Legislative Democrats say as budget negotiations continue behind closed doors, Oklahomans have no opportunity for input

OKLAHOMA CITY – With no public meetings to discuss plans for the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, GOP leaders have reversed course on a two-year effort to promote transparency in the state budget process and reverted to meeting behind closed doors. Senate and House Democratic leaders said the secretive negotiations are leaving Oklahomans with no opportunity to speak out about how the budget will impact their lives.

“Oklahomans have seen lots of different budget emergencies this year putting at risk their health care, child care, and public safety,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “Meanwhile, we have not seen answers or transparency from our Republican co-workers that they are addressing these challenges. Right now, Oklahomans are being left in the dark about the budget deal and soon it will be too late to voice their concerns.”

Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Michael Brooks said failing to address basic needs will hurt people throughout the state, from the very young to retirees.

"More than 400 childcare centers have closed, leaving families scrambling. Retired state employees have only seen two cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in 18 years, with nothing in sight this year. Families can't afford housing,” said Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “If we want to move our state forward, the budget must address the real problems for Oklahomans living paycheck to paycheck."

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson also drew attention to the challenges faced by Oklahomans throughout the state. 

“Like many Americans across this country, Oklahomans are facing an affordability crisis on everyday needs, like rent, gas, groceries, home insurance, and health care. They are trying to figure out how to make sure their paychecks keep up with rising costs. The federal cuts that have been made – and continue to loom – will put our state in a dire situation,” said Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “As we have moved through this legislative session, we’ve done nothing to raise wages or provide real tax relief for working families. When over 50 percent of working Oklahoma families have to work multiple jobs just to take care of the basics, our priority should be solving this problem before anything else. My hope is that Republicans will join us in our efforts to ensure there is a budget that reflects the true needs of Oklahomans, not a quick fix to get us out of the Capitol early and on the campaign trail.”

Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, said Oklahoma’s challenges in education cannot be met without a long-term approach within the budget.

“I find myself wondering how we will pay for the third grade reading and math initiatives we have set in play, whose final price tag continues to swing from one extreme to the other, from zero new investment to up to $225 million. We know that we can’t fund this effort in any significant way unless we do it for the long haul – we did not sink to 50th overnight. We need a multi-year investment plan that goes beyond an election cycle. If we can do it for roads and bridges, we can do it for kids. A simple repeal of that Parental Choice Tax Credit would provide more than enough to implement the reading and math initiatives, give teachers a raise and pay for the support coaches they need.”

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CUTLINE: Sen. Michael Brooks, Sen. Julia Kirt, Rep. Cyndi Munson, and Rep. Melissa Provenzano discuss their concerns about the lack of transparency in state budget negotiations and how Oklahomans have had no opportunity for input.

For more information, contact: 
Sen. Julia Kirt: 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov
Sen. Michael Brooks: 405-521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov
Rep. Cyndi Munson: 405-557-7392 or Cyndi.Munson@okhouse.gov
Rep. Melissa Provenzano: 405-557-7330 or Melissa.Provenzano@okhouse.gov