Okla. House Narrowly Passes Budget Bill

The Oklahoma House has narrowly approved a $6.8 billion general appropriations bill to fund state government, avoiding the need to return for a special session.

Thursday’s vote came just hours after the same measure failed, but a handful of members switched their votes to ensure its passage. The House voted 52-42 for the bill, narrowly reaching the 51-vote threshold it needed to pass.

Democrats who complained the bill did not adequately fund education and other core services had joined earlier in the day with Republicans who thought the bill contained excessive spending or didn’t like the way the budget deal was reached.

House Democratic Leader Scott Inman urged members not to switch their vote and suggested House leaders engaged in "arm twisting."