Senate Appropriations Leaders Comment on Board of Equalization Meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY – The chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee released the following statements regarding the state revenue figures certified Friday by the state Board of Equalization.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry:

“The revenue projections presented today to the Board of Equalization show the real-time impact of recent tax cuts. Striking a balance between returning money to our hardworking taxpayers and investing in our state is essential to ensuring that Oklahoma remains a place that people want to live and work. Oklahoma’s economy remains strong, but revenue collections are slowing. Although these are early budget estimates and subject to change in the coming months, all signs indicate that state revenues will remain relatively flat, which will limit the Legislature’s ability to make major new investments next year. While we are always committed to funding core state services, executive branch agencies have asked for more than $1.5 billion in new funding, which is simply unrealistic given this financial outlook. The Senate will continue taking a fiscally conservative approach to building a balanced budget by maintaining strict spending discipline and holding state agencies accountable for finding efficiencies and eliminating redundancies.”

Senate Appropriations Vice Chair John Haste, R-Broken Arrow:

“Revenue growth is flattening, and that reality requires us to be careful, disciplined and strategic. Our responsibility is not just to balance a budget this year, but to ensure Oklahoma remains stable and competitive in the years ahead. The Senate will insist on accountability, transparency and clear justification for every request while continuing to fund essential services. We will invest wisely in core priorities while working with agencies to eliminate waste and operate more efficiently. Oklahomans expect conservative, steady leadership, and that is exactly how we will approach this budget.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Chuck Hall at (405) 521-2628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov or Sen. John Haste at (405) 521-5602 or John.Haste@oksenate.gov