House Speaker blames Oklahoma Senate for special session delay

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is blaming the Senate for not passing legislation that could bring funds to state agencies.

The Oklahoma legislature has been in special session since Sept. 27 to fill a $215 million hole in the state budget. Lawmakers have not been able to find a solution for the problem and after attempts to compromise failed, the Oklahoma House passed several "plan b" solutions that takes one time funds from the state's Rainy Day Fund and budget carryover.

House Speaker Charles McCall says that the Oklahoma Senate now refuses to take up those "plan b" measures. McCall also says he believes the House has found approximately $30 million in revolving money that could be used to fill the gap.

Three agencies have been hit hardest by the hole: the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services.

During a press conference Monday, McCall also stated he would be creating a special committee to investigate misspending at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.