The Speaker and Senate Pro Tempore created the Criminal Justice Reform Group to develop a balanced and comprehensive approach to the criminal justice crisis.

Components of Plan

The working group was asked to develop the specifics of a plan that could be supported by the House, Senate, and ultimately, the Governor. Certain parameters were established and specific components had to be addressed:

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Prison Population Trends

1. DOC Inmate Population Projections through FY'09

Crimes and Convictions

2. Index Crime Rate Trend

Reforms enacted in recent years have centered on:

• Reducing health care costs through managed care.
   
• Requiring workplace safety programs.
   
• Creating a more politically independent judiciary.
   
• Strengthening fraud investigation and prosecution.
   
• Increasing the use of independent medical examiners.
   
• Making benefit payments more fair.

Legislative reforms have played a significant role in:

Background

The information in this report first appeared as a Public Affairs Research Council Inc. (PAR) publication.* PAR is a nationally recognized, private, non-partisan, non-profit research group specializing in state and local finance and economic development policy. PAR is funded by a variety of business groups including members from banking, finance and investment, energy companies, manufacturing firms and service enterprises.

Summary of Key Points

• Oklahomans pay the 41st lowest state and local taxes and fees per capita among the 50 states;
   
• Oklahomans pay $2,359 per capita annually in state and local taxes and fees or $457 less than the 50 state average and $353 less than the 50 state median;
   
• The 50 state average tax and fee burden is $2,816. The 50 state median tax and fee burden is $2,712;
   
• The states surrounding Oklahoma pay an average of $2,489 annually in per capita taxes and fees;