Despite some opposition from Democrat members, the Oklahoma House approved $78 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to boost funding for public schools and the prison system for rest of the current fiscal year.
The House voted Monday on two separate measures – one to appropriate $51 million to the Department of Education and another to direct $27.5 million to the Department of Corrections.
“We are grateful to the House of Representatives for following the lead of Gov. Fallin, Speaker Hickman, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and the Senate in approving $51 million in Rainy Day funding for Oklahoma public schools,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said.
“Districts are facing serious budget challenges, and this supplemental funding greatly helps offset the impact of February’s revenue failure and will be a great help as educators finish out the spring semester and fiscal year, Hofmeister concluded with.”
Some Democrats opposed approximately $17 million of the $27.5 million earmarked for the prison system. They say portion of the money is for private prisons.
“It is with gratitude that I thank the members of the legislature in the House and Senate for acting quickly and efficiently to pass Senate Bill 1571,” Corrections Director Joe M. Allbaugh said. “As I mentioned previously, this money will go a long way to preventing drastic cuts that would ultimately jeopardize the safety, security and operations of our prison facilities and the citizens of the state.”
“I recognize the difficulty the governor and members of the legislature face when making tough decisions this year. I appreciate their efforts for making public safety a top priority. I look forward to continuing to work together, Allbaugh added.”
The measure now goes to the desk of Governor Mary Fallin, who says she will sign.
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