House leader: The tobacco fee was our 'only opportunity to balance the budget'

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives says a recently struck down tobacco fee was passed in an effort to avoid budget cuts.

On Thursday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that SB 845, that instituted a $1.50 per pack fee on cigarettes, was unconstitutional. The fee was expected to generate $258 million to be allocated to several health agencies in the state.

House Speaker Charles McCall stated that the state budget is suffering because Oklahoma families and businesses are struggling.

"State revenues are a reflection of the people of our state. When our citizens have less money in their pockets to spend the state will realize less revenues. I am a firm believer that government must live within its means," McCall said in statement.

McCall blames House Democrats for "refusing to support increased revenue measures".

"The fee was our only opportunity to balance the budget without deeper cuts. The minority party decided to play games with the budget, and now that opportunity has passed," McCall said.

Governor Mary Fallin has stated that she believes a special session will have to be called to fill budget gaps. Democratic leaders and state agencies are also urging the governor to call the special session.GOP Senate leaders have declined to comment in detail on the ruling until they meet as a caucus Friday.