.

8/10/2017 Related Story: Cigarette Tax Ruled Unconstitutional

Members of the state House and state Senate are expected to remain at the Capitol up to two weeks to tackle the immediate budget shortfall and address other issues. 

Fallin has asked lawmakers to also consider raising teacher pay for the first time in a decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.