Oklahoma agencies adjust to cuts, fewer resources as new budget year begins.
NewsOK
BY JULIE BISBEE
Published: July 1, 2010
State Fire Marshal Robert Doke cringes when he says it could take up to five months for businesses to get plans approved by the fire marshal's office.
Making sure plans comply with state fire safety standards is something every business must do before opening or after being cited. Budget cuts have limited staffing at the agency, and it could take longer and slow down business.
Today marks the first day of the state's budget year, which ends June 30, 2011. All but four state agencies saw their budgets cut as Gov. Brad Henry and top legislative leaders worked to fill a $1.2 billion budget hole. The budget includes $540 million in federal stimulus funds, $223.5 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund and about $180 million in revenue increases in the form of fees, taxes and increased enforcement on existing taxes.
The 2011 budget year is the second year in a row that state agencies have been working with less. As a result, services to the public have been altered. Employees at agencies have been furloughed, encouraged to take voluntary buyout packages, and in some instances laid off... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Thu, July 1, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski