The time has come for Oklahoma lawmakers to tap the Rainy Day Fund to help alleviate some of the problems caused by the decline in state revenue.
State revenue collections have been in a downward spiral for 10 months, and all state agencies have been forced to make 5 percent budget cuts in each of the past several months. There is no sign the decline in revenue is going to change anytime soon.
The only way the Rainy Day Fund can be tapped, though, is for Gov. Brad Henry to call a special session. Henry has said a January special session may be possible, after lawmakers first do their budget homework. On Thursday, the Oklahoma Senate Republican Caucus called for a December special session.
We want to add our voices and say it’s time for a special session.
We’ve seen the affects of budget cuts on people.
Department of Human Services had to take a $7.4 million cut this fiscal year. Part of the decision by DHS leaders was to cut funding for senior nutrition programs, which means many of our state’s most vulnerable residents face going without food they need.
Earlier this week, DHS announced plans for a buyout of some 70 employees at Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid and another 92 at Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley.
School districts could be facing some tough decisions soon if nothing is done.
These are tough times, and people are hurting.
The thing to do is to use some of the $600 million in the Rainy Day Fund to shore things up this year.
Lawmakers shouldn’t use all of the money in the fund. There no doubt will be more needs next fiscal year. But, they should use some of the money to get the state through the current fiscal year.
There are needs that need to be met to ensure Oklahomans aren’t hurting.
