Calls for bonds to repair the state capitol and finance museums in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are unlikely to be answered in the 2013 session, said Speaker T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton.
“I don’t believe that there’s a will at this point to do a bond,” Shannon said at a news conference.
Republicans hold 76 of the 125 House seats. An infrastructure renewal proposal outlined last week by the House Republican Caucus does not include bond financing for state projects.
The eight-year proposal would finance projects out of current revenues rather than new debt, Shannon said.
“In the past, the model has been to neglect infrastructure to the point of decay and then to take out bonds to repair those needs,” he said.
“We’re going to be proposing legislation that will look at a pay-as-you go plan that makes infrastructure needs a priority, not just on roads and bridges, but all state assets, and coming up with a plan,” Shannon said.
A proposal in the 2012 Legislature for a $200 million state bond issue to repair the capitol complex was rejected by the House along with a $20 million bond issue for a popular culture museum in Tulsa and $40 million for a American Indian museum and center in Oklahoma City.
Budget Committee chair Scott Martin said he will file a bill to cut the top state income tax rate to 5% from the current 5.25% as part of the plan. The reduction would reduce revenues by $40 million in fiscal 2014 and $120 million in fiscal 2015, he said.
