Governor elect Henry won't push for tax increase, says schools may suffer

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor-elect Brad Henry said today he will not push for a tax increase to bolster the state's budget. <br><br>The state faces a 291 million dollar budget shortfall and state

Friday, November 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor-elect Brad Henry said today he will not push for a tax increase to bolster the state's budget.

The state faces a 291 million dollar budget shortfall and state agencies, including schools, must cut budgets by six-and-a-half percent.

Henry says he hopes to save schools from the financial crisis, but says education will probably have to -- quote -- ``tighten some belts.''

He says he also plans cuts in the governor's office, including eliminating some cabinet positions.

Veteran lawmakers say the budget shortfall is worse than the oil bust of the 1980s, but Henry says he intends to stick with his campaign pledge of no tax increases.

Henry does say, though, that he reserves the right to change his mind.

He also says he hopes there is support in the new Legislature to call a public vote on a lottery.