Some Lawmakers Say State Agency Cuts are Positive

NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There are continued cuts to state agencies because of a revenue shortfall, but there are some who say the cuts may be exactly what the government needs.

It's a precious commodity for state agencies making cuts; cash to continue business as usual, and with a $1 billion shortfall every cent counts.

Many say the recession may be a blessing in disguise. Brandon Dutcher is one of those.

"This is a perfect opportunity for government to look at core functions and say we have got to do law enforcement, judges, district attorneys, we have got to build bridges and roads, we know this so we need to get rid of the stuff we don't need to do," Dutcher said.

Dutcher says the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs monitors state governments and says this is something needed for a long time.

"Even if we can get to the national average that would be $62,000 fewer jobs which would save the state of Oklahoma $3 billion a year," Dutcher said.

As state agencies continue to trim fat, state legislators who are dealing with the receding cash flow and budget requests say they are all for a leaner government.

"There is going to be a lot of clean up here," said Rep. Mike Reynolds. "There is going to be a lot of good come out of this. Some of that truth is coming out that maybe we do have some excess here. I expect they are going to need to find a lot more excess."

But, trimming the excess fat may come at a price.

"Just because you say cut things from government doesn't mean you are going to be more efficient," said Sen. Kenneth Corn. "Some agencies may be so bare bones that may have a difficult time caring out their mission."

But all agree more cuts will happen before times get better.

"While some agencies can take a cut like the governor's office, the Senate, the House can all take cuts; it's agencies that really affect the people of Oklahoma like seniors, children, public safety that cannot take them," Corn said.