Educational Attainment and Economic Growth

In order for Oklahoma to maximize its economic potential in ensuing years, it must focus on educating its work force and fostering a culture that values completion of college, continuing education, and training throughout each person's life and career.

Revenues

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) in 1995 derived 98.8% of its $106 million in operating revenues from tolls. The balance of its operating revenues comes from concession contracts with businesses along turnpikes. Another source of income, called non-operating revenue, was $11.7 million interest earnings on $145.4 million in cash that is invested in a variety of instruments.

Toll revenue is impacted by two factors: toll rates and traffic.

Downsizing state government has become both a political and economic imperative. A number of states have garnered much national attention for their efforts at improving performance and government downsizing. The New Governor's Commission on Government Performance has pointed to Texas and North Carolina as models for the Commission's work. Other states that have been highlighted in the briefing materials for the Governor's Performance Commission include: Louisiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Iowa.