Senate Appropriations Leaders Issue Statements on Board of Equalization Figures

OKLAHOMA CITY – The chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee released the following statements regarding the state revenue figures certified Friday by the state Board of Equalization.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry:

“While the revenue estimates certified by the board today have improved since December, the growth is not enough to change the reality that this will be a challenging budget year. Oklahoma’s economy remains stable, but the demands on our state to maintain core government services are not insignificant. Roughly 80% of appropriated executive branch agencies have requested budget increases, totaling more than $1.8 billion for the coming fiscal year. Significant education, mental health and infrastructure needs exist, while new budget constraints have emerged. These include $25 million in increased SNAP administrative costs next year, with the potential for $250 million in SNAP cost increases the following year if we cannot reduce the state’s error rate. There’s also a new request for $495 million to cover ballooning Medicaid costs. These needs come as cash reserves have been somewhat decreased to cover major one-time expenditures last year. With $571 million less available to appropriate, it is clear that there will be reduced government spending. Nonetheless, I am confident the Senate will fulfill its constitutional duty and pass a fiscally responsible and balanced budget.”

Senate Appropriations Vice Chair John Haste, R-Broken Arrow:

“The Legislature will have approximately 4.5% less revenue available for appropriation next year, which means it’s time for us to look at how we can tighten our belts. While these budget figures present some spending limitations, they also present an opportunity to streamline state government and ensure agencies operate as efficiently as possible. Armed with these estimates from the Board of Equalization, the Senate Appropriations Committee will carefully evaluate every agency budget request and prioritize essential government services as we craft a state budget that serves all Oklahomans.”

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For more information, contact Sen. Chuck Hall at (405) 521-2628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov or

Sen. John Haste at (405) 521-5602 or John.Haste@oksenate.gov