House Speaker Comments on Release of January Revenue Numbers

OKLAHOMA CITY — “It remains unclear if we have reached the bottom of this financial downturn. There are some signs of an economic pulse nationally, but we may see a delay in those effects in Oklahoma until a strong demand for natural gas returns. It is also important to note that while collections have improved, they still remain 21 percent below the estimate,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “We are watching collections closely and working deliberatively with the governor and the Senate to craft fiscally responsible budgets for both fiscal years 2010 and 2011.”