Alva Review-Courier -

Lawmakers answered Gov. Mary Fallin’s call last week and returned to the Capitol for a special legislative session. We spent Monday through Thursday in meetings trying to develop a plan that would put our state on the best path forward. I believe we made some significant progress overall. However, we are still working out the details.

Special sessions – technically called “extraordinary sessions” – come at a cost to the taxpayer. Because of this, the House of Representatives and the state Senate opted to suspend floor sessions for an indefinite amount of time beginning the evening of Sept. 27. We are still chugging away, and many representatives who live closer to the Capitol are still in the building, but we are doing so in “recess.” This allows us to continue negotiating without running up a daily bill for per diem and other expenses incurred during a special session.

While many of us hoped we could simply fill the $215 million hole in front of us, it has become clear that task is easier said than done. The indications are that lawmakers across the aisle will not support an increase in the cigarette tax. That tax is the surest and fastest way to fill the hole in front of us, but it is unlikely to pass at this point.

The governor came into our Republican caucus meeting last week and bounced around ideas as well. We are considering every possible avenue. We’re looking at cuts, eliminating or scaling back ineffective tax credits or deductions, generating new revenue sources and everything in between. Though there may be partisan differences on policy, I can assure you every lawmaker in the Capitol wants what is best for Oklahoma. We just have to decide on a course of action that will be best.

We are all cognizant of the tough road ahead of us. Conversations last week became heated from time to time because every lawmaker is passionate about the future of our state. Members of the House of Representatives are prepared to make tough choices now as long as we know these decisions will benefit Oklahomans for decades to come.

I covet your prayers for me and my colleagues as we move into these next few days and weeks. I pray the Lord will guide us and give lawmakers peace in our decisions. Please reach out if you need anything. You can email me at [email protected] or call the office at 405-557-7339.