Priority for Oklahoma: Restore Education Funding

Together-OK-Logo-SocialAs part of the Together Oklahoma coalition, OK Policy has developed four top priority issues for this year’s Legislative session. These priorities have been identified as practical, politically achievable steps to move us toward lasting, broad-based prosperity.

One of these priorities is to restore education funding.

In the last five years, Oklahoma’s per pupil investment in common education fell more than twenty percent. This was the largest percentage drop in the entire nation. As a result of these steep cuts, we are losing teachers, students are being crammed into overcrowded classrooms, and the advanced classes that prepare our kids for college are being slashed.

We need to restore our investment in education to at least what it was before the recession. Our children and state will continue to suffer if we do not pay for good teachers, provide necessary training and educational tools, and ensure safe environments for students to learn.

A scientific poll of Oklahomans showed a large majority (68 percent) believe an educated and well-trained workforce is more important for attracting business than low-personal income tax rates. If we want good jobs and a prosperous future for our children, we need to invest in education.

Find the Together Oklahoma fact sheet about restoring education funding here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gene Perry worked for OK Policy from 2011 to 2019. He is a native Oklahoman and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in history and an M.A. in journalism.

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