Published Online: August 4, 2010
By Manny Gamallo, Tulsa World, Okla. (MCT)
www.EdWeek.org
Sand Springs, Okla.
Opponents of a state question that would base Oklahoma's education funding on what is spent in surrounding states blasted the proposal Tuesday, claiming that it would have disastrous consequences.
Voters will be asked to consider State Question 744, which would increase Oklahoma's per-pupil funding to the regional average, on Nov. 2.
Jeff Wilson, campaign manager for the One Oklahoma Coalition, which is leading the fight against the measure, said the constitutional amendment would lead to a 20 percent across-the-board cut in government services, possible tax increases, or both.
At a minimum, the amendment would cost the state $850 million and as much as $1.7 billion, according to an Oklahoma Policy Institute estimate Wilson cited.
Wilson was joined at a news conference at the L.E. Rader Center by Sterling Zearley, executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, and Rader employee Granvel Tomlin.
Tomlin called the proposal a "blank check" for legislators, "with very little transparency, very little accounting."
Zearley said the proposal could affect the employment status of 5,000 to 7,000 state workers.
Wilson said that "one thing the proponents won't tell you is that they just want the money. They won't say how it's to be raised."
VIEW ARTICLE
Posted on
Wed, August 4, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski