Budget Briefing: OK Needs $4.8M in Storm Damages for FEMA Reimbursement
In the news this morning:
Storm Assessment Nears $500K for Public Damage – “Oklahoma may not qualify for public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To receive reimbursement for public property damage resulting from the April 13 weekend storms, the state must document $4.8 million in damages. If the state does not meet that threshold, Norman will not qualify for FEMA assistance, either.”
Low Natural Gas Prices May Squeeze 2013 State Budget – “Natural gas was expected to generate about $188.4 million for the fiscal year 2013 budget. That figure represents only 2.9 percent of the total appropriations authority, or the amount of money the Legislature has to spend, said Ron Jenkins, Office of State Finance spokesman. ‘Of course, we are concerned about low natural gas prices and are hoping they will rebound,’ said Secretary of Finance Preston Doerflinger.”
Oklahoma Members of U.S. House Spent Less than Allotted for Their Offices – “Oklahoma’s five U.S. House members spent far less than they were allotted last year for their home district and Washington office operations, returning nearly $755,000 to the U.S. Treasury. Even with a 5 percent cut to their office allowances for 2011, the Oklahomans came in under budget, according to figures released recently by the clerk of the U.S. House.”
American Indian Museum Makes Another Run at $40 Million in State Funds – “Three times previously, the cultural center has been the beneficiary of state bond money. In 1999, the facility got $5 million. In 2003, there was another $33 million. In 2008, there was $25 million more. Beyond that, the cultural center has received $14.5 million from the federal government and $4.9 million and 250 acres of land from Oklahoma City. But last year, center officials came to the state Capitol asking for another $40 million. State lawmakers nixed the idea then, and some started demanding an accounting for the state money that has already gone into the facility.”