Sunday’s “Tulsa World” said the state House of Representatives has increased their own spending by 5.3 percent to $8.982 million since July 1. The article said they have continued to hire new employees, give raises and pay thousands to outside attorneys. Remember this all happened why they were not even in session.
The Senate spent 3.7 percent more than last year or $7.31 million. Spokespersons for the legislature said the main reason for the increase was that their health insurance costs went up. BTW they get 100 percent of their health insurance paid for and 75 percent paid for their dependents while teachers only get 25 percnet of the dependent cost paid for. Well my family’s health insurance went up too so we are delaying other wants and needs. My family found ways to cut other expenditures. Why can’t they?
Democratic Rep. Wallace Collins from Norman denounced the cuts to the state’s senior nutrition program last year. He said legislative leaders should use part of their reserve funds to keep hot meals on the tables of Oklahoma seniors. “Better to fund senior meals than buy new computers and big screen televisions for legislative offices,” he reasoned. The legislature must have a really big reserve fund if it will only take part of it to fund the deficiency in the senior nutrition program.
Republicans have controlled the House for 2 years. Is this what fiscally conservative leadership looks like?
Jo Davis
Shawnee
