After Republican leaders botched the budget, Democrats push to clean up the mess

Oklahoma City, OK - After Gov. Brad Henry outlined a plan to address our state budget crisis, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Todd Goodman expressed support and appreciation for the Governor's leadership - while noting that state Republicans may finally understand the scale of the mess they've created.

"Our elected officials must address this situation before seniors starve and schools shut down - both of which are not far off if we continue the status quo," Goodman said.

"I'm grateful that our Democratic officials are stepping up and pressing Republican leaders to deal with the budget now. GOP officials have been reckless in their approach to this budget crisis, and finally they seem to see the gravity of the mess they've created."

Over recent weeks, several state agencies have announced the need to drop critical services and essential staff under current budget cuts. Senior nutrition programs have scaled back or shut down. Mental health services have been slashed, including substance abuse programs for children. The state parole board has furloughed staff, a costly move that keeps potential parolees in prison longer. And some superintendents are even considering closing down schools.

Goodman noted that many unintended consequences from across-the-board cuts could have been avoided if Republican leaders had put Oklahoma families first during the 2009 session, rather than pursuing political goals.

"When Gov. Henry and our Democratic leaders warned of the pending budget crisis earlier this year, Senate Pro Tem Glenn Coffee's solution was to propose a tremendous expansion in government by creating a new state agency for 'accountability.' Speaker Chris Benge proposed spending tens of millions of dollars to study building nuclear energy plants. And both wanted more tax cuts. [*]

"Their solution to looming budget shortfalls was to cut state revenue and spend more money. Republicans failed to prioritize Oklahoma families and their needs, and look where it's gotten us," he added.

Yesterday Republican leaders released statements acknowledging that the budget crisis must be addressed sooner rather than later. Goodman expressed appreciation that Coffee and Benge have finally begun to realize the urgency of this situation for Oklahoma families.

"Over and over again last session, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate pushed for an early start on the budget, knowing that we would be in a worsening situation," he stated. "But much like the grasshopper who fiddled away before winter came, the Republican leadership debated frivolous legislation and left the budget for the very last minute. And now Oklahoma families are being left out in the cold.

"I'm glad to see that the Republicans are finally taking our budget situation seriously. Hopefully they will follow the Governor's lead by putting politics aside and addressing our problems head-on - before it's too late for some Oklahomans," Goodman concluded.

* See Associated Press article, 2/2/09: http://www.edmondsun.com/local/local_story_033231710.html