That, Doerflinger said, violates the constitutional requirement that the Legislature produce a balanced budget. Partial funding, he said, will mean an immediate reduction of services.

“There is no pause button for agencies to hit until the Legislature returns in 2018,” Doerflinger said in a written statement. “Agencies will have to start balancing their budgets again with whatever the Legislature appropriates to them in special session. To not move forward with a balanced budget would be a flagrant disregard for the Oklahoma Constitution and an insult to the people of this state.”

The measure passed Wednesday by the Senate, House Bill 1081, is the first sent to the governor since the special session began Sept. 25.

Mental Health Commissioner Terri White said the bill is a “great first step and we are very appreciative,” but she urged lawmakers to find the $52 million needed to make the agency whole.

The $23 million approved Wednesday is the limit that can be accessed from the Rainy Day Fund during the special session. Another $83 million in carryover from FY 2018 is also available, although Fallin and Senate leadership do not seem eager to use it with next year’s budget expected to start $500 million in the hole.