Governor, Legislative Leaders Reach Budget Agreement

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry and state legislative leaders have agreed on a state budget that protects education, health care, public safety and transportation from cuts.

The budget deal was announced Friday by Henry, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee.

The agreement is on the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Most agencies, including the House, Senate and Governor's Office, received a 7 percent cut.

Common and higher education see about a 2 percent increase compared to last fiscal year, which should prevent the need for increased tuition.

Transportation and Health Care also see increases over last year's budget, and Corrections, Veterans Affairs and Career Tech all are held harmless under the deal.