New fact sheet outlines Oklahoma’s options for solving the budget emergency

Oklahoma is grappling with a $1.3 billion shortfall for next year’s budget. Following two mid-year revenue failures on top of years of shrinking budgets, every state agency has been forced to dig deep and cut anything that could be seen… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma’s Revenue Options for the Budget Emergency

Without new revenue to close the shortfall, state agencies and school districts face massive budget cuts that will be disastrous for Oklahoma families, businesses, and communities. Here are 16 revenue options worth considering as part of a fair and sustainable budget... Read more [More...]

The question for legislators: Would doing nothing to find revenues bring more or less political risk? (Capitol Updates)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. You can sign up on his website to receive the Capitol Updates newsletter by email.… Read more [More...]

High-income surcharge would help solve budget emergency

The evidence is now undeniable that Oklahoma is facing a full-fledged emergency. With each passing day, the toll of budget cuts on Oklahoma families, schools, businesses, and communities becomes more alarming. Given the enormity of the budget shortfall, it’s widely… Read more [More...]

This budget crisis could be an unprecedented disaster for Oklahoma

Last month came news that Oklahoma City Public Schools will cut 208 classroom teaching positions because of state budget cuts. Tulsa Public Schools is considering reducing or eliminating school buses for all but special education students. Other districts are imposing… Read more [More...]

Quick Take: What’s the state of the Rainy Day Fund?

In the wake of this year’s second mid-year revenue failure, Governor Fallin and legislative leaders reached an agreement to tap the Rainy Day Fund to help public schools and the Department of Corrections make it through the year. The Legislature… Read more [More...]

Time running out for legislators to come up with a budget plan (Capitol Updates)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. You can sign up on his website to receive the Capitol Updates newsletter by email.… Read more [More...]

This gas tax fix could level Oklahoma’s revenue rollercoaster

Many Americans have reason to celebrate when gas prices drop. In states that aren’t as dependent on the oil and gas industry for jobs and tax revenues, low prices can help the finances of regular families and boost the economy… Read more [More...]

What I didn’t get from my tax cut (Guest post: Erin Taylor, PhD)

Erin Taylor, PhD, is a mother to five children and a disability advocate. This year I will receive my lavish savings from Oklahoma’s latest tax cut.  It’s likely in the vicinity of $90. What I did not receive, thanks to… Read more [More...]

Health Department cuts mean increased disease and risk of death (Capitol Updates)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. You can sign up on his website to receive the Capitol Updates newsletter by email.… Read more [More...]