Oklahoma City, OK (July 16, 2009) – Following a fifth consecutive month of state revenue collections falling short of estimates, the chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party placed responsibility squarely in the laps of the state’s “fiscally irresponsible and undisciplined” Republican leadership, and called on GOP leaders to reconsider some of their own loose spending habits.

“The instant that the Republicans took control of the state House of Representatives, their first priority was not to look out for the state’s long-term fiscal health – it was to put money in the pockets of their friends,” stated Todd Goodman, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman.  “They weren’t interested in keeping the state fiscally sound – they were only interested in keeping themselves in power.

“And now, we’re all paying for their nearsightedness,” he added.

Goodman noted that Republican leaders pushed through a series of tax cuts when that party first took control of the state House in 2004, but never presented a plan to rein in spending to pay for the tax cuts.

Now, with a dip in oil and gas prices and a downfall in state revenues, everyday Oklahoma families are the ones suffering the consequences.

“In May, our elected officials crafted a budget that includes significant cuts in public safety, law enforcement and the military department,” Goodman said.  “But when they came to power, the Republican leadership instituted permanent tax cuts for temporary windfalls – and now we're all suffering the consequences.”

Goodman stated that Republican leaders could have chosen instead to invest in Oklahomans – by raising wages, expanding health care and investing in education, including job retraining programs that are critical in a changing economy.

He added that small business owners in Oklahoma didn’t see the same favoritism that large corporations have traditionally gotten from state Republican leaders, even though “small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy.”

“They missed a real opportunity over the last few years to make sure we wouldn’t be facing these kinds of budget shortfalls, and they continue to miss every opportunity to make it right,” Goodman stated.  “When they zeroed out REAP project funds, when they chose to hang on to a $6.9 million surplus in the House and when they agreed to pay former Republican legislators higher salaries than the Governor, the Republican legislative leaders sent a message to everyday Oklahomans that they are not the GOP’s top priority.

“Republican leaders have made it crystal clear that they are more interested in getting re-elected than in doing what’s right for Oklahoma,” he added.

Goodman said that state Democratic officials have their priorities in line with what’s best for Oklahoma families.

“Unlike the Washington-style games that Republicans are playing to stay in power, our Democrats continue to fight to improve education, reform health care, create jobs in growing sectors such as alternative energy and help small business owners weather this economic downturn,” he said.  “Those have always been the top priorities for Oklahoma Democrats, and they will continue to be in the years to come.”

Goodman added that, while GOP leaders such as Republican State Sen. Randy Brogdon continue to ask to reject federal funds for projects such as transportation improvements and health care reforms, few are willing to admit that without the Democratic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, “our state’s budget would never have balanced – not without massive cuts to essential services.”

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