Budget, teacher pay, Real ID face 2017 Oklahoma Legislature

Oklahoma lawmakers will be confronted by familiar issues Monday when they convene the 2017 Oklahoma Legislature: a nearly $870 million state budget shortfall, teacher salaries that have not been increased since 2008, complying with a divisive federal anti-terrorism law involving identification cards and relieving pressure on the state’s overcrowded prisons. Leaders of the Republican-controlled House and Senate say they will focus on their priorities during the four-month legislative session.