Oklahoma House: $300 million cuts to healthcare agencies expected next week

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The speaker of the Oklahoma House says a state budget with about $300 million in cuts to state agencies that will protect health care services is expected next week.

Republican Rep. Jeff Hickman said Friday budget negotiators aren't finished, but are "moving in the right direction," and he expects a proposal to be presented before the Legislature adjourns no later than next Friday.

Lawmakers said much of the $1.3 billion budget hole they face will be filled with revenue from tax code changes, elimination of some tax credits and expected bond packages.

Hickman says a proposed $1.50 per pack tax on cigarettes is dead because of the calendar. A bill to raise revenue can't be presented during the final five days of the session; the House is adjourned until Monday.

KEN MILLER, Associated Press. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
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The Gayly - 5/20/2016 @ 3:24 p.m. CDT