Legislative Session Begins

By Associated Press

Tulsa, OK – Serious financial problems greet Okla. Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma Legislature begins its annual session today with Governor Brad Henry to deliver his final state of the state address.

Lawmakers are facing unprecedented financial problems that likely will force deeper cuts or higher fees for state services.

The Legislature last year approved a $7.2 billion budget hammered by a sluggish economy and a drop in natural gas prices. The budget for 2010-11 will likely be around $5.9 billion.

Twelve state agencies have either already started furloughing workers or plan to do so to cope with budget cuts.

The session runs through late May.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.