From The Desk of Oklahoma Senator Grant Green

Both legislative chambers and the governor have reached a deal on a budget that will keep state government funded through the next fiscal year. The Legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget before the session adjourns later this month. This $12.59 billion budget includes a 0.25% income tax cut and lays the groundwork for responsibly phasing out the state’s income tax. Government spending is kept in check because this plan keeps most state agency appropriations relatively flat. However, there are targeted investments in health care, education and public safety in addition to funding for key projects at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, some military installations and National Guard facilities. I’m especially pleased this budget increases transportation funding to improve rural roads and dilapidated county bridges while also boosting public education funding to increase compensation for our most experienced educators, among other things. I look forward to voting on this budget soon.