State Rep. Charles Ortega of Altus said today that he will work to protect funding for the Rural Economic Action Plan in spite of Gov. Brad Henry’s efforts to eliminate the program.

“While I believe the governor has made some good suggestions on how to achieve savings this year, I cannot support his call to abolish REAP,” said Ortega. “We should not balance the budget on the backs of rural Oklahomans.”

REAP funding pays for infrastructure needs in rural communities. Last year, rural lawmakers successfully fought to include REAP in the budget. It received the same 7 percent cut given most to most state agencies at the time, including the Legislature. Funding for the program was generated through an increase in the fine for delinquent tag renewal, which increased from 25 cents to $1 a day. Of the 75 cents increase, 50 cents went to REAP while the other 25 cents would stay with the tag agent.

“Obviously, REAP funding may face additional cuts this year, just like other parts of state government,” Ortega said. “However, for the governor to zero it out is terribly short-sighted. I will fight to get REAP funding in the budget, because it is an important component of rural economic development.”