The Oklahoma House Appropriations subcommittees are meeting in a pre-session hearing this week and next week to discuss the ongoing state budget shortfall.

The hearings will include a discussion between the subcommittees and leaders of most state agencies on how the agencies can get through the budget shortfall, said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

“We felt like there was a need to get that discussion with the agency directors’ public so we could get a response on how the revenue situation is impacting agencies,” Benge said.

Benge said although the hearings usually occur every year, this year’s hearings will be met with more urgency as a result of budget crisis.

“It’s just important that the members that serve on the different budget committees are interacting with the directors to help find solutions to address the revenue shortfall,” Benge said. “We’re seeking the best deal for taxpayers also. We know that there are families in Oklahoma that are having to cut back and make these same kinds of everyday decisions within their household.”

Benge said the hearings will help lead to the formation of an agreement on how to fill the 2010 budget hole. He said the legislature will receive the 2011 budget estimate Dec. 21, which will be key in helping legislators decide how to fill the 2010 budget hole, including a combination of budget cuts and use of the state’s Rainy Day fund.

“We realize these budget cuts are difficult for most state agencies. While agencies and legislators must prepare for all possible revenue scenarios, we hope the current economic reality will also be seen as an opportunity to right-size,” Ken Miller, House Appropriations and Budget chairman, R-Edmond, stated in a press release. “Rather than prompt empty political rhetoric, these hearings need to produce positive solutions and discussions on how we can partner to find efficiencies and maintain core services within our budget constraints,” he said.

Benge noted despite Oklahoma’s budget shortfall, the state is still better off than most others. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have been ranked as recession-proof cities in several top 10 lists, he said.

“Most states are experiencing much more difficult budget challenges and their economies are worse off, and Oklahoma is doing better,” Benge said. “We’re going to have some challenges, but I think we’re positioned very well to come out to of this thing very strong, and I think Oklahoma is receiving national attention with our economy.”

Several economic reports have indicated the state is looking at slow, long-term recovery in the wake of the ongoing global recession, Benge also stated in the release.

“Though many economic ratings show Oklahoma is poised to recover quickly once the economy turns around, it remains unclear when that may occur and we must act now to bring our expenditures in line with slumping revenue collection,” Benge stated.