The Oklahoman Editorial

WERE OUR eyes deceiving us, or did photos in The Oklahoman on Saturday show legislators acting as though they actually had something to celebrate on the final day of the regular session?

There was the photo on the front page of lawmakers throwing papers in the air, while nearby a member held his infant child. Flipping inside, we see a member at his desk while his young son sits in his lap and kills some time on the laptop computer. Yet another shows an outgoing House member receiving a hug from a colleague.

All very touching and fun, to be sure, and it may have been merited had the Legislature had reason to party. But it didn't.

Need we remind the members that their work isn't finished? The inability of Senate and House leaders to get together on the Legislature's No. 1 job -- writing the state budget -- means members will have to return in special session sometime in June.

Lawmakers did get some business accomplished during their four-month stay. They provided funding to repair bridges, passed the governor's Achieving Classroom Excellence legislation, approved a Medicaid reform bill, and passed bills that tighten bail regulations and reform the child-welfare system. They approved their share of feel-good bills, such as one that makes some sex offenders eligible for the death penalty.

But a budget? Couldn't get that done on time. Democrats in the Senate seemingly want to spend every dime of the state's $1 billion surplus, which puts them at odds with House Republicans who want a significant tax cut. Gov. Brad Henry believes they're close to a deal.

Only when one is reached and lawmakers have accomplished the main chore constituents expect of them will they have reason to celebrate.