Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz commented on the failed revenue vote in the Oklahoma House:

Twelve Senate Republican freshmen issued a joint statement today calling on the House of Representatives to allow a vote on the all-inclusive revenue package that passed the Oklahoma Senate in an overwhelming fashion on Monday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and House Speaker Charles McCall today reached an agreement adjusting the 2018 fiscal year budget that, among other things, helps fill the $215 million budget hole and puts Oklahoma on a more stable budget path, as well as provides a needed teacher pay raise.

If passed by the Legislature, the agreement would:
Place a $1.50 tax on a package of cigarettes.
Provide for a 6-cent fuel tax increase.
Revise taxes on alcoholic beverages.
Restore the Earned Income Tax credit.

Although the state Capitol will be closed beginning Friday evening, October 13 through Sunday, October 22, citizens will still be able to contact members and staff for assistance via phone. The closure is necessary for crews to replace the building’s electrical system, part of which includes original wiring installed over 100 years ago. This marks another key step in the multi-year interior and exterior repair and restoration project currently underway at the Capitol.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz on Monday released the Senate Republicans' plan to address the $215 million hole in the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget.

“This plan not only addresses the immediate need of $215 million for critical health care agencies that was struck down in court, but it also provides recurring revenue streams to help us address the long-term stability of the budget and prevent further cuts to core government services,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

The Oklahoma Senate Democratic caucus issued a statement today through their leader, Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, commenting on the special session of the Oklahoma Legislature scheduled to begin on Monday, September 25, 2017:

The Senate Democrats have spent the last several weeks meeting with those involved in the upcoming special session of the legislature as well as those affected by the decisions made in this special session.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz on Thursday commented on the ongoing work to reach a budget agreement in advance of next week's special session.

“President David L. Boren’s distinguished tenure at the University of Oklahoma is an extension of his lifetime of selfless, tireless service to the State of Oklahoma. He will be the standard by which all future leaders of our great state and of this university will be measured.

“The Senate Democrats have been clear all along: we need to approach a special session thoughtfully with real plans for recurring revenue.