Senate Democratic Leader Randy Bass comments on Budget/Sine Die

“The most important thing we needed to do this year was fully fund our schools. But, yet again, we didn’t do that. We’re still kicking the can down the road when it comes to funding our schools appropriately.

“The teachers and parents who rallied here this Spring weren’t here to say, ‘You’re doing a great job! Keep doing what you’re doing!’ They came here to say, ‘Do your job! You’re not doing enough! We need help!’ But once again, the Republicans didn’t listen.

“The Republicans who put this year’s budget deal together will point to ‘no cuts’ to common education. But with more testing, fewer teachers, and more students, we are continuing to ask our hard working school teachers and administrators to do more with less. And our children are paying the price.

“I’m proud of the work the Democrats in the Senate did this year. Along with working to pass our own bills, we did the hard work of the minority. We provided contrast where it was needed; we asked the hard questions; we shone light on the dark spaces; and we worked to hold the Republicans accountable. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Democrats throughout the interim as we prepare for next session and continue our efforts to create opportunity and promise for middle class Oklahomans and their families.”—Senate Democratic Leader Randy Bass, D-Lawton