With state revenue collections continuing to plummet, Gov. Mary Fallin is ordering state agencies to prepare for budget cuts of 10 percent both this year and next.
Fallin issued an executive order Monday directing agency heads to submit to her cabinet secretaries by Dec. 1 a list of budget cuts in "non-mission-critical agency expenses." The planned cuts apply to the rest of the fiscal year that ends June 30 as well as the upcoming Fiscal Year 2017 budget that begins July 1.
“I’m asking every agency to start planning for potential spending cuts and to develop a strategy that protects essential services,” said Fallin. “It’s important we get ahead of this issue as we enter a difficult budget year. Families and businesses tighten their belts during lean times; our state agencies can do the same.”
Fallin also imposed a moratorium on non-essential, out-of-state travel for all state employees that is paid for with state funds.
Agencies also have been informed that after Dec. 1, advanced approval must be received before agencies can pay membership dues to organizations or make nonemergency purchases over $10,000.