Fallin To Kick Off 2014 Legislative Session With State Of The State Address

Governor Mary Fallin kicks off the 2014 legislative session with the State of the State address. This is the governor's fourth address since taking office.

Two topics are expected to be priority -- a reduction in the state income taxes and putting storm shelters in schools.

The Governor will take the podium at 12:30 p.m.. During this speech, we expect her to announce the details of her proposal to cut income taxes.

Currently, Oklahomans pay an income tax rate of 5.25 percent. Last year, Fallin signed a bill that dropped that rate to five percent. That bill was ruled unconstitutional, however, because it included a plan to pay for repairs to the state capitol.

We also expect to hear more from the Governor on a plan to put storm shelters in schools. Fallin has already endorsed a plan that lets school districts get voter approval to increase bonds to pay for shelters.

There are more than 1,800 schools in the state, and 700 already have safe rooms or storm shelters.

The state is also facing a $170 million budget shortfall and the governor is warning state agencies they will likely face cuts.

News 9 will broadcast Governor Fallin's speech live following the 12 p.m. newscast. We'll also stream it on News9.com.

Bold and the Beautiful and The Talk can be seen on News 9 Now (Cox digital channel 53) or over-the-air channel 9.2.