Governor Fallin Calls Special Session Over Budget Shortfall

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is calling lawmakers to the state Capitol for a special legislative session to fill a $215 million state budget shortfall after the state Supreme Court overturned a $1.50 per pack fee on cigarettes.

Fallin issued an executive order Friday to convene a special session Sept. 25 to address the shortfall and develop what she called long-term solutions to make state government more efficient and fund a pay raise for public school teachers. Fallin notified lawmakers last week of plans to call the session.

Fallin says she's also given lawmakers authority to clarify that the state's new 1.25 percent sales tax on vehicles doesn't extend to the trucking industry.

Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks says lawmakers should develop plans for recurring revenue during the session.