OKLAHOMA CITY - "The only difference between the latest legislative and executive budget proposals is education. We're trying to invest a significant amount of our growth revenue in our most effective economic development tool, education. Tom Daxon, on the other hand, would prefer to throw a few scraps to the public schools and let our economic development efforts wither on the vine. To ignore the needs of education as Mr. Daxon advocates is reckless behavior by any measure."

Statement from Senator Cal Hobson, Senate Appropriations Vice-chairman:

OKLAHOMA CITY -Legislative leaders have reached a budget agreement today that will pump an additional U $203 million into education in the coming fiscal year, and add new moneys to public & safety and transportation as well.

"We've said all along that education is our top priority, and this agreement proves it," said Senator Stratton Taylor, President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. "We feel that it's the best investment we can make for Oklahoma, especially from an economic development standpoint."