Articles
-
Budget & Tax
State pensions lose ground after unfunded mandate
Legislators’ decision to pass an unfunded cost-of-living adjustment that boosted payments to retired state government workers has left state pension systems paying out money faster than it comes in.Ray Carter | November 10, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Jenks revenue increases, per-pupil revenue falls
Jenks Public Schools has seen consistent growth in enrollment over the last decade while revenue remained somewhat flat until a large increase in fiscal year 2019.Curtis Shelton | November 5, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Edmond school revenues continue to rise
Edmond Public Schools has seen a moderate increase in enrollment over the last decade but has experienced a faster increase in revenue.Curtis Shelton | November 3, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
AG concludes Stitt’s scholarship program is legal
A legal analysis released by the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General concludes that Gov. Kevin Stitt complied with federal law when he authorized use of some federal funds for scholarships that help low-income children attend private school.Ray Carter | October 23, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Economy
State unemployment fund drained by pandemic
An unprecedented surge in unemployment claims caused by this year’s COVID-19 shutdown, combined with major fraud, has drained Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance trust fund and requires an increase in associated taxes on employers.Ray Carter | October 21, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Deer Creek revenues, enrollment growing
Officials in many school districts continue to insist that funding is inadequate. So let's take a look at the available revenues in selected Oklahoma districts.Curtis Shelton | October 20, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Department of Education budget request unrealistic
The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently released its fiscal year 2022 budget request and is asking for an increase of $191 million over the current level.Curtis Shelton | October 15, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
For-profit companies receive public school money
Earlier this week, state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister heaped praise on a private-sector product that is helping to keep Oklahoma students safe.Curtis Shelton | October 9, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Economy
Continued oil slump threatens state finances
A new report from State Treasurer Randy McDaniel indicates the economic impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown are receding in Oklahoma, but state finances remain on shaky ground because of the continuing weakness of the oil-and-gas sector, a foundational element of the Oklahoma economy.Ray Carter | October 7, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Education
Irregularities in state audit of EPIC?
A recently released special investigative audit of EPIC Charter Schools, an online K-12 provider, may be receiving as much attention for perceived and alleged irregularities in the audit process as for its findings.Ray Carter | October 5, 2020