Definition of two small words could have large consequences

Is a bill that adjusts the tax rates on production of oil and gas a “revenue bill” under the terms of the Oklahoma Constitution? This is the question for the Oklahoma Supreme Court to decide in a challenge filed by… Read more [More...]

Can Oklahoma make better budget predictions?

Oklahoma’s state budget was thrown into turmoil this year when much less money came to the General Revenuef fund than was expected. For the full year, General Revenue was 4.8 percent below the estimate; if the shortfall had reached 5… Read more [More...]

New issue brief examines one of the largest business subsidies in Oklahoma

Mark Lash is a retired federal employee who follows Oklahoma policymaking. He has previously written about the Quality Jobs Program for the OK Policy Blog. Download the full report here. According to a New York Times report, state and local… Read more [More...]

Invalidated appropriation leads to $6.7 million budget cut

The state’s new fiscal year began on July 1st with most state agencies funded slightly worse than they had originally expected. Last month, OK Policy broke the story that this year’s General Appropriations (GA) bill diverted $7.9 million out of… Read more [More...]

Tax cut legal challenges could be game-changers

Over the years, Oklahoma City attorney Jerry Fent has proven a big thorn in the side of Oklahoma policymakers, filing and winning a string of constitutional challenges to legislation. Several of his lawsuits have led the Supreme Court to strike… Read more [More...]

The economic case for tax cuts is in shambles

When it comes to the role of taxes and public services in the economy, we too often engage in an ideological debate that changes no one’s mind. One side talks about the importance of investing in schools, roads, and public… Read more [More...]

They did what?? Funding grabs create shortfalls for many agencies

Faced with a nearly $200 million shortfall in building the FY 2015 budget, legislative leaders and Governor Fallin had three basic choices. They could have simply cut spending, slashing deeply across all areas of government. This would have left unaddressed… Read more [More...]

Inappropriate appropriations and a broken promise

In building next year’s budget, legislative leaders and Governor Mary Fallin faced the challenge of starting with nearly $200 million less revenue than this year. Ultimately, the FY 2015 budget ended up at nearly the same amount as this year.… Read more [More...]

FY 2015 Budget Highlights

The FY 2015 Budget Highlights is one of the most informative and accessible ways to track Oklahoma’s public spending. [More...]

Games legislators play

In the final days of session in May, the legislature approved SB 2127, the annual General Appropriations (GA) bill providing funding for most state agencies.  The press release issued by the Governor, House Speaker and Senate President claimed that the… Read more [More...]