From The Associated Press:

The latest revenue shortfall in Oklahoma is a reminder that despite recent efforts to diversify the state’s economy, its financial fortunes still rise and fall with those of the energy industry.

More than 25 years after the famed oil bust devastated the Oklahoma economy, the culprit this time is natural gas prices that have dropped well below $3 per 1,000 cubic feet — the lowest point since 2002.

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From The Tulsa World:

After losing her job, burning through her savings and fearing what will happen if things don’t turn around, all Mavis King can do is sing.

“Singing has saved my life more than once,” King said. “I can get into it and it’s an expression from the soul. You get into it and you feel better.

“It’s the only thing I do that keeps me from getting down because it brings me so much pleasure. Plus, I can’t afford to do anything else.”

A friend has been paying her membership dues so she can continue singing in the Oklahoma Jubilee chapter of the Sweet Adeline Singers. King is one of thousands of Oklahomans who have lost their job during the recession and have turned to the safety net of social programs for the first time.

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From The Norman Transcript:

Revenue collections for July, the first month of the new fiscal year, are well below prior year collections and the official estimate.

The shortfall is great enough that state officials have ordered

an across-the-board budget cut in budget allocations to all state agencies this month, State Treasurer Scott Meacham announced today.

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From The Tulsa World:

As the state’s revenue picture deteriorates further, a handful of agencies are considering furloughs.

The state Pardon and Parole Board will consider a furlough plan Tuesday.

“We are just trying to be a little bit proactive,” said Terry Jenks, the board’s executive director. “We are not certain we will have to do furloughs yet.”

The Pardon and Parole Board’s budget was cut at the beginning of the 2010 fiscal year, he said.

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From The Daily Oklahoman:

Calls to HeartLine’s suicide prevention hot line are up significantly this year, and many callers report financial woes and economic uncertainty.

The number of calls to (800) 273-TALK increased 27 percent for the first half of 2009, from 1,899 calls to 2,413, said Tom Taylor, development and outreach director for HeartLine. The economic downturn is a factor, but more calls is not necessarily bad news.

“It’s actually a good thing that more people are reaching out,” he said.

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