State lawmakers agree on a state budget for education

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State House and Senate negotiators have finally agreed on a state budget that calls for greater education and road spending and an income tax rate cut.<br/><br/>Lawmakers say Thursday

Friday, April 22nd 2005, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State House and Senate negotiators have finally agreed on a state budget that calls for greater education and road spending and an income tax rate cut.

Lawmakers say Thursday that many details must still be worked out. Governor Henry's $24.6-million plan to fully fund all-day kindergarten classes still has to be discussed and his $100-million rebate proposal isn't included.

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan of Stillwater says the agreement will permit House and Senate negotiators to finally complete a budget for public education. Lawmakers missed an April first deadline for funding education while they engaged in partisan bickering over the budget.

The agreement includes a record $3.23-billion for common education, higher education and Career-Tech.

The agreement includes House Speaker Todd Hiett's proposal to cut the state's maximum income tax rate from 6.65 percent to 6.25 percent beginning in 2006.

The current rate was reduced from 7 percent last year by a statewide vote of the people.