2016 Oklahoma Annual Book of Reports

2016 Oklahoma Nurses Association
leaders and others ultimately agreed that this one-time revenue should be apportioned to state agencies, many of
which had sustained deep cuts. That apportionment will slightly alter the numbers reported herein.
The sources of funding the FY17 budget solved many of our state’s greatest immediate needs for the upcoming
fiscal year. However, the tremendous reliance upon one-time revenue to fund ongoing needs, as detailed below,
will create another significant budget hole that must be addressed as we begin preparing the FY18 budget during
the 2017 legislative session.
The legislature and Governor were able to agree upon enough new revenue, that the FY17 budget includes almost
$1 billion in additional revenue beyond the certified estimate, filling all but 3 million of the original shortfall. Our
state legislature ultimately produced an additional $996 million to create the FY 2017 budget.
They accomplished this by cobbling together transfers from a variety of funds ($391 million), abolishing or
reducing numerous tax breaks ($237 million), approving transportation bonds ($200 million), and utilizing some
revenue from the Rainy Day Fund ($66 million).
Of the $996 million in additional revenues, over half, or a breathtaking $560 – $690 million is comprised of onetime
revenues, which creates a deficit of the same amount as we approach the FY 2018 budget. Several elected
officials have stated that even if the economy stabilizes, we will begin next session in February 2017 with nearly a
$700 million shortfall.
The legislative leadership discussed, but was unable to gain sufficient bi-partisan support, to implement a variety
of ongoing revenue raising measures. Revenue producing plans that were considered but ultimately rejected
for lack of sufficient support included: raising the cigarette tax or fuel tax, broadening the tax base to services,
and rolling back the income tax cut that took effect in January 2016. As we approach the 2016 Interim and 2017
session, we can rest assured that at least some of these revenue raising ideas will resurface if we continue to face
a revenue shortage.
INTERIM STUDIES
Every year, between the end of the legislative session on the last Friday in May, and the start of the next
Legislative Session on the first Monday in February, the Legislature considers a considerable variety of legislative
issues through interim studies. These are, as the name implies, simply studies. No votes on bills may be taken.
Such studies provide the legislature with an opportunity to examine an issue in greater depth than they might
during a rushed regular session. It might also give a legislator the opportunity to bring press attention to an issue
during slow legislative months. Not all approved interim studies are actually heard in committee, just as not all
bills filed are actually brought up for a hearing. If a bill author is strongly interested in having his or her issue
heard, however, he or she is likely to be granted an interim study hearing by the committee chair once leadership
approves the study request. Even so, a hearing during the interim does not guarantee that a bill will be heard or
that it will move forward during session. It can, however, gain forward momentum from exposure, if the bill author
is successful in increasing exposure during an interim study. This year, the list of approved House Interim Studies
range from funding and revenue to education, to insurance issues to long-term care and health care issues. It will
be another busy interim for your ONA lobbyist!
CONCLUSION
ONA members will continue to face challenges in the near future as we seek to protect both funding and access
to health and behavioral health services for the citizens of Oklahoma, while working to protect and enhance
the profession of nursing. While the 2016 Legislative Session was a great success, more than one third of the
Legislature is expected to turn over in November, affecting not only the membership of both Chambers of the
Legislature, but key leadership positions in both houses as well. We encourage members to stay informed and
engaged as we navigate the ever-changing waters at the State Capitol. ONA members can make a tremendous
difference! Thank you for your commitment and involvement in all we do!
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