Senate Democrats comment on new data showing fewer lower- and middle-income families receiving private education voucher

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus issued the following statements after new data showed a decline in lower- and middle-class families receiving the private school voucher, with an increase in wealthy families benefiting from the tax-funded program. The new data comes after the amount available for the vouchers was raised from $250 million to $275 million during the 2026 legislative session.

“Every dollar diverted without accountability is a dollar not invested in the public schools educating more than 90 percent of Oklahoma kids. Expanding tax credits while gaps widen isn’t education reform – it’s misplaced priorities.” – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.

“We knew the wrong scheming and funding of private school students was a money grab and giveaway to the rich before the data was documented. We have a lack of significant funding in public schools. Our state is ranked nationally at the bottom in public school funding and the rich get richer. Oklahoma deserves far better.”– Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa.

“Now we see proof that almost a billion dollars’ worth of entitlements have gone to rich parents to send their kids to rich private schools. Their PACs got what they paid for. Top 10 states in education invest public dollars into public schools, not entitlements for rich parents.” – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman.

“The latest data from the Oklahoma Tax Commission confirms what many Oklahomans already suspected: Oklahoma’s tax credit voucher scheme is overwhelmingly benefiting families who were already paying for private school, while middle- and lower-income families are being left behind. Instead of directing taxpayer dollars toward subsidies for the wealthiest families, legislative leaders should focus on strengthening Oklahoma’s public schools. Every child deserves access to a quality education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, regardless of their family’s income or where they live. Public education should be our state’s top priority.” – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.

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For more information, contact: 
Sen. Carri Hicks: 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov     
Sen. Regina Goodwin: 405-521-5598 or Regina.Goodwin@oksenate.gov
Sen. Mary Boren: 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov
Sen. Mark Mann: 405-590-4471 or Mark.Mann@oksenate.gov