I’ve been closely observing and enduring the Oklahoma political ecosystem for nearly 17 years now, which according to the teachings of the Buddhist religion, means I must have done some pretty hideous things in a past life.
During this time watching our dysfunctional government in action, I’ve developed a pretty good, cynical sense of how the Oklahoma state budgeting process works. It goes a little something like this…
Throughout the year, lawmakers meet behind closed doors with lobbyists, special interest groups, and wealthy donors to create a budget that primarily helps and serves elites, corporations, and other members of the GOP caste.
During the legislative sessions, lawmakers then stall, quibble, jockey for power, and engage in political theater that entertains a clout-chasing Capitol press corp before rushing through a series of late-night bills at the last minute that almost always get a rubber-stamp seal of approval.
Once again, that’s how the process usually works and appears to be how it’s playing out this year,
For example, State Senate leader / former Oklahoma Governor Greg Treat is currently quibbling with the House over the idea of tax cuts for the wealthy, political power, and other budgetary minutia.