State House, Senate leaders warn of state government shutdown

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House and Senate leaders are blaming each other for an impasse over the state budget.<br/><br/>Both sides Tuesday warned that a shut-down of state government could result from

Tuesday, March 29th 2005, 8:10 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House and Senate leaders are blaming each other for an impasse over the state budget.

Both sides Tuesday warned that a shut-down of state government could result from the gridlock.

Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett and Senate Appropriations Chairman Johnnie Crutchfield -- a Democrat -- traded news releases Tuesday accusing each other of refusing to compromise.

Governor Brad Henry says the snag in negotiations shouldn't keep lawmakers from making Thursday's deadline to fund education first. Henry says the Legislature has two more months to sort out the details for the rest of the state budget.

State law requires lawmakers to present a public school budget to the governor by April 1st. That deadline allows local school districts to notify certified teachers if their contracts will be renewed.