Week In Review

• The Oklahoma Legislature formally convened its 1999 session, gathering in a joint Senate-House meeting to receive the annual state of the state address. Governor Keating emphasized the goals first spelled out in his inaugural a few weeks earlier, adding a few additional details on budget proposals. The Governor's goals include:
  
  -Reach the national average in per capita personal income by the year 2025;
  -Exceed the national average in ACT scores by the year 2005; read more.

• Acting on the recommendation of the Joint Task Force on Oil Industry Stabilization, Governor Keating called the Legislature into special session to consider relief measures for Oklahoma crude producers.

  The panel recommended:

  read more.

(The Legislature adjourned the regular 1998 legislative session after passing the final portions of the budget for FY 1999. Lawmakers will not return for their next legislative session until February 1, 1999)

• Memorial Day Holiday

(The Legislature passed the final portions of the budget for FY 1999, giving them the final week of the legislative session to attempt overrides of any vetoes of appropriations measures. Work on substantive bill also continued on the floors of the respective houses and in conference committee. One week remains in the legislative session. Both houses will observe the Memorial Day holiday and begin the final week on Tuesday. Lawmakers must adjourn by 5pm Friday, May 29th)

(Most of the work in the Legislature occurred behind the scenes in budget meetings or conference committee. House and Senate budget writers are trying to reach agreement on the distribution of funding allocations to various agencies. Budget leaders are also meeting with members of the Governor's staff, trying to reach agreements with him. Three weeks remain in the legislative session. Lawmakers must adjourn by 5pm Friday, May 29th)

(Most of the work in the Legislature occurred behind the scenes in budget meetings or conference committee. House and Senate budget writers are trying to reach agreement on the distribution of funding allocations to various agencies. Budget leaders are also meeting with members of the Governor's staff, trying to reach agreements with him. Three weeks remain in the legislative session. Lawmakers must adjourn by 5pm Friday, May 29th)