Governor Brad Henry still working on getting special session

Thursday, July 21st 2005, 1:01 pm

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says he's still working on getting a special session of the Legislature to deal with prison funding and projects for the state's centennial celebration.

House Speaker Todd Hiett has resisted calling lawmakers back to the state Capital.

In Tulsa Thursday, Henry said problems with the Department of Corrections must be addressed. Democrats in the state Senate are proposing spending $10.6-million to hire more prison guards and give them a raise.

The senators say there is a crisis in state prisons because of a shortage of guards and point to several prison fights this year as proof.

Hiett has said he thinks the issue can wait until lawmakers return in regular session next February.

Henry also wants to provide money for the state's centennial projects as officials prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of statehood in 2007.