Criticism may set stage for budget veto
Legislative leaders defend formation of fiscal agreement.
Criticism may set stage for budget veto

By Michael McNutt

Published: March 21, 2007

A budget agreement reached by legislative leaders drew sharp criticism Tuesday from the governor's chief budget negotiator. That set up the possibility the governor would veto all or part of the $6.9 billion package.

State Treasurer Scott Meacham said the proposal provides inadequate funding for prisons, public schools and higher education, and shortchanges several other state agencies.

Meacham, who was not invited to meetings to develop the budget for the 2008 fiscal year that begins July 1, said the process was flawed by not including Gov. Brad Henry.

"If he doesn't agree and vetoes, everything you've done has been a waste of time up to that point,” Meacham said.

"Again, without proper review and discussion, you can overlook a lot of unintended consequences. If the three legislative leaders who cut this deal were willing to slow the process down and allow input from their fellow lawmakers and the executive branch, we would get a better product for Oklahoma taxpayers.

"You don't get extra points for speed; it's more important to get it right.”

Henry, a Democrat, could veto all or part of the budget agreement. Legislators may override a veto by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

The Senate, which is evenly split with 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans, on Tuesday unanimously approved a measure, House Bill 1234, that contains the proposed budget. A spokesman for Senate co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, called it a "veto-proof” vote.

It takes 32 votes in the Senate to override a veto.

Republicans control the House, 57-44. It takes 68 votes to override a veto in the House.

House Democratic leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, said House Democrats, who also were excluded from budget talks, are concerned "a handful of legislators and staff” put together the proposal.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, defended the budget package and praised its passage in the Senate.

Coffee said Henry should accept "this carefully balanced, bipartisan budget agreement.”

None of Henry's proposals are included in the package. They include more money for sentencing alternatives such as drug and mental health courts, a research center to develop alternative fuels and to match money for programs for low-income children.

House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, said: "We will not hold up critical education, health and public safety funding while we negotiate the governor's pet projects.”

Legislative leaders said about $66.5 million would remain to be spent if the budget agreement is approved.

"You don't get extra points for speed; it's more important to get it right.”

State Treasurer Scott Meacham