We are in the last stretch of this year’s legislative session and the governor continues to act on the bills making their way to his desk. As of the end of last week, he has received 231 Senate Bills, signed 201 of those and vetoed five. On the House side, he has received 178 bills, signed 138, vetoed three and recalled one.
Negotiators are moving closer to finalizing a budget agreement, which must be done before the legislature can adjourn Sine Die. For the past few weeks, common education has remained at the forefront in the final budget discussions. Late last week, Senate Republicans announced a plan to invest $200 million into classroom funding while also showing fiscal restraint by saving $200 million this year.
Funneling $200 million into classroom funding would allow schools to significantly reduce class sizes, hire counselors and other support staff, purchase textbooks and other needed classroom supplies, or even give teacher pay raises at the local level if the district chooses. By leaving the choices up to the local schools, it would provide the flexibility many districts have been requesting since last year’s teacher walkout.
The Senate budget plan is fiscally responsible because it saves $200 million and combined with a deposit this year to the Rainy Day Fund in excess of $400 million, the state would have nearly $1 billion in savings for to cushion against future downturns. That represents half of the governor’s goal to save $2 billion over the next four years.
The Senate plan delivers on the goal to provide more flexibility and local control for school districts. Last year’s historic $460 million investment in public education was not a ‘one-and-done’ and this year’s new funding for common education builds on that commitment.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the area graduates who are celebrating their accomplishments this month, whether it’s in high school, college, or another learning institute. I wish the graduates all best as they celebrate their accomplishments and move onto their next steps in life.
I was especially honored to speak at the 120th commencement exercise at Northwestern Oklahoma State University this past weekend. As an alum of NWOSU, it was special to be invited to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
I’ve also enjoyed meeting several graduates at the Capitol in recent weeks. The FFA award winners and members of the FFA chorus took the time to visit while they were in town and I appreciated the opportunity to hear about their honors.
If you are visiting the Capitol and would like to stop by, our office is located in Room 413. It is a privilege to serve the people of this great district. My office number is 405-521-5630 and my email is roland.pederson@oksenate.gov. I can also be reached via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/senatorpederson. Please let me or my assistant, Angie, know if we can be of assistance to you.
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