College bond issue proposal stalled in state House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Negotiations on a college bond plan have broken down and state House speaker Todd Hiett says he expects a floor vote on a plan he has offered by next week.<br/><br/>Hiett's plan

Friday, March 11th 2005, 6:23 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Negotiations on a college bond plan have broken down and state House speaker Todd Hiett says he expects a floor vote on a plan he has offered by next week.

Hiett's plan is an alternative plan to Governor Brad Henry's $500-million bond package that would fund improvements at the state's colleges.

Henry and his top financial aide argue the Hiett bond plan is unconstitutional.

Hiett says he's confident, based on advice of his attorneys that his program is on sound legal ground.

Hiett says Governor Henry is to blame for the breakdown in negotiations on the plan.

Henry says he remained optimistic that a compromise can be reached and higher education will get the money it needs.

Henry noted his bill, which contains the presidents' list, has passed the Senate with unanimous support from both Republicans and Democratic senators.

That measure, however, is stuck in a House committee and Hiett has not committed to bring it out for a floor vote.