Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin was joined April 13 by several members of her Cabinet during a news conference at the state Capitol, where she presented a number of revised proposals to the budget. Behind her is Preston Doerflinger, secretary of finance. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman Archives]

Just six days after Gov. Mary Fallin predicted the state would face a $600 million budget hole, her finance secretary said Tuesday it actually will be a lot bigger.

Preston Doerflinger said at a state Capitol news conference that current projections show the state will have $6 billion to spend next year. That means that when the Legislature gathers in February to start work on a new budget, they will be looking at an $868 million shortfall.

Lawmakers will be forced to seriously consider ways to bring in more revenue if necessities are to be funded adequately.

Short on revenue amid tax cuts, oil industry declines and generous corporate tax credits, the state has not been able to maintain funding for priorities like education, health and public safety.