Senate Vote on Higher Ed Funding Measure Scheduled for Wednesday

State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan announced today that the Senate will consider a $976.4 million appropriation for Higher Education on Wednesday. The measure includes $87 million in new funding for Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.

“We have the opportunity this year to make a significant investment in Higher Education,” Morgan said. “By increasing funding for our colleges and universities we can keep increased tuition costs to a minimum while continuing to provide a world class education for the next generation of Oklahomans.”

The $87 million increase in Higher Education funding included in the Senate-amended version of House Bill 2177 includes $56.5 million for institutional needs, student assistance programs, brain gain and other programs. It also includes $18 million in additional lottery funds to annualize the debt service on the 2005 Higher Education Bond Issue; $10 million in additional lottery funds for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; and a $2.5 million increase for the concurrent enrollment program that allows high school students to get a head start on their college education

Last month the Senate passed a public schools appropriation with a record $204.3 million in new funding. Morgan said he anticipates consideration of a CareerTech funding measure soon.

“Our position in the Senate is clear. We must look beyond the next election and focus on the next generation. We cannot get bogged down in attempting to one-up each other with proposals that political consultants say will play well at the polls. We must do the responsible thing and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of Oklahoma,” Morgan said.