Budget Briefing: Oklahoma Unemployment Falls Again

Oklahoma Employment Number Sets Record in May – The number of Oklahomans with jobs set a record in May at 1.7 million as the state’s unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent, according to figures released Friday. ‘That’s pretty dadgum strong in this day and age,’ University of Oklahoma economist Robert Dauffenbach said.” NewsOK.com

Shannon Says Tax Cut ‘Going to be Messy’ – [State Rep.] T.W. Shannon said the recently completed session of the Oklahoma Legislature missed out on an “A” grade because leaders failed to reach an agreement on tax cuts, but he and other legislators say those discussions will be prominent in next year’s session.” The Lawton Constitution

Families’ Need for Food Assistance Higher in Summer – “Emergency Infant Services had one of its busiest days ever last week. The agency served 71 clients, with 63 requesting table food assistance in addition to diapers and formula. While that high a number is still the exception and not the norm, Tom Taylor, the agency’s executive director, said he is seeing continual growth in the number of families seeking food assistance for their children.” Tulsa World

Tulsa City Council Goes to Work on Mayor’s Budget Proposal – “Mayor Dewey Bartlett’s proposed $703 million budget has about $989,000 in wiggle room for the Tulsa City Council to pursue pet projects, finance officials said. However, councilors have come up with a list totaling nearly $3.7 million.” Tulsa World