Daily Durant Democrat
Steve Taylor, Chairman of Bryan County Republicans and Conservatives Club
Oct 6, 2010
Republicans, Democrats and Independents all have different plans for Oklahoma. And to be honest, it’s rare that they ever find common ground. However, one issue has united political and civic leaders of all persuasions. That issue is State Question 744.
State Question 744 is a plan pushed by the Oklahoma Education Association, with help from outside groups including the National Education Association. It is a proposed article for the state constitution that would require Oklahoma to fund education at a per-student level equal to the average of the six states surrounding Oklahoma.
The proposed article doesn’t explain where the money to fund education would come from, but it would make education the state’s top budget priority. It also prevents the state from decreasing funding to public education. So, if the six-state average decreases, Oklahoma would be required to remain at the higher rate until the six-state average eventually increases.
According to www.stop744.com, a Website sponsored by Oklahomans for Responsible Government, SQ 744 would require large tax increases, steep cuts to state services or some combination of the two. If lawmakers were to choose budget cuts to cover the costs, they would have to make across-the-board cuts of about 20 percent to all state agencies, except education... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, October 6, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski