OPEA

State employees concerned about preserving their jobs and critical state government services have little choice but to show up at the polls Nov. 2 to help defeat State Question 744, a proposal that could vastly change the way Oklahoma spends its tax dollars.

What Is State Question 744?

State Question 744 is a constitutional amendment proposed by the Oklahoma Education Association. While OPEA has supported school funding measures in the past, State Question 744 is a forced reallocation of state appropriations from state government services to education.


The amendment requires the Oklahoma Legislature to match the regional average of per-pupil spending in states touching Oklahoma’s borders. That means legislators in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and New Mexico will determine each year how much money Oklahoma must spend on common education – public schools through the 12th grade.

When fully implemented in three years, State Question 744 would require Oklahoma to spend approximately $1.2 billion each year on K-12 education. The money will come from massive budget cuts in other state agencies.

State Question 744 prohibits Oklahoma lawmakers from ever spending less than the regional per-pupil average on public schools, even if the state is hit by a devastating budget catastrophe like the one Oklahoma is experiencing now.

State Question 744 is a proposal to amend Oklahoma’s Constitution. If approved, it can only be changed by another vote of the people. The Oklahoma Legislature, which cannot change any part of SQ 744, will be forced to follow the requirements of the new law whether the people of Oklahoma like it or not.

What Will happen If SQ 744 Passes?

State Question 744 will be devastating to critical state services, cutting budgets in agencies by approximately 20 percent, in addition to the budget cuts of the recent recession. In testimony before legislative committees over the last year, budget experts have detailed what will happen if SQ 744 becomes law:

* Positions at DHS will be eliminated, cutting workers who provide food stamps and healthcare to the working poor. Child welfare and adult protective services workers will be cut, leaving Oklahoma’s must vulnerable citizens unprotected.

* At least $343 million in federal matching dollars for Medicaid to care for seniors, children and other ailing Oklahomans will be lost.

* As many as nine prisons will be closed and 8,400 criminals will be released early.

* The Health Department will lose staff to monitor food safety and nursing home inspections.

* State parks will be closed.

* $192 million will be cut from the state’s highway budget in the first year SQ 744 becomes law, derailing the repair of thousands of crumbling bridges and deteriorating highways.

* The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will be forced to close treatment beds and outpatient programs.

* Already spiraling tuition hikes will skyrocket, making college unattainable for thousands of Oklahomans.

* Scholarship money for deserving college students will dry up.

These are just a few of the cuts in services SQ 744 will bring. No area of state services and no state program or agency will be spared.

What Can You Do?

* Be certain that you and your family members vote “no” on SQ 744. The Nov. 2 ballot will include 11 state questions. State Question 744 is first on the ballot. Remember to vote “no” on the first state question.

* Tell friends and neighbors about the devastating effect State Question 744 would have on the critical services you provide to the citizens of our state.

* For the latest information, visit the One Oklahoma website at www.nosq744.com.

Remember, this is not just about funding education. State employees have children in public schools and believe quality education is important. But SQ 744 comes at too high a price to critical services Oklahoma citizens expect and deserve.