Lawmakers to get $18 million more to spend

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The state Equalization Board will be asked next week to increase its revenue estimate for the next fiscal year, giving legislators an extra 17-point-9 (M) million dollars to spend.

The $17.9 million is tied to the Oklahoma Tax Commission upping its estimate of extra money expected to flow to state coffers as result of rising natural gas prices.

Governor Keating chairs the board, which will meet Tuesday to make its final certification of revenue expected to accrue during the fiscal year that begins June 30th.

The latest figures would put the Legislature's appropriation authority at more than $5.5 billion, more than $315 million above the amount appropriated a year ago.

In December, the board certified a $ 297 million increase.