Dusty Somers/The Daily
Monday, October 25, 2010
Oklahoma State Question 744 is a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, will require the Oklahoma State legislature to increase funding for public education.
If the measure passes, it will require the Oklahoma state budget to fund public education to, at minimum, the per-student average of six neighboring states — Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado and New Mexico.
Proponents of the measure say it will help correct the lack of funding for education and Oklahoma’s position at 49th in the nation and last in the region in education spending. Opponents claim there is simply not enough money in the state budget or accountability built into the measure to ensure the money is used properly.
“At the levels we’re at right now, it’s clear that we’re sending our kids into the workforce with one arm tied behind their backs,” said Walton Robinson, communications director for Yes on 744.
The measure doesn’t do anything to guarantee this will change, said Jeff Wilson, campaign manager for One Oklahoma Coalition, a group comprised of organizations created to oppose SQ 744.
“We’re not changing the nature of what we do for the better here,” Wilson said. “We’re simply cutting a blank check.” FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Mon, October 25, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski