Gov. Fallin disappointed in lack of progress made during special session

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Governor Mary Fallin says she is disappointed in the lack of progress made on the state's budget during the special session.

Lawmakers only briefly met at the State Capitol three weeks ago when the special session convened to fill a $215 million hole in the state's budget before going in to recess to meet behind the scenes.

“As we end week three of the special session, I am disappointed in the lack of progress." Gov. Fallin said. "Even though the Capitol will be closed next week because the electrical infrastructure will be replaced as part of the building’s renovation, we will continue to work to find agreement on addressing the objectives before us."

Filling the budget hole and finding a permanent pay raise for teachers were two of the governor's goals when calling the special session.

"Every day that goes by without an agreement is a lost opportunity to fill the hole and fund the raise. A couple of weeks ago, I handed legislators a document with plenty of ideas on how to address these goals." Gov. Fallin said. "My hope was that we would be further down the road using that framework to negotiate a deal, but unfortunately we are not."

The governor said it is important to note that the perfect solution will not be found for the situation.

"All Oklahomans want Oklahoma to be known as a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family. So we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good."