| State legislators are looking at a $350 million shortfall when they start deliberations. That was the word from newly elected State Senator Roger Thompson Tuesday night. Thompson was speaking to members of the Okmulgee county Republican party at their January meeting. "I'm excited about what is going on," Thompson said. |
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| He said he was appointed vice-chairman of transportation and general government by Speaker Pro Tem Brian Bingman. "That's very unusual for a freshman senator to be vice-chairman of that group," he pointed out. It oversees 19 agencies including ethics, election board, state auditor, house and senate budget, military, and treasurer and tax commission. | |
 Senator Thompson (right) visited with Henryettan Bert Convey following the meeting Tuesday night. (Photo by Paul Orosco, Okmulgee News Network) |
Saving money is going to be a goal for him. Thompson pointed out it costs $6 to file every state tax form with paper. "It costs six cents for tax forms to be filed electronically. Think how much money we could save if everybody filed electronically." He also serves on education, business and commerce and judiciary committees. Thompson said lawmakers used a lot of, "one-time money," in last year's budget. "This year we are going to be looking at $6.7 or $6.8 billion in this year's budget." |
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He projected several major road projects will be coming to Okmulgee County in the coming years. |
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