Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Andrew Rice on budget agreement

"After months of secret negotiations, the Republicans who run state government are finally ready to show all Oklahomans where their priorities lie. They have chosen corporate special interest tax breaks that will result in drastic cuts to important areas like public schools, senior nutrition centers, and public safety.

“The Republicans are disingenuous when they say these deep cuts are unavoidable. They had a choice, and they chose corporate special interests over middle class families. We all know that you get what you pay for, and in this case Oklahomans will not be happy to see their communities short-changed by fewer police on the streets, larger class sizes for fourth-graders, and the closing of nursing homes."