“We’re going to have to make some very, very difficult decisions,” Henry said, adding that he has very good relationship with the Republican legislative leadership.
And while he said he and the Republican leaders are “working very well together,” critics have been attacking him, casting doubt on his decisions and areas of government that will be cut.
“I haven’t heard any of the critics put their budget on the table or offer solutions for the people of Oklahoma,” Henry said. “It’s not acceptable to sit on the sidelines and criticize.”
“The people of Oklahoma elected us to be statesmen, not critics,” added a clearly perturbed Henry. “To the critics out there, ‘what are your ideas’?”
“I think we have to talk about efficiency measures in government,” Henry said, noting the one-year elimination of funding for the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP). The one-year holiday for REAP has resulted in a backlash from rural legislators who say the economic development of small towns in rural districts rely on REAP funds.
“I value REAP,” Henry said. “I said, ‘Let’s take a one-year holiday. Let’s take a one-year holiday on tax credits.’”
Henry delved into the issue of sales taxes on Internet purchases. Henry announced a proposal to force out-of-state companies to pay sales taxes on items sold to Oklahomans over the Internet.
“The tax code, as it is currently written … is an unlevel and unfair playing field for Oklahoma businesses,” Henry said. “$180 million a year is lost through online sales.”
Again, Henry directed his comments to his detractors, adding, “What’s your plan?”
Henry then tried to sound optimistic, adding, “The storm clouds will pass and the sun will shine again.”
And the all-important issue of the Rainy Day Fund was re-examined before the OPA gathering. Henry said while protecting the Rainy Day Fund is important, it is required that the state use as much of its reserve cash before it can use stimulus funds from the federal government.
“I believe it’s appropriate to use the Rainy Day Fund to address (the economic crisis),” Henry said. “Stimulus dollars have helped us a great deal.”
During the question and answer portion, Henry was asked about the state’s 532 public school districts and whether or not, in light of the budget crunch, he would take a serious look at consolidating some school districts, particularly in rural areas.
“It’s a very, very difficult issue,” he said. “I think everything is on the table for discussion. I’ve never been in favor of forced consolidation of school districts.”
Another question had to do with President Obama tapping Henry for the newly-formed Council of Governors. Authorized late last year by Obama via an executive order, Henry would work on a bi-partisan panel featuring governors from across America. According to an article in today’s The Oklahoman, Henry and the other governors would “work closely with the secretary of defense, the secretary of Homeland Security and national security advisers” and discuss issues related to national defense and security issues.
“I’m very pleased, through the Council, to seek input from the states and develop better partnerships with states on issues of preparedness,” Henry said. “Not just terrorism but epidemics … and how we are prepared to respond to that.”
Henry said the first meeting of the Council of Governors would be Feb. 23 at the White House.
And to read an Oklahoma Watchdog blog post about Henry and the Council of Governors, click on the link.
By Andrew W. Griffin
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