Budget Briefing: One Tax-Cut Plan Stalled, Another D.O.A.

In the news this morning:

Oklahoma Lawmakers Hit Stalemate on Tax Plan; Alternative Plan Dead on Arrival in Senate – “With less than three days left in the legislative session, House Republican leaders on Wednesday scrapped a highly touted tax-cut plan and came up with another one. But it was dead on arrival in the Senate.” Tulsa World

House Kills Bond Issue for Oklahoma Capitol Repairs | Public Radio Tulsa – “A plan to issue $200 million in bonds for repairs to the state Capitol and several nearby state buildings has been overwhelmingly shot down in the Oklahoma House.” Public Radio Tulsa

Natural Gas Prices’ Rise Stirs Optimism – “The price of natural gas has rebounded nearly 42 percent over the past month while remaining well below comfortable levels for producers. Even the modest price increase over the past month is important for Oklahoma producers and royalty owners, said Mike Terry, president of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association.” NewsOK.com

Oklahoma House Advances $3 Million Medical Residencies Bill – “The current version of House Bill 3058 differs from that earlier one in that it puts the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in charge of the program, rather than the Physician Manpower Training Authority, and is more specific about focusing on ‘medically underserved areas.’” Tulsa World