NewsOK
THE OKLAHOMAN EDITORIAL
Published: September 22, 2010
IN January, Gov. Brad Henry said he had no plans to actively campaign against State Question 744 but wouldn't rule it out in case he needed to speak more publicly should the question appear headed for passage. That day came Tuesday. Henry not only called opposition to the question a "no-brainer" but said he would chair the opposition campaign.
The governor said he didn't know if the decision meant he would appear in advertising. But here's a safe bet: Henry meant what he said in January. And that means those organizing the anti-744 campaign believe they need a big-time spokesman to help educate and sway voters and help level the playing field against the millions of dollars the National Education Association is putting up in support.
Henry's arguments against the question are familiar. SQ 744 would base common education funding on the amount spent in surrounding states, which would hamstring future Legislatures and let lawmakers in other states dictate Oklahoma's budget. Passage would cause massive cuts in other areas of state government, require tax increases or both.
Henry said there should be "no debate" about the need for more education funding. "State Question 744 is just the wrong way to go about it." The measure would create an "either-or" proposition for the state that pits common education against every other area of state government, including other education entities. Passage also could devastate the state's economic recovery, he said... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, September 22, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski