Story Created:
Sep 7, 2010 at 4:12 PM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 7, 2010 at 5:24 PM CST
Economists and analysts teamed up at the capitol this morning to openly oppose a ballot measure that calls for an increase in per pupil spending. A coalition opposed to the initiative is also making their voice heard, their speaking out saying the measure could affect Oklahoma's economy.
State Chamber of Commerce President Fred Morgan and other members of “One Oklahoma” oppose the increase in per pupil spending. The ballot initiative would require the legislature to annually spend $42 more for each student.
“It’s bad because it would result in tax increases or in an unstable economy,” Morgan said.
According to the coalition, if passed, Question 744 could take as much as 20 percent of funding away from every other state agency’s coffers.
In addition, One Oklahoma says there is no guarantee any funds will directly reach students and directly impact their quality of education.
“When you put more money into the system you don’t necessarily correlate into higher performance or higher test scores,” Morgan said.
The measure will be listed among ten other questions on the November ballot. The proposal would need just over 50 percent to come into effect.
If passed, it would require that increased spending begin in the first fiscal year and in the third fiscal year in effect it would require that the other surrounding state average be met.
