Governor Stitt Budget Proposal Calls for Major Spending Cuts

Governor Stitt Budget Proposal Calls for Major Spending Cuts Across State Government

The Governor Stitt budget proposal calls for nearly a ten percent reduction in overall state spending, setting up a contentious budget debate as lawmakers prepare for the legislative session.

Despite inflation pressures affecting nearly every state agency, the governor is again pushing a flat-budget approach while cutting funding to education and retirement systems.

Governor Stitt budget proposal targets education funding

Under the proposal, public schools would lose approximately $110 million, while the teacher retirement system would see a $134 million reduction. Education advocates warn the cuts could worsen teacher shortages and limit classroom resources.

The proposal includes no new funding dedicated to improving reading proficiency, an area where Oklahoma continues to rank below national averages according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

Retirement and workforce concerns raised

Teacher groups say reducing retirement system funding could impact long-term sustainability and make it harder to recruit and retain educators. The Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System has previously warned that stable funding is critical to meeting future obligations.

Federal funding risks not addressed

Critics note the Governor Stitt budget proposal does not account for potential federal funding reductions affecting mental health services, healthcare, and human services. Agencies in those areas are already reporting staffing shortages and rising demand.

Legislators are expected to closely scrutinize the proposal during budget negotiations in the coming weeks.

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