Governor declares emergency to use Rainy Day funds

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Henry Monday declared a fiscal emergency, clearing the way for lawmakers to use money from the state's Rainy Day reserve fund. <br><br>Lawmakers reached agreement last

Monday, March 24th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Henry Monday declared a fiscal emergency, clearing the way for lawmakers to use money from the state's Rainy Day reserve fund.

Lawmakers reached agreement last week on a supplemental spending plan to use some Rainy Day money. The plan will reduce unpaid furloughs for state prison guards and avoid cuts in health care benefits to 139,000 low-income Oklahomans.

The $18-million plan calls for appropriation of $10.6-million from the Rainy Day fund. The appropriation will use up nearly all state's emergency fund.

Henry says the supplemental funding will help people who need help now, but says it will not solve the state's long-term budget problems.