Governor: Legislative Special Session Not Needed

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Brad Henry and legislative leaders have agreed to keep their negotiations for next year's budget secret, but all parties agree that a special session shouldn't be necessary.

The governor and lawmakers have already exchanged proposals for the budget, which is expected to require some cuts from this year's $7.1 billion budget.

While the state has about $900 million less in general fund revenues, House Speaker Chris Benge says he believes the budget will be less than $300 million smaller than last year because of federal stimulus funds.

Lawmakers hope to wrap up their work by May 22, a week before required by the state Constitution. To get the budget work done, lawmakers plan to work on the next two Fridays instead of taking their usual day off.