Now that the second regular session of the 52nd Legislature has begun, we brought together four of the reporters who are following the activities at the state Capitol to give their takes on the first week of the session. The budget, as you would expect, dominated the conversation.

Governor Henry delivered his final State of the State address on Monday, and shortly afterward distributed his Executive Budget for the 2011 fiscal year. He called for some agency consolidation, a move that would affect 16 state agencies. He also urged revenue enhancements, such as charging sales tax on out-of-state telephone and Internet sales. He expects that to bring in about $95 million, if enacted. The governor also plans to use most of the available money in the Rainy Day Fund, draining it down to about $43 million.

There already is disagreement with legislative leaders about the extent of the use of the Rainy Day Fund. Speaker of the House Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn want to spend considerably less than that and use federal stimulus dollars to fill in the gap. It’s an issue that will be debated for some time. Rather than tell you more, I suggest you catch the show, featuring our guests: Shawn Ashley of eCapitol, Michael McNutt of The Oklahoman and NewsOK, David Meyer of KCCU Radio in Lawton, and Michael Cross of KOSU in Stillwater.

Enjoy the show!

Until next time,
Dick Pryor

(Pictured above, left to right: Host Dick Pryor, Shawn Ashley, Michael McNutt, David Meyer, Michael Cross.)