Henry implementing zero-based budgeting

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's governor-elect says a new budgeting process will force state agencies to justify every dollar they ask for. <br><br>Brad Henry said Tuesday he has implemented zero-based

Tuesday, December 17th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's governor-elect says a new budgeting process will force state agencies to justify every dollar they ask for.

Brad Henry said Tuesday he has implemented zero-based budgeting procedures to eliminate unneeded expenses and cut costs. The state is facing a $291-million budget shortfall this year.

In the past, state agency budget requests have been based on the previous year's appropriation, with adjustments depending on available resources. Zero-based budgeting requires agencies to justify every expenditure.

Henry says the new budgeting method will help his administration control state spending.

Henry discussed the budget process after some Republican state senators announced support for zero-based budgeting legislation.