State Senate to meet Tuesday on prison funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Senate will convene in special session on Tuesday to consider giving more money to state prisons, even though the House hasn't agreed to return.<br/><br/>The Democrat-controlled

Friday, August 26th 2005, 11:47 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Senate will convene in special session on Tuesday to consider giving more money to state prisons, even though the House hasn't agreed to return.

The Democrat-controlled state Senate is to meet at 5 Tuesday afternoon and again at 9 Wednesday morning. Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan says a shortage of prison guards creates a public safety threat that can't be ignored.

But Republican state House Speaker Todd Hiett has questioned the need for a special session and says there are other ways to provide for prisons until the regular session begins in February.

Hiett wasn't immediately available for comment, but a spokesman says he will respond.

Morgan says prison funding is the top priority, but says the state Senate will also consider funding for projects to mark the state's centennial.