Gov. Kevin Stitt says he’s optimistic about Oklahoma’s $12.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, even though it’s nearly $650 million less than last year. He pointed to rising tax collections and nearly $3.7 billion in state savings as signs the economy remains strong, urging lawmakers to use savings only for one-time expenses. Some Republicans have warned of a potential shortfall, while Democrats argue that flat budgets and rising living costs could strain state services. Lawmakers may need to dip into savings, though it’s unclear by how much.
Oklahoma lawmakers are divided over whether to expand the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, which provides up to $7,500 in refundable tax credits for families paying private school tuition and has reached its $250 million cap. House Bill 3705 would raise the cap to $300 million and automatically increase it by $50 million in future years if demand remains high. Republicans argue the program expands educational options without reducing public school funding, while Democrats contend it diverts resources from public education and may contribute to rising private school tuition. The bill now heads to the full House Appropriations and Budget Committee for further consideration.
An Oklahoma proposal backed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert aims to strengthen early literacy by requiring third graders to read at grade level before advancing, with an estimated cost of $75 million. The bill would provide intensive reading interventions starting in kindergarten, expand literacy coaches, require reading specialists in elementary schools, and mandate summer reading programs for struggling students. Certain students, including those with disabilities or limited English proficiency, would be exempt from mandatory retention. While lawmakers acknowledge the state’s tight budget year, supporters argue the investment is necessary to improve Oklahoma’s low education rankings and ensure students receive early, meaningful support.
Oklahoma voters have had little access to local campaign finance records after the state’s new centralized filing system, Guardian 2.0, failed to launch as planned.The Oklahoma Ethics Commission terminated its contract with the software vendor and is now working on temporary fixes, but municipal reports remain unavailable online. Several recent city elections took place without a functional reporting system, raising concerns about transparency and voter awareness.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadlines
03/05: Deadline for Bills and Joint Resolutions to be Reported from Committee of Origin (Senate)
03/18-20: Legislative Spring Break-House Not in Session (Senate TBD)
03/26: Deadline for Third Reading and Final Passage of Bills and Joint Resolutions by the Chamber of Origin (House and Senate)
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Oklahoma proudly joins the nation in commemorating this historic milestone,” Governor Kevin Stitt said regarding OK250, the year-long celebration aimed at educating and engaging through public events and educational initiatives about Oklahoma’s role in the nation’s history. “We are proud to show the nation why our state remains the purest expression of the American Dream.”