Oklahoma is opening its doors to new businesses.

That’s what Lt. Gov. Jari Askins told members of Enid Noon AMBUCS during a meeting at Northern Oklahoma College Enid.

“Oklahoma is actually out trying to recruit, not just businesses, but headquarters,” Askins said.

It is believed businesses can operate more cost-effectively in Oklahoma than in states that are having worse budget problems, she said, and moving businesses here would boost Oklahoma’s economy.

“California is a place where we are focusing,” Askins said. “Who knows? We may have a reverse ‘Grapes of Wrath’ situation.”

During the Great Depression, Oklahomans left the state hoping to find a better life in California. Their plight was highlighted in John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Askins also updated those in attendance on the state’s current fiscal situation.

Askins explained the budget is estimated by projections that are given to the Legislature each February.

“The number that we come up with, that we certify in February, is the number that the Legislature uses for appropriations,” she said.

Last February, state officials estimated with a possible economic downturn in mind, but they didn’t quite estimate low enough, Askins said.

“They estimated low but it went even lower than they thought,” Askins said. “We ended up having less dollars come in, less revenue come in.”

One bright side to the matter was Oklahoma’s fiscal accountability.

“Fortunately, Oklahoma is one of those states that requires a balanced budget amendment,” Askins said. “It becomes apparent that Oklahoma was very wise several years ago when you all, the citizens, required that amendment.”

When it became apparent Oklahoma was not going to receive the level of revenue estimated, there were still certain cushions available.

“We didn’t dip into the Rainy Day Fund, but we started using some reserves,” Askins said. “July and August are always the state’s lowest revenue months ... we usually use our cash reserves then.”

But, Oklahoma had to use reserve funding to get through June, the end of the last fiscal year.

Because reserves were used early, state agencies received a 5 percent cut in funding in August and September, and that cut may continue in the upcoming months, Askins said.

“Across-the-board cuts can be issued by the Office of State Finance without any (action) from the Legis-lature,” she said.

Askins said the current discussion is whether or not the state can make it until February without dipping into the Rainy Day Fund.

“The Legislature will come into special session if they believe they need to dip into the Rainy Day Fund,” Askins said.

Askins said three-eighths of the Rainy Day Fund can be used to stabilize the budget if needed during a fiscal year.

While the federal stimulus money received by the state did help some agencies, how those funds were spent was not a legislative decision.

“The governor was the one responsible for making sure that money went where it was supposed to go,” Askins said.

About $600 million of the stimulus money has not been spent.

Askins said the state’s efforts to be fiscally conservative have not been in vain.

“The struggle the Legis-lature has to go through to balance the budget is worth it,” Askins said.

Askins also spoke briefly about the economic importance of creating and maintaining tourism opportunities in the state.

She has announced her intention to run for governor next year.