Articles
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Budget & Tax
Will federal bailout create state budget problems again?
Former lawmakers involved in budget discussions during the Great Recession and following years say the federal bailout may have temporarily eased some financial strain, but warn it also contributed to subsequent budget challenges.Ray Carter | June 10, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Despite record-high revenues, some lawmakers sought tax hikes
During the state’s last recession, income tax cuts were repeatedly cited as the reason for the state’s shortfalls.Curtis Shelton | June 8, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Lawmakers begin to roll back historic pension progress
After a decade of replenishing the state’s retirement system, a new law is estimated to add nearly $1 billion in unfunded liability to the retirement system and does so at the worst possible time.Curtis Shelton | June 2, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
K-12 school budget built on one-time funding
Gov. Kevin Stitt said the plan set up the state for significant budget challenges next year.Ray Carter | May 28, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
State’s red tape for private schools may violate federal law
The dispute threatens to impede effective COVID-19 response across Oklahoma.Ray Carter | May 27, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Lawmakers override veto, will borrow millions to create jobs for professors
Members of the Oklahoma Legislature voted Friday to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes of two bills impacting the state’s “endowed chair” program.Ray Carter | May 22, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Law & Principles
Stitt vetoes tax hike
Gov. Kevin Stitt has vetoed legislation that would have increased property taxes on numerous Oklahoma businesses, saying the legislation would “hurt our state.”Ray Carter | May 21, 2020
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Budget & Tax
OCPA offers solution for 35-percent legislative pay raise
The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs has proposed a solution to lawmakers saying they have no choice but to accept a 35-percent pay raise after facing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall.Staff | May 21, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Stitt vetoes diversion of offender-management funds
“The state is not contractually obligated to increase private correctional facilities pay scales,” Stitt wrote.Ray Carter | May 20, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Stitt vows transparency for CARES funding, warns cities can’t use it for shortfalls
Oklahomans will be able to view how the state spends $1.2 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding by going to the state’s online “checkbook,” Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday.Ray Carter | May 20, 2020