Pictured (left to right) Head Coach Adam Coons, Asst. Coach Snook Bayouth, Asst. Coach Jonathan Coons, and Asst. Coach Brian Stamper
Back Row: (left to right) Kannon McCune Bailey Stamper, Jacob Harrison, Dylan Bayouth, Levi Draper.
Front Row: (left to right) Larry Coons, Brandon Lowe, Bryce Coons, and Brandon Sills

Way to go guys! -- Stacy Bayouth (5/12/2008)

There are times in life where we just can't spend as much as we'd like.

Being fiscally responsible is just a part of life. And it's no different at the state Capitol. One of the biggest jobs we have in the House of Representatives is piecing together a state budget for each new fiscal year. In recent years, doing that has been easier because the state has had more revenues to spend. Unfortunately, after years of budget increases because of those higher revenues, we had to take a different approach to the 2009 state budget, which takes effect July 1.

To put it simply, we just didn't have as much to spend on what the citizens of this state needs. However, it's not at bleak as it sounds. While we're not seeing a budget increase this year, every state agency and program will be funded to exactly the same level of the previous year. Technically, it's called a "standstill budget." But I like to call it being responsible. The results of this budget agreement mean that we won't be overspending and putting Oklahoma in a bad situation. That's a good thing for every one of us.

Here are some of the important things you need to know about the new budget:

* All agencies and programs will be funded exactly as they were last year.
* The total appropriations of the budget for Fiscal Year 2009 are $7.069 billion.
* All state agencies are at a standstill budget, except for the Department of Corrections and Ethics Commission. DOC will be fully funded, providing almost 300 new beds of capacity, while the Ethics Commission is receiving technology-based improvements.
* The 1017 Education Reform Revolving Fund will be restored, ensuring districts will receive full apportionments for the remaining months of this year's budget.
* It provides no additional road funding, but terms ensure the Department of Transportation will spend $445 million in FY-09 for roads and bridges, which is a 10 percent increase from the last year.

Is this budget exactly what the state needs? It is and it isn't. There are still many things we weren't able to fit into the new budget, including pay raises for our hard-working teachers and state employees, additional road funding or other improvements. However, we did put together a cost-conscious and responsible state budget, which will help us in future years. Just like a home budget, you have to tighten the belt at times to ensure you don't outspend your future.

While it isn't ideal, this budget will do what it needs to do to keep Oklahoma running for another year. If you have any questions or comments on the budget agreement, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Earl Sears (R- Bartlesville) serves District 11 of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7358 or via e-mail at earl.sears@okhouse.gov.