United Systems of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's a new year but unfortunately, the problems of old linger behind. As Oklahoma heads into this new decade, the past is part of the future.

The state budget crisis looms overhead. Lawmakers return to work at the state Capitol at the end of the month and when they do, they have their work cut out for them.

A massive budget shortfall will force some tough decisions in the new decade.

"This is the deepest shortfall that we've experienced in state government and it even surpassed what we saw in the oil bust," State Treasurer Scott Meacham said.

Meacham estimates the shortfall at nearly three quarters of a billion dollars for the fiscal year that ends this June. A sluggish economy and lower-than-expected oil and gas revenues are to blame.