The following notes are from the 2011 Chamber Legislative Breakfast at Little Ben’s Pizza in Pauls Valley, Okla.

Senator Susan Paddack, Representative Lisa Billy, a field rep. from Congressman Tom Cole’s office, and a field rep. from U.S. Senator James Inhofe’s office were on-hand to speak to attendees.

The event began at 6:45 a.m. and ended at 8:15 a.m., this morning.

Sen. Paddack and Rep. Billy both addressed the current status of the state’s budget and state government.

“The good news is we’re Oklahomans. We’re not going to spend more than we have,” Sen. Paddack said. “Might have to tighten up our belt a notch or two (though).”

Sen. Paddack added that due to state budget shortfalls state legislators could be furloughed “which means we might be working (out of our) cars…. which we’ve done before.”

The senator also addressed the future of the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center located in Pauls Valley.

Someone…”we do not know who”…is set on closing SORC, Sen. Paddack said.

According to a SORC official at the event, the center is “the second largest source of revenue in Garvin County.”

Rep. Lisa Billy shared that Oklahoma has “a little over 2,100 pieces of legislation (to address) this year.”

She added that the state’s government is “as open as it’s ever been.”

“All of our votes are open (and on the web),” Rep. Billy said. She cited “procedural votes” being exceptions (ex. changing dress codes for special days at the state capitol, and working through lunch).

“Not only can you see the votes…. you can go back and watch the archives (of each session). It just makes us all accountable,” Rep. Billy stated.

Also, “we have $100 million more dollars” than first thought for the state’s budget Rep. Billy said. Despite the increase, however, she explained that there is still a $400 – $500 million shortfall for the 2011 state budget.

A Chamber Legislative Luncheon is scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 8, at 11:45 a.m.; no location has been announced.