I just watched @GovStitt's press conference at our stockpile of PPE and am grateful for his updates on our state's response to COVID. However, I think you all need to know what's going on with the state budget right now, so, here's a thread on that: 1/

Yesterday, in an overwhelming bipartisan fashion, the House and Senate approved a package of 3 bills that would keep core services like healthcare from facing cuts before the new fiscal year starts on June 30. 2/

We did this in such a way that even if the revenue failure ends up being larger than expected, there is still enough funding to keep agencies whole by creating flexibility in the Revenue Stabilization Fund, but we also cut out a couple funds from receiving this "backfill." 3/

One of those funds we decided wouldn't be backfilled was the Digital Transformation Fund housed under the Governor. In last year's budget, that fund received $15 million. It currently has about $8.4 million for use until a new budget takes effect on June 30. 4/

The amount the digital transformation fund might not receive because of our actions yesterday is less than $250,000. Because we carved out this fund, the Governor is now threatening not to approve the entire package of bills we passed to address the revenue failure. 5/

In his presser today, the Governor mentioned agency cuts of 1-2%. Unfortunately that's far lower than what agencies would face if he didn't sign these bills because the cuts would only be over a 3-month time period instead of an entire fiscal year. 6/

No matter the percentage of cuts, though, this is NOT the time to be cutting core services. More people than ever are depending on these services, and we have a moral responsibility to provide them. 7/

I'm truly astounded at the Governor's actions. The legislature managed to come together in a bipartisan way to make sure Oklahomans still have access to core services in the midst of a pandemic, and he's threatening to thwart our efforts. 8/

He's essentially hold the whole thing hostage because he didn't get his way on one issue that amounts to less than $250,000. It's unconscionable. 9/

I would remind the Governor that by approving his emergency declaration yesterday, the legislature gave him the authority to use up to $50 million to address issues caused by this pandemic. There will be areas where that money is needed, and it's at his disposal. 10/

I'm calling on Governor Stitt to set aside this petty power struggle and do what's right for the people of Oklahoma who are currently navigating an unprecedented crisis. Sign the bills, Governor, and keep our core services funded. 11/11