After years of cuts, Oklahoma budget gives agencies a boost

The Associated Press - April 25, 2018 12:27 pm

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – After years of slashing budgets amid a downturn in the state’s economy, Oklahoma’s public schools and other agencies will receive boosts in spending under the largest-ever state budget approved by the Oklahoma Legislature that is making its way toward the governor’s desk.

The Oklahoma Senate voted 36-8 on Wednesday for the $7.6 billion general appropriations bill , which now heads to the House for final consideration.

Lawmakers are hoping to send the bill to Gov. Mary Fallin this week and adjourn the legislative session by Friday, May 4, about three works early.

The bill includes nearly $500 million in new spending for public schools, an increase of nearly 20 percent for education that mostly funded teacher pay hikes and was the subject of statewide teacher walkouts.

 

Latest Stories

FEMA Fires Worker Who Directed Relief Workers to Skip Homes of Trump-Supporting Hurricane Survivors

WASHINGTON — A Federal Emergency Management Agency worker has been fired after she directed workers helping...

OU falls 30-23 to Missouri after fumbling while tied with 22 seconds left

By MATT DERRICK Associated Press COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Zion Young returned a fumble 17 yards...

OSU falls 38-13 to TCU, clinching Cowboys’ first losing season since 2005

By STEFAN STEVENSON Associated Press FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Josh Hoover passed for 287 yards...