State leaders argue over budget

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State leaders ratchet up their war of words when Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett says Governor Brad Henry's staff will be excluded from future budget talks between the House

Friday, April 15th 2005, 6:26 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State leaders ratchet up their war of words when Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett says Governor Brad Henry's staff will be excluded from future budget talks between the House and Senate.

Two weeks after lawmakers missed their own deadline to submit an education budget to Henry, Hiett says the Democratic governor is not being helpful.

Meanwhile, Henry is urging lawmakers to put political differences aside and work together to draft an education budget. He says it's important his staff participate in the budgeting process to lessen the likelihood of vetoes.

House Republicans have criticized the state Senate's $2.1 billion public education bill and $3.8 billion dollar general appropriations bill.

The education measure includes $24 million for full-day kindergarten, part of Henry's education plan.