By Devyn Lyon, FOX23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — A proposed $12.8 billion Oklahoma state budget has cleared the Senate and is now heading to the House for further approval.
The plan represents the largest state budget in Oklahoma history and is about $160 million higher than last year’s spending plan, according to lawmakers.
Supporters said the increase allows the state to invest in major priorities like education without raising taxes.
However, several state agencies will receive less funding than they requested.
Governor Kevin Stitt said the agreement reflects continued economic growth in the state.
“We do have a budget deal,” Stitt stated, adding that he’ll continue to advocate for limited government and protecting taxpayers.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) called the proposal a strong financial plan for the state.
“This is a good budget,” said Hilbert. “We’re in a great position as a state.”
The largest portion of the budget goes to education with more than six billion allocated to schools, marking the largest education investment in state history.
Some of the funding items in the proposal include:
- $190 million for new education funding, including teacher pay raises and reading and math programs
- $250 million to maintain Medicaid services
- $136 million for major one-time state capital investments
Lawmakers said the funding increases were made possible without raising taxes.
While several areas received increased investment, other agencies saw significant reductions.
The following agencies saw a reduction in funding:
- The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority saw nearly a 49% reduction in funding.
- The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board saw funding fall by roughly 50%.
- The funding for the Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System dropped by about 2%.
Despite the changes, many agencies will see flat funding overall, even though some requested significant increases for the upcoming fiscal year.
Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) said lawmakers must control spending.
“We do not have a revenue problem in Oklahoma,” Paxton stated. “We have an expense problem.”
Even though the Senate plan mirrors the version already approved in the House, the proposal could still face debate before final approval.
Members of the conservative Freedom Caucus have criticized the size of the budget.
State Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) argued the plan expands government spending beyond conservative principles.
Jett stated, “This is not a conservative budget. This is an expansion of state government.”
Democrats have also raised concerns about the proposal.
Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) criticized the plan, saying she believes it disproportionately benefits wealthier Oklahomans.
Supporters of the budget said it reflects strong economic conditions in the state.
They point to increased sales tax revenue driven by higher consumer spending.
Paxton explained, “Every time we cut taxes in Oklahoma, we hear the doom and gloom. We’ve cut taxes over and over again and our state revenues continue to grow.”
Oklahomans who want to explore the budget proposal in more detail can view the Legislature’s Budget Transparency Dashboard, which outlines agency funding and appropriations, on the Oklahoma Senate’s website here.
You can also share your thoughts on the proposed state budget on FOX23’s viewer poll here.
