Chamber opposes additional budget cuts for education

3.28.2011
An additional two percent cut in funding for education discussed by legislators today was met with concern and opposition by the Tulsa Metro Chamber and many of their regional partners, who united to develop the OneVoice agenda earlier this year in an effort to bolster the fight against issues important to the future of our region. 

The OneVoice agenda opposes any legislation that would be harmful to education funding, including further reductions in the cap on annual property tax valuations or additional cuts to the education budget, and supports the allocation of funds to enhance the quality of education facilities and retain top quality Oklahoma students, staff and faculty within the state.

“Deeper cuts to education and any reductions in the annual property tax cap are in no way conducive to the type of future we all envision for Oklahoma,” said Mike Neal, Chamber president & CEO. “Without the necessary funding for our education system, we can’t hope for the type of well-educated workforce, well-developed leaders and competitive facilities Tulsa needs.”

Legislators discussed raising the cuts from five to seven percent today, further inhibiting the already-strapped budget for the state’s education system. Continued support for initiatives that lower the cap on annual property tax valuations also received attention from the Chamber today as regional leaders grow more concerned with the affects these bills will have on the region’s future if passed.

Gov. Mary Fallin proposed the initial five percent cuts in her budget earlier this year in an effort to balance the state’s budget. The Tulsa Metro Chamber agreed that cuts would be necessary for Oklahoma’s financial future and although the organization feels education funding is a priority, it supported Gov. Fallin’s proposed five percent. Any further decreases in the education budget as a result of any bills would have a detrimental effect on the state’s ability to develop the quality education system that Tulsa needs for job growth, business attraction and economic development opportunities.


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