Budget Negotiations Remain Stalled 3 Weeks Before Adjournment Of The Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- This time last year, lawmakers had reached an historic $6-billion budget that included the largest tax cut in state history.<br/><br/>Monday, the Oklahoma House voted on two bills

Tuesday, May 9th 2006, 5:56 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- This time last year, lawmakers had reached an historic $6-billion budget that included the largest tax cut in state history.

Monday, the Oklahoma House voted on two bills and a resolution, and none involved the budget.

With three weeks remaining, budget negotiations are at a standstill as the Republican-led state House demands major tax cuts and the Democrat-dominated state Senate seeks education spending.

House Speaker Todd Hiett's plan would reduce Oklahoma's top income tax rate from 6.25 percent to 4.9 percent and reduce state revenue by $480-million.

Hiett says the main issue is the state Senate wants smaller tax relief than the state House.

Last year, lawmakers approved a tax-cut bill that included a $108-million income tax cut.

Ardmore state Senator Johnnie Crutchfield says lawmakers should fund programs and services for Oklahomans before considering new tax cuts.