State lawmakers wrapping up budget

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State lawmakers Wednesday essentially finished work on next year's $5.3-billion state budget. <br/><br/>The budget has more than $246-million than this year's budget. It includes

Wednesday, May 26th 2004, 4:44 pm

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State lawmakers Wednesday essentially finished work on next year's $5.3-billion state budget.

The budget has more than $246-million than this year's budget. It includes a nearly $100-million increase for education and gives state employee a pay raise for the first time since 2000.

Senate President Pro Tem Cal Hobson says the work on the budget makes this the most successful legislative session in his 26 years in the Legislature. Hobson praises Governor Henry for his involvement in the budget, calling Henry a ``formidable force'' in shaping Oklahoma's future.

Lawmakers must adjourn the session by 5 Friday afternoon.