KCCU News

Austin, TX – Texas Governor Rick Perry has ordered state agencies to cut their budgets and brace for economic decline.

But The Associated Press reports the Texas House is renovating its members lounge with new furnishings, televisions, a refrigerator and other upgrades.

Aides to House Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland confirm state tax dollars are being used for the upgrade.

AP reports the renovation apparently includes $30,000 worth of antique wood as well as new carpet and foodservice improvements.

Oklahoma City, OK – A national research organization says political candidates in Oklahoma are less willing to tell voters what their views are on important issues than candidates in most other states.

A nationwide survey conducted by Project Vote Smart found that 80 percent of congressional candidates and 90 percent of state legislative candidates refused to answer questions on issues of public concern.

That ranks Oklahoma 48th among the 50 states in legislative return rates, behind only Ohio and Iowa.

Oklahoma City, OK – The state Board of Education will ask for a nearly $3 billion dollar budget for the next school year.

The request is about $480 million more than the current budget and includes $36.5 million to add two more days to the school year.

State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett says it's important to lengthen the school year in Oklahoma.

The average length of the school year nationally is 180 days and Oklahoma's school year is 175.