State lawmakers at odds over education bond issue

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) There's some confusion over whether Governor Henry and House Speaker Todd Hiett are close to an agreement over a $500-million higher education bond issue. <br/><br/>Henry and Higher

Tuesday, March 8th 2005, 6:08 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) There's some confusion over whether Governor Henry and House Speaker Todd Hiett are close to an agreement over a $500-million higher education bond issue.

Henry and Higher Ed Chancellor Paul Risser yesterday held a news conference, where Henry said he was optimistic about the proposal's passage but firm about not reopening a list of projects developed by college presidents and regents at the state's 36 schools.

College presidents were scheduled to be at the same news conference but Henry says university officials decided not to appear out of concern it might be perceived as being critical of Hiett.

Henry says he met with the presidents privately and briefed them on the status of negotiations.

Hiett accused Henry of launching an erratic attack on him and of acting hastily.