Oklahoma Senate Votes To Tap Fund For Tornado Relief

The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously approved a bill to tap $45 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to help pay for tornado disaster relief.

The Senate voted 45-0 on Wednesday for the bill that directs the funds to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management to aid in recovery efforts. State officials expect the money will be used to match federal money made available to affected communities.

Gov. Mary Fallin urged lawmakers to consider the bill, which is expected to be given final legislative approval Thursday in the House.

The Rainy Day fund's balance is expected to reach a record $660 million in July. Once the governor declared an emergency, lawmakers could access the funds with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak